Our Clayton-le-Woods Forest School is Open!
We’re delighted to share some very exciting news: our much-loved Forest School in Clayton-le-Woods re-opens this January (2026). After dedicated staff training, careful preparation and thoughtful planning, we’re ready to welcome children back to outdoor learning — and we know it’s something they will be extremely excited about.
Forest School has always been an important part of who we are as a nursery. In fact, we are proud to have been the very first setting in the area to establish a Forest School, and it quickly became a highlight of the week for our children. Bringing it back now feels like a natural and meaningful step forward, rooted in the proven belief that young children thrive when they are given time, space and freedom to explore the natural world around them. Indeed, spending time in and around nature is profoundly beneficial to children.
A Natural Choice for Our Nursery & Children
Our nursery is surrounded by local parks, green spaces and natural open areas, making Forest School a perfect fit. What’s more, nature is already part of daily life here, and Forest School will allow children to experience it more deeply and more intentionally. They are naturally curious and want to touch, observe, ask questions and make sense of what they see around them. Being outdoors opens up the enormity of the natural world to them. It gives them opportunities to notice changes in the seasons, discover plants and wildlife, better understand the circle of life, and their place in the world. It helps them develop a real sense of connection to their environment, and their power and responsibility over it. Those are all things that would be difficult to replicate indoors alone.
Safety FirstThis January’s re-opening follows comprehensive Forest School training for our team, alongside detailed preparation of activities, routines and risk assessments. Safety is, of course, always our top priority. Sessions are well supervised, thoughtfully structured, and designed to support exploration in a calm, nurturing, and safe way. |
What Forest School Is All About
Forest School is a child-centred approach to learning that takes place outdoors and encourages children to explore, investigate, and learn about the natural world through hands-on experiences. Sessions are led by trained practitioners and are carefully planned to be age-appropriate for under-fives. They allow children to learn about nature, build new skills, learn to assess risks, and grow in confidence and independence.
Forest School isn’t about rushing or achieving a set outcome. It’s about giving children time — time to wonder, to try, to persevere and to feel proud of what they can do — all at their own pace.
Supporting Development, Confidence & the EYFS
Forest School offers rich opportunities for learning across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. As children climb, balance, build, dig, collect and create, they naturally develop physical strength, coordination and problem-solving skills. They learn to communicate with one another, take turns, share ideas and work together, supporting social and emotional development in a meaningful context.
Being outdoors also supports children’s emotional wellbeing. Nature has a calming influence, helping children to regulate their emotions, build resilience and develop self-confidence. Whether a child is energetic and adventurous, or quieter and more reflective, Forest School offers something valuable for every personality and learning style.
Learning About Nature, Responsibility & Our Place in the World
Spending regular time in nature helps children build an understanding of living things — plants, animals and insects — and how they all play a role in the world around us. Through observation and gentle guidance, children begin to develop empathy and respect for flora and fauna, learning that all living things need care and consideration.
Forest School also supports early understanding of responsibility towards the environment and one another. Children learn that their actions matter, helping them develop a sense of stewardship for the planet and a growing awareness of their own place within it. Such early experiences lay important foundations for values such as kindness, responsibility and respect.
Forest School Beyond the Woodland
Forest School is not limited to time spent outdoors for children at Little Acorns Nursery. The Forest School approach is also reflected throughout our nursery environment, both indoors and in our garden and grounds. Natural materials, open-ended resources and opportunities for exploration are woven into everyday play, allowing children to continue their connection with nature — whether indoors or outside.
This consistency helps children feel confident and supported, reinforcing learning and curiosity across multiple areas of the setting.
Discovering Nature in Every Season
Re-opening Forest School in January means children will initially experience the unique magic of nature in winter. Frosty mornings, muddy puddles, bare trees and changing weather all offer rich learning opportunities that will inspire meaningful — and often profound — conversations. Forest School is a year-round experience, though. So, as the seasons pass from winter, through spring and summer into autumn, each will bring new discoveries and moments of wonder to the children in our care.
A Special Part of Nursery Life
For families already with us, Forest School adds another enriching layer to the care and education your child receives. For those considering joining our nursery, it’s one of the many reasons we believe our setting offers something truly special. Being able to offer Forest School — especially as a nursery that pioneered it locally — reflects our commitment to high-quality, thoughtful early years practice.
After all, childhood is about curiosity, connection and discovery — and there is no better place to begin than in nature itself. Learn more about Forest School in our ultimate guide here.
Contact Little Acorns Nursery
Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley
The whole team at Little Acorns Nursery is incredibly excited to see Forest School come back to life this January. We can’t wait to watch our children grow, learn and flourish outdoors once again. If you’d like to find out more about Forest School or our weekday childcare services for under-fives, contact us, speak to our team, or come and see us; we’ll be delighted to tell you more.
Little Acorns is a childcare nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, but may also suit families living close by, for example, in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Penwortham, Buckshaw Village, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Euxton, and Leyland.
