GROWING UP IN THE WILD

Forest Grove is a fully outdoor nursery based in Hackney for 3-5 year olds

 
 

Our vision is to enable children to enjoy learning through play; helping them to make sense of the world whilst developing their physical, cognitive and social skills. We provide a safe and stimulating outdoor environment that makes learning fun, is guided by the Forest School approach and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. 

The natural world offers endless learning opportunities that support our children to be curious and creative problem solvers. Our children learn through first-hand real-life experiences; are able to follow their own interests and we provide them the tools they need to manage their own risks. 

We have high expectations of our children and follow an approach that develops their independence, resilience and self-confidence. We believe that Forest Grove Hackney offers the optimum learning environment for
our little explorers.

Parent Testimonials

“We are so happy with Forest Grove. It’s absolutely fantastic in our opinion. Our son is so happy and learning unique skills that he wouldn’t get in a more regular setting. Also the staff are always smiling, enthusiastic and peaceful which makes a huge difference to our child’s well-being.”

Nov 2022

“ In the short time that [our child] has been attending your school, he and we have been so happy and impressed with the school and your team. It is such a joy to meet everyone at the gates each morning and afternoon and see how engaged and enthusiastic they are to be doing their work. It is no wonder that all the kids seem so happy to be there.”

Oct 2022

Ofsted

“Children experience a wealth of exciting learning opportunities at this well-run outdoor setting … are supremely confident, independent and very well behaved”. They "develop a deep understanding of the natural world and have a lifelong connection with nature”.

March 2023

Eco-schools

“What an amazing school and platform to teach children about the needs of the world, how to appreciate our wonderful planet, along with developing their social and cognitive skills […] Careful consideration has been given to how you could involve all children, staff members, and even parents/caregivers in your Eco-Schools work [...] Your greatest success is a brilliant achievement; you have instilled a love of learning coupled with a love for the natural world.”

September 2023

 
screen_1120_ForestGrove__DSC3808.jpg

What we offer

At Forest Grove, our Forest School Kindergarten is a fully outdoor classroom, working year round to the Ofsted term and education structure. We also offer an out-of-term Holiday Club , an After School Club and a weekly Nature Club for 2-year olds.

Forest School activities typically include wood work; den building; building a bug hotel; nature watching; foraging; fire-making; cooking on fire; roaming and nature walks; nature based arts & crafts using natural materials; making bird feeders and nest boxes; using ropes and rope swings; learning about sustainability; mud kitchen play and jumping in muddy puddles!

 
screen_1120_ForestGrove__DSC4511.jpg

BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR LEARNING

The Forest School approach is based on the concept of an outdoor learning environment, which focuses on play-based learning, and is child-led. The approach provides all learners opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment. Learners achieve because there is no expectations as to what the end result should look like. 

 
screen_1120_ForestGrove__DSC4559.jpg

Meet our team

Forest Grove is passionately run by a team of experienced and qualified teachers and assistants to ensure that your child has the best care and support. We all love the outdoors and being close to the seasonal shifts throughout the year.

“I was inspired by my own forest schooling in Denmark to develop a safe and empowering outdoor environment for children where I live with my family in Hackney.”

— Lizzy Hassay, Forest Grove founder

Location & Contact

South Millfields Park
Hackney, London, E5 0AR
UK

Email
info@forestgrovehackney.com

Term time hours
Monday–Friday
9:00am–3:00pm