Welcome to

The Wild Way!

At The Wild Way, we believe the outdoors is the best place for learning, building confidence, and nurturing our children’s well-being. We aim to instill a love and enthusiasm for learning in your child through supported risk-taking and appreciating the world around them.

We firmly believe that here at The Wild Way, children build a foundation of learning that extends beyond the classroom, promoting lifelong skills that can be applied in any environment.

Our setting is located in the beautiful woodland at the Leslie Sell Activity Centre where your little one(s) can take full advantage of the woods. Whatever the weather, we have the space to ensure your child is learning in the best environment, and most importantly, learning through play.

What is a Forest School?

The concept of Forest School’s was founded in Denmark in the 1950’s. The idea of a Forest School is to provide an innovative, nature-based approach to early childhood education where children learn through hands-on experiences in an outdoor environment.

Rather than being confined to traditional classrooms, Forest School programmes take place primarily in woodlands, forests, or other natural settings. This approach fosters a deeper connection to the natural world while promoting holistic development.

I’m sure you’re now thinking, this all sounds great, but how does it work and what can I expect from a session?

Child-Led Exploration: Children are given the freedom to explore, decide on activities, and work at their own pace, making their learning experience more meaningful.
Outdoor Activities: Forest Schools are all about hands-on learning. Children might engage in activities like building forts, foraging for natural materials, creating art with found objects, starting campfires, using tools or exploring wildlife.
A Safe and Supportive Environment: The outdoor setting is risk-assessed to ensure safety, and children are guided by trained practitioners who support them as they navigate challenges.
Seasonal Learning: The outdoor environment changes with the seasons, providing a rich, ever-changing learning environment where children can observe and participate in nature's cycles.

Hopefully after seeing what we have to offer, and all the benefits a Forest School can offer, you will love The Wild Way as much as we do, and we can’t wait to meet you!

What are the key benefits of Forest School for my child?

1

Physical Development

Children engage in activities like climbing, balancing, and exploring, which helps improve coordination, strength, and motor skills.

2

Social Skills

By working in groups, sharing resources, and solving problems together, children develop important communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills.

3

Emotional Growth

Nature-based learning encourages children to explore their emotions in a safe environment. It helps build resilience, confidence, and independence as they face challenges and explore new situations.

4

Cognitive Learning

Learning through nature encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Children may engage in activities like building shelters, identifying plants, or understanding weather patterns, fostering a love for exploration and learning.