Free Range Explorers

17/08/2026

🌿🔥 Another fantastic Forest School summer! 🔥🌿

We’ve been reflecting on all of our amazing adventures 🌳🍃

We've made the most of everything nature has to offer! From whittling and clay making to sun printing, slack lining, cutting bamboo and making bee hotels and building fires, there has always been something exciting to discover! 🪵🎨☀️

We’ve enjoyed tree bathing in the hammock, listening to the sounds of the woodland, taking on new challenges, getting muddy, being creative and simply having the freedom to explore and enjoy the outdoors. 🌿💚

We feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to explore this beautiful ancient woodland throughout the year and create so many special memories together. Thank you Castlewood Farm Devon!🌳✨

We have one final Forest School session coming up in October! 🌿🍂 Don’t miss out on our last woodland adventure of the year — spaces are limited, so be sure to book your place soon! 🌳🔥✨

Why not try sun printing at home? ☀️🌿 It’s a lovely, simple activity to enjoy together during the summer holidays. Collect some interesting leaves, flowers or other natural treasures and have a go at creating your very own sun prints!
https://www.mudandbloom.com/blog/2019/7/21/how-to-make-nature-sun-prints

01/08/2026

What a wonderful day spent outdoors! 💚

We loved paddling and playing in the stream, watching the beautiful dragonflies dancing above the water, and listening to the satisfying splash of pebbles as they landed in the stream.

Back at the house, we enjoyed some quiet creativity, making felted sunshine balls before heading into the garden to search for hidden treasures. It's amazing how much joy can be found in nature, imagination and simple moments together. ☀️🌿✨

20/07/2026

We're looking forward to getting back to our Forest School sessions over the summer! 🌿☀️

We now have just a few spaces remaining for our session on 23rd July, with all other sessions fully booked.

If you'd like to join us for a day of woodland adventures, outdoor learning, and nature-based fun, get in touch to book your place before the last spaces are gone! 🍃🌳

14/07/2026

🌿 Last week we enjoyed using a bow saw to cut back some hazel.

The hazel has grown so well that it was time for a trim! After watching a member of staff demonstrate how to use the saw safely, the children took turns having a go themselves with support.

Providing opportunities to learn practical outdoor skills in a safe, supportive environment is a big part of what we do at Free Range Explorers. There's always something new to discover when we explore together in nature! 💚🪚

04/07/2026

🌿 Forest School 🌿

Our upcoming Forest School sessions are almost full, with just a few spaces remaining!

If you've been thinking about giving your child the opportunity to learn, explore, play, and thrive in a beautiful ancient woodland, now is the perfect time to book.

🍃 Nature-based, child-led learning
🌳 Beautiful ancient woodland setting
💚 Experienced, qualified Forest School leaders

Send us a message or book your place today—we'd love to welcome you into the woods! 🌲✨

A huge thanks to Castlewood Farm for generously allowing us to use their beautiful ancient woodland for our Forest School sessions 🌻

03/07/2026

✨ We've had such a fun-filled week! ✨

🍜 We had a go at making our own hand-cut noodles – what a messy, exciting adventure!

🌈 We also got creative with hair chalks and face paints, with lots of colourful masterpieces and even bigger smiles.

A week full of creativity, laughter, and new adventures!💛

27/06/2026

🌟 Level 2/3 Childcare Apprenticeship Opportunity! 🌟

We're excited to be recruiting for an Early Years Apprenticeship through Exeter College and are looking for someone enthusiastic and caring to join our small, friendly childminding setting.

This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a home-from-home environment while working towards a qualification.

We're looking for someone who is:
💛 Kind, caring, patient, motivated
🌈 Enthusiastic and eager to learn
🧸 Passionate about helping children learn and develop through play
🌿 Happy to get involved in outdoor adventures, creative activities and all the fun that comes with working in Early Years

If you're ready to start a rewarding career in childcare, we'd love to hear from you!

👉 Apply here: https://www.exeapprentices.co.uk/opportunities/details/202a0707-2e64-4ba1-aa4d-914bc23168c1/1/free-range-explorers-early-years-practitioner---uplyme

If you know someone who would be a great fit, please tag them or share this post—we'd love to find the perfect person to join our little team! 💙

Job description Main purpose of the job: Free Range Explorers are looking for a passionate early years apprentice to work within their friendly childminding setting located in Uplyme. What will I be doing? Job Purpose: To be trained to undertake same responsibilities as Early Years Practitioner;....

26/06/2026

This week's heat hasn't stopped us from having lots of fun! 🌞

We've been finding plenty of ways to stay cool while making the most of the sunshine. From splashing about with water play to building cosy dens in the shade, the children have had lots of opportunities to explore and play🌻 We've even enjoyed some lovely cool lollies, which were the perfect summer treat! 🍦
We spent the hottest part of the day indoors, keeping cool with calm activities before returning outside later in the afternoon🧘🏽

We hope everyone has managed to stay cool this week too! ☀️

13/06/2026

What a fantastic day we had at the Castlewood Festival! 🌿✨

We loved welcoming so many families to our Forest School area, where children got creative making wands and flower crowns, as well as enjoying some face painting. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and to share a little taste of the Forest School sessions we run at Castlewood.

If you'd like to join us for more outdoor adventures, we have more Forest School dates coming up soon. Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid missing out! 🌳🍃

12/06/2026

Today we said a heartfelt farewell to our wonderful Kat. 💐

For the past 5 years, Kat has been an invaluable part of our team, bringing warmth, care, and dedication to the children and families we support every day. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and commitment have made a lasting impact, and she will be greatly missed by us all.

We are incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed over the years and wish her every success and happiness in her next chapter.

Thank you, Caitlin Turner – you'll always be part of the Free Range Explorers family. ❤️