Forest School, Outdoor Play and the Outdoor Classroom
It has been widely recognised that being in a natural outdoor environment can support all aspects of children’s development and research is proving that mental health and overall well-being is also greatly improved when individuals have access to the outdoors. Research suggests that children don’t have enough unstructured time to play, explore, take risks and learn about their physical capabilities. These things are a vital part of a child’s overall development, particularly in a post Covid world.
Our base is a disused quarry that has returned to woodland. It is the perfect location for Forest School, outdoor learning and environmental education. All activities are overseen by experienced and qualified instructors.
Forest School
We offer Forest School sessions, outdoor play and learning and environmental education all facilitated by a qualified practitioners. The Forest School ethos has a focus around regular participation to promote continued learning and progression. Sessions should be in a natural environment promoting holistic development, resilience, confidence and independence. Forest school should offer children opportunities to take appropriate risk and activities should be led by their experiences, learning and interests. For more information about the Forest School Principles please visit the Forest School Association website: https://www.forestschoolassociation.org
Family Sessions and Stay and Play
As well as regular Forest School courses, we also offer outdoor play sessions for families. These are both in term time and the school holidays and we can often be found at local community events. Please see our Facebook Page, calendar or contact us for up to date details.
Nurseries and Early Years Settings
We can offer one off tasters or a block of sessions for nurseries, pre-schools, childminders and reception class settings. A session lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours and includes all resources. Activities can be tailored to the current interests and development of the children in your setting. We can join you at your setting or invite you to visit us at Wood Lane Quarry in Weston-super-Mare. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Schools
We can provide Forest School, Outdoor Play and Educational sessions for small groups or whole classes. We can tailor sessions to your needs with curriculum links and a focus on your current topics. We are able to run sessions from your setting or your group can visit our base at Wood Lane Quarry in Weston-super-Mare. Please contact us for more information and to discuss your needs.
Training and Consultation
We can offer training packages for your team or for individuals working with children. Training can be aimed at boosting confidence, exploring ideas or developing practice and can be at our base at Wood Lane Quarry or we can come to you. We also offer weekend and evening sessions so you can book a half day, a full day or a short session whenever its convenient for you. Previous attendees have said:
“Well organised and presented. A brilliant session with lots of ideas”
“A hands-on course that was clear and thought provoking”
At Play Wild we can also help you develop your outside space. We are not landscape gardeners or architects but with a lot of experience in schools, early years and outdoor education we can help find some practical solutions to enhance your outdoor areas. We can provide a report with a range of suggestions to fit your budget and the needs of your children.
Parties
Play Wild offers party packages for children aged 3+ years. We can cater for up to 20 children. Activities will vary but may include outdoor games, woodwork and basic tool use, a fire lighting demonstration and making s’mores. We can add rock climbing to your party, depending on availability, with qualified instructors for children 8 years plus (there is an additional charge for this). Please contact us for more details. We are always happy to discuss your requirements and can build a package that suits you.
Cost: Party packages start at £180 for up to 10 children (this is the minimum required) with additional children charged at £14.00 per child. Parties include a selection of activities, hot-dogs or soup and s’mores cooked over the fire (dietary requirements can be catered for). All you have to bring is the cake!
Cubs/Beavers/Brownies/Community groups
We offer a range of activities over one or two sessions. Activities may include fire lighting and cooking, wood working, scavenger hunts and den building. Please contact us for more information and to discuss your specific needs.
Events
Play Wild! is available for events, festivals and one off private bookings. Please contact us to see what we can offer!