Where nature becomes
the classroom
YMCA Forest School gives children aged 2 years 10 months to 5 the chance to explore, create, build confidence, and grow in a setting that feels adventurous, nurturing, and deeply connected to the natural world.
Nestled within the gorgeous woodlands of Fairthorne Manor, our purpose-built Forest School base supports children through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences that develop resilience, curiosity, independence, wellbeing, and a lifelong love of discovery.
Every day is shaped by fresh air, movement, seasonal change, open-ended play, and meaningful experiences guided by a caring team who understand how to help children feel safe, seen, and ready to thrive.
Child led exploration
Children’s interests shape the learning experience.
Long term approach
Building routine, belonging, and connection.
Woodland base
Designed for activity, shelter, and rest.
Real development
Emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
Meet the Forest School team
Nalisha
Manager
Lauren
Administrator
Michaela
Administrator
The values that shape every Forest School experience
We pride ourselves on the team, the setting, and the experiences we create for children. These core values run through everything we do.
Qualified leaders
Our Forest School leaders are passionate about children’s development and bring years of experience, reflection, and responsiveness to every session.
Nature setting
Children learn in the woodland surroundings of the Fairthorne estate, with access to a built-for-purpose Forest School base and 96 acres of natural space.
Holistic development
We focus on emotional intelligence, communication, physical confidence, wellbeing, independence, and cognitive growth.
Supported risk taking
Activities such as tool use, climbing, and fire lighting are introduced under close supervision by qualified practitioners.
Child led
Children’s own interests are followed and expanded so they feel ownership, confidence, and leadership in their learning journey.
Long term
A minimum of six weekly sessions helps children observe seasonal change, understand boundaries, and become part of the Forest School community.
Take a look at what their day might feel like
From welcome time to woodland adventures and home time stories, children’s days are full of movement, wonder, routine, and meaningful discovery.
Welcome and settle in
Children arrive, get ready in their outdoor kit, and ease into the day with a warm, familiar routine.
Explore the woodland
Children follow curiosity through open ended play, observation, sensory experiences, and child led investigation.
Snack and connection
Shared snack time brings conversation, community, and a calm reset before the next part of the day begins.
Nature based learning
Activities may include den building, mark making, storytelling, seasonal crafts, water play, tool work, or fire circle experiences.
Lunch outdoors or under shelter
Children enjoy packed lunch as part of the rhythm of the day, with time to rest, chat, and recharge.
Quiet moments when needed
Our woodland base also offers space for a warm drink, a calm pause, or a snuggly nap if a child needs one.
Build, climb, imagine, discover
The afternoon often brings more movement, confidence building, teamwork, and deeper engagement with the environment.
Head home full of stories
At the end of the day, children leave with muddy boots, growing confidence, and lots to tell you about.
What children gain from life at Forest School
Regular time outdoors supports children in ways that reach far beyond the day itself.
Spaces designed for outdoor learning
Our woodland setting and purpose-built base support exploration, creativity, comfort, and calm throughout the day.
Our Reviews
Families value the warmth of the team, the communication they receive, and the special experiences their children enjoy at Forest School.
We have just completed the year at Forest School and are so sad to leave. I’m always amazed at the things my daughter does- her fire safety is better than mine, she is confident with tools and she has the best time exploring the setting. From “forest school facepaints” (the mud she draws on) to roasting marshmallows on the fire she has had an incredible experience. We’ll miss you and the next year of children will have loads of fun to look forward to. Well done on what you’ve built!
My daughter has been attending the YMCA Fairthorne Manor Forest School for a year now, and we still have another year with Nish, Leanne, and Danny. Since joining, she has thrived in so many ways—her confidence and resilience, to name a few. The team is not only warm, kind, and caring, but also incredibly knowledgeable, with Nish leading them so effectively. My daughter looks forward to going in each day, not just to see her friends but to spend time with her “teacher friends” This isn’t just your typical ‘childcare’—it’s truly an education. She comes home daily, teaching us things about wildlife we never knew, and has developed a genuine curiosity about understanding the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the world around her—skills fostered by the team’s expertise. Leanne, her Key Person, has gone above and beyond to ensure my daughter feels welcome and part of the family. Their bond has been heartwarming to witness. We’ll be enrolling our son when he’s old enough—I can’t recommend the YMCA Fairthorne Manor Forest School enough!
My child has just finished her last year at pre school at the wonder fairthorne manor forest school. She enjoyed the experience so much and we are so sad it is over. She learnt alot and was able to be her wild and free self and I am forever thankful to the lovely staff there. The staff are knowledgeable, caring and fun and we wish she could have carried on for many more years there. We are already counting down the days until my youngest child can join. Thank you for everything, it has been amazing and I am so glad my daughter got to experience it.
Moments from Forest School
A little glimpse into the adventures, creativity, and outdoor magic families see on our Facebook page.
Meet the Forest School Team
Our Forest School team creates exciting outdoor experiences that help children build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong connection with nature.
Nalisha
Leanne
Danny
Becky
Forest School Fees Estimate
Quick, first-glance monthly estimates based on YMCA Forest School fees. Monthly payments are calculated as weekly × 51 ÷ 12. View YMCA Forest School rate sheet here