Treecreepers
A child-led Forest School session for children aged 5–14.
This drop-off session is for home-educated and flexi-schooled children. Alternative provision children can attend with a specific individual package — we’d be happy to talk to you about this.
Home Education, Flexi-Schooling & Alternative Provision (Ages 5–14)
Our Forest School group for home-educated and flexi-schooled children offers a regular, supportive space for young people aged 5 to 14 to learn, play and grow in nature. It also works well as alternative provision for children who find mainstream settings a poor fit.
The wide age range is a strength rather than a limitation. Because our activities are open-ended and child-led, older and younger children naturally engage at their own level — younger ones learn from those around them, while older children develop confidence, responsibility and leadership. Sessions build week by week, allowing genuine friendships, skills and a sense of belonging to develop over time.
This group is especially well suited to children who thrive outside a conventional classroom, including neurodivergent learners and those who have found school challenging. The low-demand, low-stress woodland environment, our neuroaffirmative approach, and the freedom to follow their own interests mean children can rebuild confidence and rediscover a love of learning at their own pace.
If you’d like to find out whether this group is the right fit for your child, please get in touch — we’re always happy to talk through your child’s needs.
Recognised by the Forest School Association
Our Forest School sessions have been awarded recognised status by the Forest School Association, and are currently the only provider to hold the status in Essex.
What you need to know
- We meet at the gate to All Saints Church at 10am, when children may be dropped off, and take the short walk to the woods together.
- If you wish to stay with your child this is usually possible — please get in touch with Sarah at sarah@natureoflearning.co.uk.
- Please bring a water bottle.
What to wear
We recommend wellies for stream splashers and please wear long trousers and long sleeves – even in warm weather – the woods are shady and the clothing protects against nettles and bugs (in the Spring/Summer). We highly recommend waterproof clothing and warm layers in the Autumn/Winter (with thick socks, gloves, scarves and hats, and thermals are recommended if the temperature is expected to be below 9 degrees C). For further clothing advice please visit our what to wear at forest school page.
