FAQ

Forest School is relatively new in the UK and although most people have heard about Forest School there are differences between Forest Schools. Visit the Forest School Association (FSA) website to find out more about the quality that Forest School can bring if one follows the core principles. https://forestschoolassociation.org/what-is-forest-school/

Our Forest School sessions aim to empower the child; to develop independence and creativity, have new experiences, to learn to assess and manage risk, to build self-esteem and improve communication and co-operation. It is the process of just being and participating in child led activities in a natural environment that is beneficial so activity outcomes don’t matter. All activities are risk assessed and dynamic risk assessments continue throughout sessions. At our Forest School we aim for a friendly, family atmosphere so that the children can relax, play and follow their interests. It is not the same as a regular school. The programme is highly responsive to children’s interests and the original scheme of work may change.

We provide Forest School sessions for Home Educating children aged 5-9 years old. It is important to note that this is a drop and go session and that parents are not allowed to stay with their children during the session.  

Our Forest School sessions take place in a small woodland in Botton Village, Danby Dale. The exact location will be shared via e-mail once you have booked on to our sessions. We also have access to a bigger woodland and the Moors right behind our site. 

One afternoon session costs £10. Sibling discount is available at £7.50 per session. Booking is done per half term and payment is made in advance. Please fill in a registration form for your first booking.

For more details, please see our Admissions and Finance Policy. 

Step 1: Please fill in a registration form. A trial session at the price of a single session can be requested before committing to a full half-term.

Step 2: An invoice will be sent to you.

Step 3: A payment needs to be received before attending your sessions. 

We currently take up to 12 children per session. If this limit has been reached, you can be added to a waiting list.

For more details, please see our Admissions and Finance Policy. 

Term 1 (7 weeks): Mon 8/09 - Fri 24/10

October half term

Term 2 (7 weeks): Mon 3/11 - Fri 19/12

Christmas holidays

Term 3 (5 weeks): Mon 12/01 - Fri 13/02

February half term

Term 4 (5 weeks): Mon 23/02 - Fri 27/03

Easter holidays

Term 5 (5 weeks): Mon 20/04 - Fri 22/05

May half term 

Term 6 (6 weeks): Mon 1/06 - Fri 10/07

Summer holidays

As well as it is important for the children to get to know other children in the group, it is important for the individual child to get used to the environment. The Forest School leader will note key observations for individuals and offer opportunities for them based on these interests and motivations. In order to maximise the positive outcome of the long-term provision, we only allow bookings for a full half term.

If the Forest School session gets cancelled due to stormy weather (winds above 40 mph) or sickness of the Forest School leader, a voucher for next term will be issued. 

For more details, please see our Admissions and Finance Policy. 

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing" - Alfred Wainwright

Please check the weather forecast before sending your child to our Forest School. We will be outside in all weathers (except winds above 40mph - see 'What if a session gets cancelled').

We recommend bringing a spare change of clothes and a water bottle. 

We will send out more detailed information via email before the half term starts. 

We would like to keep photos of your children safe, so we do not put any photos of children on our website. We will only take photos of your child if you have given consent for us to do so. You can gain access to an online photo album per half term on request and only if you take part in those sessions. 

For more details, please see our Policies and Procedures page. 

If you still have a question after reading all those lovely documents, contact danbydaleforestschool@gmail.com.