Forest school nursery - please share your experiences!

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I’ve impulsively signed my DS (3.5) up for a new forest school nursery 2 days a week starting January, he’d stay at his existing nursery the other two days.

I’m now having nerves about the decision as he’s very happy at his current nursery. If there’d been a forest nursery open when he started nursery I totally would have been keen on it, and he LOVES being outside, he’s all about finding sticks and acorns. I don’t want to unsettle him when he’s happy but also I think it’s his only chance before school to have this kind of time in a very non-traditional outdoors environment. Also, he’s been involved with some rowdy behaviour with the older boys at his nursery (nothing serious) and I’m wondering if they’re getting a bit bored and a change of environment might be stimulating.

Keen to hear from parents with direct experiences of forest school!

Both of mine went to a forest school based nursery from 9/11 months, respectively. It wasn’t like only outdoors. They did have a building, but they were outside most of the day in all weathers (with various shelters, mud kitchens, free play structures). It was fab. I couldn’t say a negative thing about it.

We had to move when youngest was 3.5 because we made a long distance move, and he went to a traditional preschool for 6 months, which was okay. But it didn’t come close to the previous nursery. They have forever to sit indoors being forced to learn. I think they need to be outside as much as possible before that.

Thank you. They don’t have access to a building most of the day. They start at the village hall and finish there but from 10-4 won’t have access, but they do have a heated covered area and a big bell tent with a stove.

Hi just wondering how you got on in the end? I have signed my 3 yo up for forest nursery and looking for others experiences.

My son is 4 and has been at his forest school nursery 2 days a week (9-4) since he was 2.9. It’s the only setting he has ever attended and I love it so much! Lots of his friends go part time to indoor settings alongside and I think all of them particularly love their forest days!

The winters are rough in terms of mud and wet! I keep a box in my boot to dump everything in and a big towel. You cannot even imagine the states he comes out in. The summers feel like a treat although they’re still dirty haha.

I’d say it’s such a valuable experience. It’s like nothing else and I think your son will gain lots from it! I’m home educating my son so he is going to stay on until the term after hes 5 (April) which I’m greatful for as he’ll miss it so much!

My son’s setting is completly outside but it’s a beautiful bit of forest with plenty to do! They just have a small cabin which can be heated. They do lots of campfires and the crafts they do are so creative with natural things. My son actually loves nettle crisps as a snack!

Hi thank you for your reply, all sounds very positive! 🙂. Is there any downsides other than the mud haha. Have you found your child's development in anyway delayed I.e numeracy and literacy? The child-led aspect of it really appeals to me and I strongly believe children should be outside as much as possible but I do have my concerns that he will struggle when the time comes to start school and have to sit at a desk etc..