Forest School AP Small Groups
At The Wilderness Grove, our qualified and experienced team support children to access learning in a nurturing outdoor environment.
Wellbeing is the foundation of our practice. By recognising the social, emotional and physical needs of each participant, we provide thoughtful guidance and support during time spent in nature.
The Wilderness Grove Forest School was established in September 2020 by Cate Regi and Tom Wild, who bring many years of experience working with children in alternative provision and SEN settings, both primary and secondary, as well as backgrounds in farming and environmental work.
Trauma-informed practice underpins everything we do.
Our Approach
Learning at Forest School is child-led and individualised, meaning we do not set fixed outcomes for the children who attend.
Each session is carefully planned and reviewed. A range of activities are offered, but children are supported to choose their own direction for learning, guided by the Forest School leader.
Skills children may develop include:
- Imagination and creativity
- Focus and curiosity
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Nature connection and empathy
- Communication and language
- Memory and identification skills
- Understanding distance, scale and location
- Sustainability and woodland management
- Self-regulation and self-esteem
- Making connections, reasoning and deduction
- Confidence, patience and determination
- Listening and problem-solving skills
- Safe tool use and risk awareness
- Responsibility and independence
Our experienced Forest School Leaders use observation and reflection to adapt sessions to meet each child’s needs. Guided activities provide opportunities to stimulate learning while developing practical skills that support lifelong growth.
Placements and Referrals
Once a placement has been agreed by all parties, a Service Level Agreement will be issued to commissioning bodies, along with requests for relevant documentation and personal risk assessment templates.
Once documentation has been completed and a pre-placement visit has taken place, the young person can begin their Forest School journey.
Unlike many alternative provisions, our Forest School also provides opportunities for children to socialise and play with peers, helping them develop the social skills essential for holistic development.
Alternative Provision Groups
Pioneers – Monday, 10:00am–3:00pm
For young people aged 10–16 years
Trailblazers – Friday, 10:00am–3:00pm
For children aged 5–10 years
To ensure high levels of support, we maintain small groups with high staffing levels, aiming for a minimum ratio of 1 adult to 3 children, with no more than 6 children per group.
Cost: £250 per child per day
Referrals
To commission a place, please complete the referral document below.
Places are limited.
Please contact us to discuss individual needs and how we may be able to support a young person through our Forest School provision. 🌿
