Babes in the Woods

Forest School for Babies ?

Nurturing Growth Through Nature

At Jack and Gill, we believe even our youngest children deserve the chance to grow and learn in nature. From the age of one, babies in our care are gently introduced to the wonders of the outdoors. Surrounded by trees, fresh air, and natural light, they begin a journey of discovery that lays the foundations for healthy development, confidence, and curiosity.

Why Nature Matters in the Early Years ?

Educational pioneers like Froebel, Montessori, and McMillan long recognised that children thrive when they have space, freedom, and rich sensory experiences. Babies are sensory-motor learners — they understand the world by touching, moving, hearing, smelling, and seeing. Outdoors, every sense is engaged: the rustle of leaves, the warmth of sunlight, the smell of fresh grass, the feel of bark or moss beneath their hands. These experiences help wire the brain, build resilience, and inspire a love for exploration.

The Benefits of the Outdoors ?️

Nature encourages babies to:

• Move in new ways — crawling, reaching, pulling up, balancing, and eventually walking.

• Build coordination and strength through natural challenges like logs, slopes, and uneven ground.

• Explore textures, sounds, light, and colour in ways no indoor space can provide.

• Experience calmness and joy, supporting their emotional wellbeing.

Sensory Adventures for Little Learners ✨

In our forest school, babies delight in:

• Listening to birdsong and the wind in the trees ?

• Watching dappled light dance across the forest floor ?

• Exploring natural scents — from wildflowers to the earthy smell after rain ?

• Touching and holding natural objects — leaves, sticks, stones, and soil ?

All exploration takes place with close, caring supervision, ensuring safety while allowing freedom to learn.

Growing Together ?

The forest is a playground, a classroom, and a sanctuary. Here, babies develop not only their physical and cognitive skills but also their sense of wonder, independence, and connection with the natural world. Parents often tell us how quickly they see changes — calmer moods, growing curiosity, and newfound confidence.

At Jack and Gill, we see every day as an opportunity to spark joy, nurture growth, and sow the seeds of a lifelong love for nature. ?

Come and join us — where even the smallest explorers begin their great adventure.