What is a Forest School?

We are thrilled to provide magical places where children can embark on a journey of learning and growth in a beautiful, natural environment. Our woodland setting is a safe and private space that we proudly own, complete with full planning permission and a Woodland Management Plan to ensure we care for and respect the ancient forests surrounding us. We believe in understanding and maintaining our responsibilities to the environment and are committed to nurturing this special space.

Forest schools offer so much more than simply being outdoors. Our programmes are led by trained and qualified Forest School Leaders and staff who follow a specific, structured process. Like any genuine forest school, we can prove our accreditation. Our unique approach allows children to learn through outdoor play consistently over time, which is not only enjoyable but also enhances their self-esteem, risk assessment skills, and decision-making abilities.

Through hands-on experiences with real tools, fire-making with flint and steel, den-building, and identifying birds, bugs, trees, and animal tracks, children absorb knowledge without realising they are learning. Creative activities such as drawing, painting, and weaving further enrich their experiences, covering all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This approach is inspired by the insights of Swiss philosopher and psychologist Jean Piaget, who suggested that children aged 3-7 thrive on long, uninterrupted play and exploration.

Our forest school offers children the freedom to run, swing, climb, and let their imaginations soar as they build dens and fences, saw wood, splash in puddles, hunt for bugs, and follow nature trails. Every day at Jack and Gill's holds a new adventure as the seasons change, and our children revel in the unique freedom that being outdoors provides. This kind of exploration simply cannot be replicated indoors, no matter how much natural light shines through.

Children who play and learn outdoors often experience enhanced creativity, motivation, and relaxation compared to those in crowded indoor spaces, which can sometimes increase aggression or lead some to withdraw. In the open air, children engage naturally through talk, play, movement, and sensory experiences—four key learning methods. Daily exercise is crucial, and the NHS recommends three hours each day to keep little minds and bodies healthy.

Weather doesn't hold us back! With proper clothing, children can enjoy outdoor fun in nearly all conditions. If Norwegian forest schools can thrive in temperatures as low as -10°C, we can certainly manage here in England, only pausing for dangerous conditions like high winds.

Parents frequently share with us the positive changes they see in their children from our programme. Our setting supports literacy and numeracy skills, and children become more physically competent and imaginative. They learn to think critically, ask questions, and express their thoughts confidently. Beyond learning about nature and forestry, they also gain valuable lessons in self-care and caring for others.

Our adventures extend beyond our forest school setting. We take numerous outings, such as adventure walks, jaunts to local farms for rewilding projects, blackberry picking, butterfly spotting, and explorations of local woodlands and smallholdings. We never grow weary of the great outdoors. When we're not exploring, we continue our nature-based learning at our site in Rudgwick.

Jack and Gill's is a place where children truly thrive, connect with nature, and experience the joys and wonders of the outdoors. Here, every child is given the chance to flourish and create precious memories that will last a lifetime. Come and join us in our enchanting wonderland!