Wildlings Forest Kindergarten

Holistic, nature-based childcare and learning for 2.5+ year olds.

At Wildlings Forest Kindergarten we use a holistic nature-based approach to care for and meet the needs of each child and the group as a whole. Following the seasons we explore a variety of topics both adult and child initiated. Our approach aims to support the children in their growth and development to become creative, independent learners, develop patience, resilience and promote a positive mental attitude. We follow the Forest School ethos and work to cultivate a respect and love for the natural world, as well as supporting the children in appreciating their own role in their environment and community through strengthening self-awareness, cooperation and communication. We strive to foster an environment where children can explore, promoting curiosity, creativity, and cultivating the foundations of a life-long enthusiasm for learning.

 

Term Dates

Wildlings Forest Kindergarten is open Mondays – Fridays during term-time, 9am – 3pm.

 

Term Dates 23/24

Spring Term
4th Jan- 9th Feb
19th Feb – 27th March
Half Term – 12th Feb – 16th Feb
Summer Term
15th April – 24th May
3rd June – 19th July
Half Term – 27th May – 31st May
Term Dates 24/25

Autumn Term

3rd Sept 24 –  18th Dec 24

Oct Half Term w/c 28th Oct

Spring Term

6th Jan 25 – 4th April 25

Feb Half Term w/c 17th Feb

Summer Term

22nd Apr- 18th July 25

May Half Term w/c 26th May

 

 

 

 

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  • Hannah and her team are organised, adaptable and fun. After the first time with them, we were hooked! They have enriched the student experience for the last 3 years and we look forward to our annual visit.

  • Thank you so much for our trip today. We had a fantastic day and I am sure the children will be talking about it for weeks to come! The trip was so well organised and I was very impressed with your grasp of their names so quickly.

    Teacher from Education Group visit

  • “We had a truly wonderful day in the woods with A Touch of the Wild. It was an incredibly valuable experience for the children’s learning but also allowing them to learn in a play based way. Have already recommended you to friends and colleagues! Thank you for a fantastic day.”

    Ide Primary School

  • “The A Touch of the Wild team are organised, adaptable and fun. After the first time with them, we were hooked! They have enriched the pupil experience for the last 3 years and we look forward to our annual visit.”

    Ilsington Primary School

  • The site was even better than last year. The children particularly enjoyed the nets and tree house and the marshmallows and hot chocolate. The teachers felt the led activities were valuable and we will definitely book again. Many thanks to all the staff.

    Exeter Cathedral School

  • We were all very impressed with our visit to the woods, the activities were well matched and the children had a wonderful time telling all their grown ups and the school in our class assembly.

  • We all really enjoyed our time in the woods. I was struck how calm all the children seemed around the camp fire and what great opportunities for cooperative play they had. I also thought the planned activities were wonderful and pitched at the right level. So we, too, came away feeling enthusiastic.

  • “Thank you for helping E to become more confident, independent and inquiring. She has learnt so much from you and is now always up for an adventure!”

    Parent, Dec 2022

  • “Thank you so much for looking after R again this year with so much care, interest and kindness. And for teaching her so much – amazing outdoor skills and knowledge and wonder, and independence, confidence and good socialising! And just for having such a fun time together! She’s absolutely loved her time with you and we feel so lucky to have come across you.”

    Parent, 2022

  • “A very big THANK YOU to all of you for all your hard work and enthusiasm. B has LOVED coming to see you since the day he started to the very end!”

    Parent, 2022

Welcome to Wildlings Forest Kindergarten!

Wildlings Kindergarten is led by our experienced forest school leaders Hannah Standen, Roisin Kitts,  Hazel Rhodes and Brandon Gregory.

A typical day at Kindergarten

Key times:

9am – Meet children in the car park and welcome them into camp

10.00am – Snack

12pm – Lunch time around the fire circle, we will sometimes eat inside if we need to dry off or keep warm.

2.30pm – Tidying up, reflection on day, song or fire circle game, goodbye

2.55pm – Getting children’s things together and walking to car park to meet parents/carers at 3pm

The activities and explorations will incorporate the seven areas of learning (personal, social and emotional development; communication and language; physical development; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world and; expressive arts and design) and follow the children’s interests and the natural cycle of the woodland environment. Activities will include cooking on the campfire, woodland crafts using tools, songs and games, exploration walks, and many more.

Fees and Funding

We accept self-funded children and those claiming Early Years Fund (EYF) hours, including 2 year old and 30 hours extended entitlement funding. Those claiming Early Year Funding will still be charged our Outdoor Resource Fund fee, which covers aspects of running the kindergarten that the EYF does not cover.   Full information on Fees & Funding

Settling In

We offer the option of a 30 minute or 1 hour one-to-one settling session prior to your child’s first day so your child can become familiar with the staff and setting prior to their first day, and you can have a look around and ask all the questions you like!

How to Register

To register your child’s place you will need to complete a registration form and pay a £30 enrolment fee (refundable after one term attendance). Further information on how to register.

FAQs

We have prepared answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. Please do get in touch though if there is anything else that you would like to ask or discuss.

 

Please see our Important Documents page for important information about Wildlings Forest Kindergarten, including copies of our policies.

If you have any queries or would like to know more, please get in touch with us at info@atouchofthewild.co.uk or on our office number 07929 613284 and we will be happy to help.

Visit the Kindergarten

We are now offering prospective parents and children the opportunity to have a look around Wildlings Kindergarten.   If you’d like to visit the site before enrolling your child then these sessions are a great opportunity for you to chat with staff, see the camp and explore the different activities on offer.

When?

Days: Mondays – Fridays

Times: 10:30 – 11:00

Fee: no charge

Please note: Booking is essential.  For safeguarding reasons we will have to ask anybody who has not booked an appointment to leave.  If you would like to book your visit please email info@atouchofthewild.co.uk

Health & Safety

The group will be safely supervised throughout their time at Wildlings Forest Kindergarten by our trained and experienced staff. All staff are qualified childcare providers, first aid trained and DBS checked. We have appropriate policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child. Please view our Important Documents page to access these. You will be sent copies of all our relevant policies when we confirm an offer of a place at Wildlings Forest Kindergarten.

Food/drink– Please ensure that your child has all food and drink that will be needed for the session, clearly labelled with their name.  Where food/drink is provided it will be served in individual portions (no sharing of food will be allowed).

We know how important these early years are for your child and we are confident that despite these measures, we can provide something special for them whilst also keeping them safe.