Muddy Boots

We're celebrating World Book Day at the garden this Thursday and we'd love you to come and join us.
In the morning we've got Muddy Boots for Under 5s and their families and carer between 11am and 1pm , with music from Rainbow Stripes creative activities for parents and carers with Lindsay Tempest Art and lots of creative, messy nature based play.
In the afternoon we've got our after schools session, 'Wild Wellies' with activities for all ages between 3.15 and 5pm and guest artist Curious Clare will be joining us for a special creative activity.

What do you do when your child’s school is thinking about stopping its Forest School?

I’ve had some sad conversations this week with parents who are really worried that the Primary School their child attends is reducing and maybe completely cutting the Forest School programmes in the future.

The Forest School was one of the reasons they sent their child to that particular school.

It is valued by the children, the parents, the staff. But apparently not by the new headteacher.

In an education system under pressure to raise attainment, prove progress, and protect budgets, Forest School can sometimes be viewed as an “extra”.

But here’s the thing, playing in Nature is not a luxury optional extra for childhood, it is essential for healthy development.

Forest School is not a break from learning.
It is learning – the most natural kind.

It develops:
🌱The emotional regulation that underpins behaviour.
🌱The confidence that underpins participation.
🌱The curiosity that underpins academic progress.
🌱The intrinsic motivation that underpins autonomy and resilience

In a world where children are increasingly anxious, sedentary and screen-saturated, protected time in Nature is not a luxury.

It’s preventative education.
Children learn best when they are physically, emotionally and mentally regulated.

Forest School doesn’t compete with academic outcomes.
It strengthens the foundations they stand on.

If you’re a parent whose child has benefited from Forest School, your voice matters. Share the impact it has had on your child. Stories have power. 🙏💚

Fun Facts About Bees for Kids 🐝

Bees have 5 eyes: two big ones and three tiny ones on top of their heads.

So much fun at Muddy Boots!
Love seeing the kids find their own games

This week is Even 5- 20 minutes of outdoor activity and connecting with nature can have a really beneficial effect on children's mental health- reducing stress and anxiety, having a calming effect, boosting confidence and creativity and helping children sleep better.
There's little signs that spring is coming on the garden and last week we all felt so much better for getting out and seeing each other on Muddy Boots and it was great to see the children playing outdoors despite the weather.
Come and join us this Thursday between 11am and 1pm for Valentine's themed messy play activities for Under 5s and a special creative activity for the parents and carers.