Forest school nurseries offer a unique approach to early childhood education that combines outdoor exploration with structured learning. Children who attend forest school nurseries spend significant time in natural environments, engaging with plants, trees and wildlife while developing practical and social skills.
Research shows that over 70% of children attending forest school programmes demonstrate improvements in confidence, communication and problem-solving abilities. The natural setting provides children with challenges and experiences that are difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom, fostering curiosity from an early age.
What is forest school learning?
Forest school learning is an educational philosophy that encourages children to spend regular long term periods in woodland or natural settings. Unlike conventional classrooms where learning is primarily structured and indoor-based, forest school learning emphasises hands-on experiences, inquiry and child-led exploration.
Activities may include building shelters, observing wildlife, cooking over an open fire, and learning about plant life and ecosystems. These experiences not only support cognitive development but also nurture emotional growth. Children develop risk assessment skills, teamwork abilities and self-confidence as they navigate physical and social challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
How do forest school nurseries support social and emotional development?
One of the key benefits of forest school nurseries is their focus on social and emotional learning. Being in nature allows children to develop patience, empathy and cooperation as they work together to explore or complete tasks.
Forest school programs encourage children to take manageable risks, such as climbing trees or crossing streams, which builds resilience and self-esteem. These experiences are closely guided by trained practitioners who understand how to balance safety with freedom, allowing children to learn from their own decisions while feeling secure.
Studies suggest that children attending forest school nurseries show improved social interactions and reduced anxiety, highlighting the profound emotional benefits of learning outdoors.
Can outdoor learning impact physical development?
Forest school nurseries also offer significant advantages for physical development. Activities like climbing, running and lifting natural objects enhance coordination, strength and overall fitness.
Regular exposure to fresh air and natural light can support healthy sleep patterns and strengthen immune systems. Unlike indoor play, outdoor learning environments are unpredictable, requiring children to adapt to different terrains, weather and sensory experiences.
This adaptability contributes to the development of motor skills and encourages children to engage in active play, which is crucial for healthy growth and development.
What does the research say about forest school learning?
The evidence supporting forest school nurseries is growing. A number of longitudinal studies indicate that children participating in forest school programmes show measurable improvements in cognitive, social and physical outcomes.
For example, children in these programmes often display enhanced attention spans, creativity and problem-solving skills compared with peers in traditional early years settings. Educators also report that children who attend forest school nurseries are more motivated to learn and exhibit a greater sense of responsibility toward their peers and the environment.
Forest school learning aligns with contemporary understanding of early childhood development, emphasising that children learn best through experience, exploration and engagement with their surroundings.
Why are forest school nurseries becoming more popular?
Forest school nurseries are gaining recognition as parents and educators seek alternatives to traditional classroom-based education. Families are increasingly aware of the importance of outdoor play, mental wellbeing, and experiential learning in the early years.
Forest school nurseries combine all of these elements in a structured yet flexible environment, providing children with the opportunity to develop holistically. By integrating nature into the daily learning routine, these nurseries support not only academic readiness but also emotional intelligence and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
The bottom line
In conclusion, forest school nurseries offer an evidence-based approach to early childhood education that benefits children in multiple dimensions. Through forest school learning, children develop confidence, social skills and physical abilities while cultivating a deep connection to nature.
The growing body of research highlights the tangible advantages of outdoor, experiential learning, making forest school nurseries a compelling option for families who value holistic development. By prioritising hands-on exploration in natural settings, these programmes ensure that children’s early experiences are engaging, enriching and deeply formative.
