Forest School
in Harrow & London
Learn. Explore. Grow. Together.
Blue Nest is an outdoor Montessori nursery in Harrow, Pinner and Borehamwood. Through woodland learning and child-led outdoor play, children connect with nature, build confidence and develop essential life skills for the early years and beyond.
Sun
Water
Plant
Society
Why a Forest School Nursery?
Forest School is a child-led approach to nature-based early years education, rooted in progressive learning theory from Froebel to Montessori. It gives children the time, space and freedom to explore, take managed risks and build genuine self-belief — the heart of woodland learning at Blue Nest. Discover how it complements our Montessori approach.
- Confidence & independence through self-directed learning
- Creativity & problem solving in real-world settings
- Physical wellbeing through active outdoor play
- Social development and cooperative teamwork
- A deep, lasting connection with the natural world
The Four Elements of Growth
Every part of our woodland nursery is guided by four natural principles — Sun, Water, Plant and Society — drawn from the symbols at the heart of our identity.
Sun
Confidence & Curiosity
Like the sun, children radiate natural energy and wonder. We channel that spark into joyful discovery, warmth and self-belief that lights up everything they do.
Water
Calm & Adaptability
Water finds its own path. We help children stay calm, adapt and flow around challenges — nurturing emotional growth, patience and quiet resilience.
Plant
Growth & Nurturing
Every child grows at their own pace. We tend each learner individually, putting down strong roots that support a lifetime of flourishing and development.
Society
Belonging & Kindness
We are stronger together. Forest School builds empathy, cooperation and a deep sense of community — so every child feels they truly belong.
Forest School Activities
Hands-on, child-led activities that bring EYFS outdoor learning to life — from mud kitchens to den building, every session is open-ended and tied to our four elements.
Mud Kitchen Play
Mixing, pouring and ‘cooking’ with mud, water and natural loose parts to spark imaginative, sensory-rich play.
Nature Crafts
Leaf printing, stick weaving and seasonal art that turn woodland treasures into creative, hands-on learning.
Gardening
Planting, watering and harvesting in our beds, teaching patience, responsibility and where food really comes from.
Bug Exploration
Minibeast hunts and bug hotels that grow curiosity, careful observation and respect for living things.
Nature Walks
Slow, child-led woodland walks for seasonal discovery, gross-motor confidence and a love of the outdoors.
Campfire Storytelling
Gathering at the fire circle for songs and stories that build language, listening and a warm sense of belonging.
Water Play
Streams, channels and pouring stations that explore flow, cause-and-effect and early science through play.
Den Building
Designing and building shelters together — real teamwork, problem-solving, mathematics and resilience outdoors.
Sensory Exploration
Textures, scents and sounds of the woodland that ground children, calm the senses and deepen mindful awareness.
Moments in Nature
See more from our nurseries in the photo gallery.
Forest School Questions
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a long-term, child-led approach to outdoor learning where children explore a natural woodland environment alongside qualified Forest School leaders. Sessions focus on free play, hands-on nature activities and managed risk-taking, building confidence, resilience and a lasting connection with the natural world.
Is Forest School safe?
Yes. We follow the official Forest School Association principles with a risk-benefit assessment before every session. Our leaders hold Level 3 Forest School qualifications and outdoor first-aid training, and all staff are enhanced-DBS checked. Children learn to handle real tools and manage their own risks within a carefully supervised, secure outdoor space.
What age groups attend Forest School?
Our Forest School programme runs for children aged 2 to 5 across the Blue Nest Montessori nurseries in Harrow, Pinner and Borehamwood. Sessions are weekly and woven into our EYFS-aligned curriculum so every age group takes part at a developmentally appropriate level.
Do children attend in all weather?
Yes — Forest School runs all year round, in sunshine, rain, wind and frost. There is no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing, so children come dressed for the conditions. We only pause for genuine safety hazards such as high winds, storms or lightning.
How does Forest School support the EYFS?
Outdoor learning naturally covers every area of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Building dens develops physical skills and mathematics, mud-kitchen play sparks communication and imaginative play, and nature exploration builds understanding of the world. Our leaders observe each child's interests and plan child-led activities that move them forward against the EYFS framework.
What are the benefits of outdoor learning?
Nature-based early years education builds confidence, independence and emotional regulation. Children develop gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving and teamwork, and a genuine love of nature. Regular time outdoors also supports concentration, wellbeing and physical health far beyond what an indoor classroom alone can offer.
What activities do children do outdoors?
A typical week includes mud-kitchen cooking, nature crafts, gardening, bug hunts, woodland walks, campfire storytelling, water play, den building and sensory exploration. Every activity is open-ended and child-led, tied back to the EYFS and our four guiding elements of Sun, Water, Plant and Society.
Come and Experience Forest School
Book a visit to one of our outdoor nurseries in Harrow, Pinner or Borehamwood and see how woodland learning helps children flourish. Places are limited, so book early.