Wild Kids Forest School Alternitive Provision
Forest School can significantly enhance a child’s ability to engage with academic education by building the foundational skills needed for successful learning. Through hands-on, experiential activities in a natural setting, children develop concentration, problem-solving, resilience, and self-regulation—skills that directly support classroom learning. For children who struggle in traditional settings, Forest School provides an alternative space where they can experience success, rebuild confidence, and re-engage with learning in a meaningful, pressure-free way. Over time, this increased self-belief and emotional regulation can translate into greater focus, motivation, and participation in more structured academic environments.
AQA Awards
At our Forest School, we integrate the AQA Awards scheme for older learners as key component of our curriculum. This program allows students to explore various outdoor vocations while developing practical skills and knowledge. By participating, they can build a comprehensive portfolio that supports their access to the course of their choosing, empowering them to pursue their future ambitions confidently.
Mentoring
Discover our unique mentoring service that connects with nature for personal growth and development. Through guided outdoor experiences, we foster self-discovery, resilience, and mindfulness. Our mentors, who are passionate about the environment, provide support and encouragement while facilitating transformative journeys in the great outdoors. Join us to explore your potential and cultivate a deeper relationship with yourself and the natural world.
EHCP work
At our forest school we prioritize working with EHCP targets to ensure every child's unique needs are met. Our tailored activities promote personal growth and development, with their educational goals. By incorporating nature-based learning, we foster essential skills providing a supportive environment that encourages exploration and creativity. Our team is committed to helping each child thrive as work collaboratively towards achieving their EHCP objectives.
Bespoke Support for Every Child and Young Person
At Wild Kids Forest School, we understand that every child is different, and that finding the right support can sometimes feel complicated. That’s why we develop bespoke packages for every child or young person, designed around their individual needs, interests, strengths and goals.
Whether you are a parent making an independent referral, using a Local Authority personal budget, a school looking for flexi-school or additional support, or a Local Authority making a referral, we aim to provide high-quality, flexible support at a reasonable and competitive cost. We also understand that different funding pathways can come with financial challenges, so we will work with you to explore what is achievable.
How does it work?
The first step, whoever you are, is to complete our referral form and send it to us. We will then talk with you about the young person's needs and begin building a bespoke package of support.
Monday & Friday – Social and Emotional Development
Our Monday and Friday sessions focus on developing social skills, confidence, emotional resilience and positive relationships through Forest School and child-led outdoor learning.
Children and young people have opportunities to develop friendships, work alongside others, manage challenges, build independence and develop confidence at their own pace.
Older students may also have the opportunity to progress into our Young Leadership Programme, developing leadership and mentoring skills by supporting peers or younger children.
Wednesday – Education Support
Our Wednesday sessions are specifically designed to support academic and learning targets, including targets identified within an EHCP.
An EHCP is not required. Parents can identify their own learning goals for their child, and we can work towards these in an outdoor environment using holistic, practical and Forest School-based learning approaches.
The aim is to build not only knowledge and skills, but also learning resilience, confidence and independence.
For older learners, Wednesday sessions can also provide opportunities to work towards Forest School-related AQA Awards, building a portfolio of recognised achievements that can support progression into further education, training or an outdoor vocation.
Child-Led and Flexible
Everything we do is flexible and child-led. We don't expect a child to fit into a predetermined programme. Instead, we adapt the support around them and allow their learning and development to progress at a pace that feels achievable.
Our goal is simple: to create the right environment for each child to feel safe, succeed, discover their strengths and develop a positive relationship with learning and themselves.
