Forest School

Here at Dreams we offer Forest School Sessions with our very own fully qualified Forest School Leader

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a long-term outdoor program, nurturing a connection with nature through spending time outside, exposed to the elements in all weathers, learning to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and learning through holistic, child-led play.

There are no set expectations for the children, other than to let them explore, the children are free to choose how they spend their time and don’t need to participate and join in with specific activities, though older children are encouraged to join ‘circle time’ as the session commences.

This promotes a sense of community within the group, shared experiences and gives everyone a chance to familiarise themselves with the ‘Forest School Rules’.

The 6 Key Principles of Forest School

Forest School takes place over a long period of time, allowing the participants to connect with the outside world throughout the seasons

Forest School takes place outside, ideally in a wooded environment, supporting the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world

Forest School promotes holistic, child-led education through play in the outside world, nurturing resilience, independence, perseverance, confidence and creativity amongst learners

Forest School encourages healthy engagement with risk, offering learners the opportunity to assess risks themselves with the benefits of a supportive environment

Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice

Forest School is a community, using a range of learner-centred processes especially designed to promote development and learning

What our Happy Parents Say

“I would not hesitate for one second in recommending Dreams. It’s the best parenting decision we’ve made. We had our son booked into another nursery purely based on proximity to my work. However, during my maternity leave I got speaking to other mums who put their kids to Dreams and the glowing reports the nursery received made me rethink. We went for a visit and immediately felt part of ‘the family’ the staff were amazing. Naturally, I was apprehensive about leaving my little boy as he started at only 6 months old but the girls were such an amazing support. We can’t thank them enough. The homely, family atmosphere, emphasis on outdoor play and how supportive the staff were are among the many reasons that we chose Dreams. We love it.”

Kara Dey

“My twins loved Ohanas at Dreams and can’t wait to come back during the school holidays to see all their friends. The staff are great, very approachable, communicative, dedicated, friendly and nurturing. One of my twins’ favourite activities was spending time outside in the recently renovated impressive garden with their peers. The outdoor learning experiences and Forest School opportunities that Dreams provide is fantastic and I would highly recommend Dreams Daycare to anyone. We love the Famly app which contains important up to date information and photos of what the children have been up to and as a parent this puts me at ease knowing they are being cared for.”

Laura & Graeme Hutchison

“We love Dreams because they are warm and friendly at all times. My daughter loved all the staff while she was there and now so does my son! They treat them as if they are their own which makes me feel relaxed and happy to leave them there while I am at work. I wouldn’t put them anywhere else because of this.”

Emily Dale

“Dreams has a lovely family atmosphere where the staff care for the kids like their own. A great reputation in the local area for being flexible, accommodating and reasonable. Excellent facilities including a large outdoor space.”

Chrissie Innes

“I love how attentive the staff at Dreams are towards my child, they take time to get to know him and myself. They like doing activities outdoors, which to me, is really important and they are always coming up with new ideas to help stimulate my child.”

Vanessa Elise Newberry

“Dreams to our family is a safe and happy environment, a place of trust where our kids can be happy and have fun but also progress and learn. Dreams hasn’t just supported our kids but also us as parents. The staff go above and beyond for our family and we’ve built up a great relationship with them all. We also love the updates of how the children are learning/developing and what they did at nursery each week.”

Samantha Gibb

“I love Dreams Daycare because they care about every little detail. They give daily updates on your child and tell you how they’ve been. The Famly app is updated regularly with things they have been doing and they are all round fantastic! My daughter loves going here and I couldn’t find a better nursery to put her. I can’t fault them at all. Keep up the good work!”