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Nature-Inspired Learning for Every Child

At Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery & Preschool Lightwater, we’re thrilled to offer Forest School to children of all age groups as part of our enriching extra-curricular programme as we believe nature is the best teacher. Our Forest School isn’t just an outdoor class, it’s a journey where every muddy footprint leaves a lasting impression. Rooted in nature-based learning, Forest School helps children develop confidence, environmental responsibility, and essential life skills through regular outdoor experiences.

What Is Forest School?

Forest School is a child-centred, inspiring learning approach that offers first-hand experiences of nature and the environment. Through these outdoor adventures, children gain:

  • A deeper understanding of how to care for animals and the planet

  • Practical knowledge of how to reduce pollution

  • A sense of empathy and responsibility, learned from small but meaningful actions—like showing love and care to a tiny snail

Can you imagine the emotional growth of a child who learns kindness through nature? These moments translate into more compassionate interactions with friends and family too.

Learning outdoor activities at Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Lightwater, with children engaged in a nature-related session and an instructor demonstrating a craft or science project.

Learning for Life: Nature, Nurture & Next Steps

Nature

Our Forest School is rooted in nature as both setting and teacher. Children explore the outdoors, make eco-friendly choices, use sustainable resources, and stay active through play that builds balance and resilience. They face real-world challenges like shelter-building and grow confident, curious, and connected to the environment.

Nurture

Forest School is more than outdoor play, it nurtures the whole child. Through exploration and collaboration, children build confidence, independence, and social bonds while developing key problem-solving skills. This enriching environment supports all seven areas of the EYFS, helping children grow emotionally, socially, and academically as they prepare for school and beyond.

Next Steps

At Monkey Puzzle Lightwater, Forest School builds confident, school-ready children through play with purpose. Whether guiding a friend, making a mud face, or rebuilding a “troll village,” every moment nurtures imagination, resilience, and respect for nature, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

Activities by Age Group

Babies

  • Nature Sticking: Collages with leaves, twigs, and petals
  • Forest Bathing: Exploring textures barefoot for sensory play
  • Obstacle Course: Balance and coordination development
  • Wet Mud Play: Messy fun that supports sensory awareness

Toddlers

  • “1,2,3 Where Are You?”: Forest-style hide and seek
  • Mud Faces: Creating faces on trees using natural materials
  • Mini Beast Hunt: Discovering bugs and habitats
  • Save the Trolls: Rebuild a fallen village using nature’s gifts
  • Building Dens: Using ropes and tarpaulins for real-world shelter making
  • Forest & Me Game: Finding natural objects that represent each child
  • Whittling (with supervision): Developing focus and coordination
  • Stuck in the Mud Game
  • Scavenger Hunt: Finding personal photos and treats

Preschoolers

  • All toddler activities, plus:
  • Fire Waffle Building: Learning about heat, fuel, and oxygen
  • Fire Keys Activity: Safely lighting cotton wool
  • Follow the Leader: Partner-based, blindfolded trust games
  • Forest Bathing & Senses Game: Enhanced sensory exploration
  • Family Collage: Using natural items to represent loved ones