Find out everything you need to know about Exeter Forest School Kindergarten!

[ExeterForestSchoolKindergarten]

We're opening a magical, new learning environment for 3-5 year olds at Exeter Forest School, three miles from the city centre.

Our new day care provision will follow the EYFS curriculum, with our own outdoor, nature child-lead learning experience.

This is the South West's first Forest School based kindergarten and we want to hear your questions! We understand it is new, different and scary to some... But studies have shown embracing outdoor learning can be one of the most beneficial things children can do.

Our team of qualified education professionals are here to answer your questions!

Post your questions any time and we'll try to get back to you asap (make sure you tick 'watch this thread' so you're notified via email when we respond).
Our kindergarten team will also be hosting a live Q&A this Wednesday (22nd) between 8-9pm - pop along to find out more about our new kindergarten.

Do you accept the Early Years funding at the kindergarten?

Hi there,

We certainly do accept Early Years funding at the kindergarten. We're registered with the local authority. Can we help any further? :)

Thanks,
Chris

What happens when it rains/cold? Would you ever cancel a session and if so under what circumstances?

Are adults expected to attend with their children at all times?

Hi Lindsay,

Thanks for your question!

We will ensure all children have a complete set of waterproofs and warm clothes, we will ask parents to leave these at the kindergarten if possible to ensure they are always available.

We do go out in all weathers as this is a big part of the Forest School ethos, but we have cozy Bell Tents with a wood burner for warmth, comfort and hot chocolate after a wet and windy time outdoors!

Parents are expected to drop off their children - like other nurseries. Although we can do a settling in session where the parent stays.

Hope that answers your questions?

Best wishes,
Chris

Do you provide meals?

Hi there,

We do not provide meals at lunchtimes, however we will be providing healthy snacks in the form of fruit and veg etc from the local organic farm.

If children are staying for a full day we're asking parents to send them along with a packed lunch.

Hope that helps!

Thanks,
Chris

Hi,
How many children are going to the sessions - is there a max class size?

Hello,
Are you open everyday? What are your hours?
Do you run in the school holidays?
What are the staff ratios?
How much does a session cost?
Thank you

Hi KwaziCat4,

We can take a maximum of 16 children per session - this gives us a ratio of 8:1.

Thanks,
Chris

Hi Fran,

Thanks for the message.

We plan to open Monday - Friday. The sessions from 9 - 12 and 1 - 4 (all day sessions available) drop off time is 8.15am and pick up is until 4.30pm.

We are offering term time only provision.

Staff ratios are 1:8.

A session costs £20. We're offering places using the Early Years Entitlement Funding at 15 hours a week.

Hope that answers your questions.

Best wishes,
Chris