Wildlings Forest Kindergarten Exeter

Where Curiosity Grows Wild

A full-time forest school experience for 2.5 - 5-year-olds in Devon, full of freedom, fun and natural learning.

About Wildlings

A Nature-Based Alternative to Nursery

Wildlings Forest Kindergarten offers a nurturing, outdoor alternative to nursery, where every day is an adventure in our private forest setting near Exeter.

Our team includes fully trained early years practitioners alongside experienced forest school leaders,ensuring your child receives expert guidance, nurturing care, and inspiring outdoor learning every session.

Our child-led approach inspires confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for nature.

Meet the Wildlings Team

Qualified, caring early years educators in the heart of the forest

Hannah

Claire

Hannah

Melinda

Felicity

Why Families Choose Wildlings

Outdoor Play, Every Day

100% forest-based learning in our private woodland, where the natural world becomes the classroom.

Creative Arts & Crafts

Children explore textures, colours and imagination using natural materials gathered from the woodland.

Stories & Songs by the Fire

Daily opportunities for storytelling, singing and sharing in a calm, supportive circle.

Building Confidence & Resilience

100% forest-based learning in our private woodland, where the natural world becomes the classroom.

Caring, Qualified Staff

Led by experienced early years educators and Forest School leaders who nurture curiosity and wellbeing.

Seasonal Learning

Every term brings new adventures, from bug hunts in spring to leaf crafts in autumn and campfire cooking in winter.

What a Day Looks Like

Every day is different, guided by the seasons and your child’s curiosity, but here’s a glimpse into a typical Wildlings day:

9:00am

Arrival, forest play and settling in

10:00am

Morning circle, stories & snack

Late Morning

Forest exploration, crafts, mud kitchens, and den building

12:30pm

Lunch around the campfire

Afternoon

Free play, seasonal activities, storytelling or nature walks

3:00pm

Goodbye song and pick-up

What to Pack

Please ensure your child brings:

Waterproof coat & trousers
Wellies or sturdy outdoor shoes
Spare clothes (including socks and underwear)
Packed lunch, snack and named water bottle
Warm hat and gloves/sunhat and sunscreen, depending on the season

We’ll take care of the rest, including plenty of warmth, encouragement and lots of snacks cooked on the campfire.

Term Dates

2026 - 2027

Summer Term 2026
Monday 20th April to Thursday 23rd July
Half term w/c 25th May, Bank Holiday Monday 4th May

Autumn Term 2026
Monday 7th September to Friday 18th December
October Half Term w/c 26th October

Spring Term 2027
Monday 4th January to Wednesday 24th March
February Half Term w/c 15th February, Easter Holidays
Thursday 25th March – Friday 9th April

Summer Term 2027
Monday 12th April to Friday 23rd July
Half term w/c 31st May, Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May

Settling In

We want both you and your child to feel confident and excited.

That’s why we offer a free 30 or 60-minute settling session before your child starts.

They’ll meet the team, explore the forest space, and start feeling at home.

Fees & Funding

A small Outdoor Resource Fund fee applies to all funded children to support our forest facilities and resources.

How to Register

Still Have Questions

We’ve gathered all the most common questions parents ask, from forest school routines to funding, food and what to wear.

Find practical info and answers for all our programmes in one place.

Ready to Explore Forest Kindergarten

We’d love to welcome you and your child to experience the Wildlings way.

What Our Parents Say

"Absolutely brilliant experience. Suzanne in the office is so friendly, helpful, informative and flexible. The forest school experience itself is great. Lovely camp, brilliant, imaginative ideas for activities, delicious snacks and excellent value for money."

"My children loved making pizza and hot chocolate. They came home after a day in the woods full of stories about making clay models, having fun and making new friends. 😀"

"My daughter came away absolutely buzzing from her day with A Touch Of The Wild. She really enjoyed the freedom to do as she pleased (within reason) and to be allowed to simply explore and play with the option of organised activities as well. She cannot wait to go back for more, great value for money too!"