Frequently Asked Questions

A simple illustration of the sun with a yellow circle and black rays around it.

  • Forest School is a child-centred learning process that gives children the chance to grow through regular outdoor sessions. Activities support play, exploration, and supported risk-taking, while building confidence, resilience, and self-esteem in a natural setting.

  • We welcome children aged 5–16. Our sessions are designed so that different age groups can enjoy activities suited to them, without anyone needing to slow down or keep up.

  • No two sessions are the same! Children might try archery, axe throwing, tool use, bushcraft, fire lighting, campfire cooking, bug hunting, tree climbing, den building, slacklines, mud play, zipwires, or foraging. We always mix in free play and woodland exploring too.

  • All sessions are led by qualified, DBS-checked Forest School leaders with years of experience. Our leaders are passionate about outdoor learning, safety, and giving children the space to thrive.

  •  Yes! We are Ofsted-registered, which means you can use tax-free childcare accounts to pay for sessions.

  • Yes — our holiday camps run in Easter, Summer, and October half-term. These are full-day sessions packed with adventure, campfire food, and woodland fun. Keep an eye on our booking page for dates as they fill up quickly!

  • Children should wear long trousers, sturdy footwear (not sandals or Crocs), and layers suited to the weather. Waterproofs and warm socks are a must in colder months. In summer, please pack light, long-sleeved clothing, a sun hat, and sun cream.
    Every child needs a rucksack with:

    • A water bottle

    • Insect repellent (we recommend Avon Skin So Soft)

    A nut-free packed lunch/snacks in a named lunchbox

  •  If your child becomes ill during a session, we’ll contact you immediately. Children should stay home if they are unwell or have had sickness/diarrhoea in the last 24 hours. This helps keep everyone safe and well.

  • We have a 5-day refund policy for bookings. Missed sessions due to illness or holidays cannot be refunded. If we cancel due to weather or staff illness, we’ll add a catch-up session at the end of term. If you can’t make that date, you’ll receive a refund.

  • There is an element of managed risk at Forest School — that’s part of the learning! Activities are always tailored to the age and ability of each child, and our leaders take every precaution to keep sessions safe and enjoyable.

  • Please enter using the Reservoir Road entrance (not through Ponden Mill Campsite). For directions, you can also search “Within the Wood” on Google Maps. To protect our environment and neighbours, we ask families to car share where possible, switch engines off while waiting, park considerately, and drive at 15mph to keep everyone safe.

  • If you’d like to book onto a session, please contact us on WhatsApp: 07508 181406 and we’ll be happy to help you secure a place.

  • Yes, we are. Many of our children have additional needs and thrive in our woodland setting. Please contact us before booking so we can make sure we have everything in place to support your child’s specific needs.