FAQ's

Where is the Forest School?

Right on site at our Pre-School! The Forest School is part of Penenden Heath Pre-School and supplements the excellent early years provision we already offer.

Isn’t it just outdoor play?

Forest School sessions will be run by our qualified Forest School Lead, Mrs Billing. Mrs Billing has undergone extensive training to be able to offer true Forest School, understanding how to offer a provision which will enable your child to develop and progress whilst immersed in nature. Forest School is child led but also supported by educational theory to allow your child to develop in their social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth.

What if the weather forecast isn’t good?

Forest School is an all year round endeavour! With the appropriate clothing, children and staff can be outside in all weathers and can safely enjoy our outside space. Nature is the classroom and nature doesn’t stop for the weather. Your little ones will be well prepared for the weather and will love being immersed in their ever changing environment.

Who is it available to?

Initially sessions are available to those children starting school in September 2026, so our oldest cohort of children. As the Forest School is brand new, we are starting with our biggest, little ones while we find our feet. If your little one isn’t old enough, don’t worry they will get their chance the following September, or before if we are able to expand the offer.

When will the sessions be?

From September 2025 sessions will be held on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday mornings. Sessions will be available to book on to for term 1 and term 2, September – December. Booking will be offered again for terms 3 and 4, and then again for 5 and 6. If demand is high, we will look to expand the number of sessions as soon as possible.

Will I definitely get a place?

Spaces are limited on each session. The exact number will be determined by the age and stage of development of the children. If demand is higher than we can accommodate in the initial two sessions made available each week, we will look to offer extra sessions as soon as possible.

How much does it cost?

Sessions will cost an additional £10 supplement on top of a normal session price. You can use funding for your normal session fee, but not the supplement. The supplement income will be used to support the running of the provision, including planning, staffing and resources. 

How do I book on?

Families eligible to register interest in a place will be emailed a link to register. If you can’t do a Tuesday or Wednesday but would have liked to book into Forest School, please do complete the form and let us know so that we can assess the demand and make changes if necessary.

We will let you know asap if you have been offered a space, you’ll need to complete a full consent form and we will send you some more specific detail about the sessions.

Forest School Policies

Due to the unique nature of Forest School, there are a number of additional policies which apply to these sessions. These are shown below. 

All Forest School policies are written in conjunction with the full Pre-School policies which also apply to all Forest School sessions. Our full policies can be found here.

• Accident & Emergency

• Extreme Weather

• Health & Hygiene

• Missing Child

• Risk Management Assessment

• Staff & Helper

• Visitors