GENERAL FAQ

Where is Forest Grove Hackney based?

In South Millfields Park, Hackney E5 0AR (see map on our homepage).

We meet in the enclosed area, next to the basketball court. We set up base camp each day on site unless we plan to roam. This includes a seating area on logs under tarpaulin within the trees to provide cover from the elements. We have our own outdoor toilet facilities for the children.

How do I get there? Can I park?

Parking is available on Chatsworth Road. Bus routes nearby are 242, 55, 56, 48, 38. Our site is accessed either via Hillstowe Street or the park entrance on Chatsworth Rd, opposite Millfields cafe. Nearest train stations are either Clapton or Homerton stations. 

Can I visit the Forest Grove Hackney?

Due to the current climate we are limiting visits to when children are not on site. We will soon be providing a virtual visit of our site to show you round. 

It’s not a requirement that you visit our setting prior to joining the waiting. We announce site tours when they become available.

To Register Interest for a site visit email: info@forestgrovehackney.co.uk

What is the Forest Grove Hackney emergency contact number?

Should you be running late or need to collect early, please ensure you have our mobile phone number +447912 193506

Please note that this mobile is carried by the Forest School Leader. Our Forest School Leader is responsible for your child’s safety and welfare and therefore cannot answer any admin questions. Please refer any admin questions to info@forestgrovehackney.co.uk

What can/can't I bring?

Clothes:

Children must provide their own wellies, waterproof trousers and jacket.

On hot sunny days they should also have a sun hat.

We prefer long sleeved tops and trousers to help protect from sun, brambles and mosquitoes and tree climbing!.

Shoes/wellies/ walking boots: shoes should be closed shoes and waterproof. No sandals please. 

Please bring a complete change of clothes, preferably old clothing. 

Packed Lunch: All children must also bring a healthy packed lunch (no chocolate, crisps, biscuits or fruit juices/ squashes) in a back pack they can carry as we may roam.

Please do not bring any toys except a soft toy when settling.

What snacks do we provide?

Forest Grove Hackney provides vegan healthy snacks and drinks. All children must bring a healthy packed lunch and water bottle. Please note we are a nut free holiday club. If you have specific dietary requirements please get in touch as we can cater for these.

What happens when it rains?

We get our waterproofs on and jump in muddy puddles or seek shelter under our tarps and tents.

What about severe bad weather?

In severe bad weather e.g. high winds and/or thunder storms or other unforeseen circumstances we may have to cancel a session.  

As you know, we never normally cancel a Forest School session due to inclement weather, as we would take the children to the Curve Gardens/ library/ exhibition or other indoor setting. As we cannot use any indoor setting as a back up, should we not be able to stay on site (either due to high winds or thunder storms) and it is unsafe to be outdoors, we will have to cancel the session. 

In such cases, Forest Grove Hackney will inform those attending via FAMLY as soon as possible.  

Do you charge a fee should a session be cancelled due to severe bad weather/ Covid?

Yes, there is a fee of £30 per day per child for any closure due to Covid-19 and/or inclement weather. This is due to Insurance Providers not covering Nurseries in the event of a further closure. If you are receiving the 15 hour funding, the funding covers this fee (in which case you will not be charged any additional amount).  

What services do you offer? 

• Forest Grove Kindergarten for 3 to 5 year olds

• Forest Grove Nature Club for 2 year olds

• Forest Grove Holiday Club for 5 to 8 year olds (unless a member of the Kindergarten)

• Forest Grove After School Club for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

What we offer

Do you offer Governement Funding?

Yes, we offer the 15 hour Funding.

How can I contact Forest Grove Hackney with any further questions

info@forestgrovehackney.co.uk