Wildlings Forest Kindergarten
Holistic, nature-based childcare and learning for 2.5+ year olds.
At Wildlings Forest Kindergarten we use a holistic nature-based approach to care for and meet the needs of each child and the group as a whole. Following the seasons we explore a variety of topics both adult and child initiated. Our approach aims to support the children in their growth and development to become creative, independent learners, develop patience, resilience and promote a positive mental attitude. We follow the Forest School ethos and work to cultivate a respect and love for the natural world, as well as supporting the children in appreciating their own role in their environment and community through strengthening self-awareness, cooperation and communication. We strive to foster an environment where children can explore, promoting curiosity, creativity, and cultivating the foundations of a life-long enthusiasm for learning.
Term Dates
Wildlings Forest Kindergarten is open Mondays – Fridays during term-time, 9am – 3pm.
Term Dates 2025
Spring Term
6th Jan 25 – 4th April 25
Feb Half Term w/c 17th Feb
Summer Term
22nd Apr- 18th July 25
May Half Term w/c 26th May
Welcome to Wildlings Forest Kindergarten!
Wildlings Kindergarten is led by our experienced forest school leaders Hannah Standen, Hazel Rhodes, Dan Best, Annie Milverton, Rachel Austin – Rigby and Claire Gubb.
A typical day at Kindergarten
Key times:
9am – Meet children in the car park and welcome them into camp
10.00am – Snack
12pm – Lunch time around the fire circle, we will sometimes eat inside if we need to dry off or keep warm.
2.30pm – Tidying up, reflection on day, song or fire circle game, goodbye
2.55pm – Getting children’s things together and walking to car park to meet parents/carers at 3pm
The activities and explorations will incorporate the seven areas of learning (personal, social and emotional development; communication and language; physical development; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world and; expressive arts and design) and follow the children’s interests and the natural cycle of the woodland environment. Activities will include cooking on the campfire, woodland crafts using tools, songs and games, exploration walks, and many more.
Fees and Funding
We accept self-funded children and those claiming Early Years Fund (EYF) hours, including 2 year old and 30 hours extended entitlement funding. Those claiming Early Year Funding will still be charged our Outdoor Resource Fund fee, which covers aspects of running the kindergarten that the EYF does not cover. Full information on Fees & Funding
Settling In
We offer the option of a 30 minute or 1 hour one-to-one settling session prior to your child’s first day so your child can become familiar with the staff and setting prior to their first day, and you can have a look around and ask all the questions you like!
How to Register
To register your child’s place you will need to complete a registration form and pay a £30 enrolment fee (refundable after one term attendance). Further information on how to register.
FAQs
We have prepared answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. Please do get in touch though if there is anything else that you would like to ask or discuss.
Please see our Important Documents page for important information about Wildlings Forest Kindergarten, including copies of our policies.
If you have any queries or would like to know more, please get in touch with us at info@atouchofthewild.co.uk or on our office number 07929 613284 and we will be happy to help.
Visit the Kindergarten
We offer prospective parents and children the opportunity to have a look around Wildlings Kindergarten. If you’d like to visit the site before enrolling your child then these sessions are a great opportunity for you to chat with staff, see the camp and explore the different activities on offer.
When?
Days: Mondays – Fridays
Times: 10:30 – 11:00
Fee: no charge
Please note: Booking is essential. For safeguarding reasons we will have to ask anybody who has not booked an appointment to leave. If you would like to book your visit please email info@atouchofthewild.co.uk
Health & Safety
The group will be safely supervised throughout their time at Wildlings Forest Kindergarten by our trained and experienced staff. All staff are qualified childcare providers, first aid trained and DBS checked. We have appropriate policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child. Please view our Important Documents page to access these. You will be sent copies of all our relevant policies when we confirm an offer of a place at Wildlings Forest Kindergarten.
Food/drink– Please ensure that your child has all food and drink that will be needed for the session, clearly labelled with their name. Where food/drink is provided it will be served in individual portions (no sharing of food will be allowed).
We know how important these early years are for your child and we are confident that despite these measures, we can provide something special for them whilst also keeping them safe.