ABOUT US
Our Mission: Education Rooted in Nature
Forest Families is a forest school located in Bromsgrove, UK. Most of our activities run from Rainbow Woods - a wonderful woodland area of approximately 5 acres, developed especially for forest school activities and nature exploration. Our staff are also happy to offer ‘pop-up’ forest school or campfires at other locations!
Forest Families was set up in 2010 by Siân, who had been working at a local school as a Forest School Leader for many years. From her experience of working with children who had additional needs and seeing first hand the benefits that forest school was having to many children and their mental health, as well as her own, she wanted to create a nurturing and special place where families can come to learn, explore and relax. Forget about the stresses and pressures of life and be fully immersed and engaged with the nature world.
Our Ethos
Connecting with Nature, Nurturing GrowthAt our Forest School, we believe in the transformative power of nature to inspire, heal, and educate. Our ethos is built on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children and families, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), can thrive through woodland-based activities and child-led free play. Our approach is holistic, focusing on the development of self-esteem, health, independence, social skills, well-being, cross-curricular skills, confidence, and resilience.
Book here for SEND - Special educational needs & disabilities
Unlock Tailored Support for Your Child’s Unique Needs
Book here for sessions funded through Worcestershire group activities & short breaks
BOOK NOW- Deepening Connections with Nature:
• We foster a deep respect and love for the natural world, encouraging children to explore, discover, and learn from the woodland environment.
• Through hands-on activities and immersive experiences, we cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature’s beauty and complexity. - Nurturing Inclusivity and Diversity:
• Our Forest School is a welcoming space for all families, celebrating diversity and ensuring that every child, especially those with SEND, feels valued and supported.
• We provide tailored support and adaptive resources to meet the unique needs of each child, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
We cater for allergies, vegetarians etc, as long as we are made aware before the party. - Promoting Child-Led Learning and Free Play:
• We prioritize child-led exploration and play, allowing children to follow their interests and curiosities at their own pace.
• This approach fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning, empowering children to take ownership of their educational journey. - Enhancing Self-Esteem and Confidence:
• Through positive reinforcement and meaningful accomplishments, we help children build self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.
• Our activities are designed to challenge and inspire, encouraging children to step out of their comfort zones and discover their strengths. - Fostering Independence and Resilience:
• We support children in developing independence and resilience, equipping them with the skills and mindset to navigate life’s challenges.
• Our woodland activities promote problem-solving, resourcefulness, and perseverance, building a strong foundation for future success. - Improving Health and Well-Being:
• The physical and mental health benefits of outdoor play and nature connection are integral to our program.
• We provide a safe and supportive environment for physical activity, stress reduction, and emotional well-being, contributing to overall health. - Cultivating Social Skills and Teamwork:
• Our group activities and collaborative projects encourage positive social interactions and the development of essential social skills.
• We emphasize teamwork, communication, and empathy, helping children build meaningful relationships and a sense of community. - Integrating Cross-Curricular Learning:
• We incorporate a wide range of educational disciplines into our activities, from science and math to art and literature.
• Our interdisciplinary approach enriches learning experiences and supports the development of versatile, well-rounded individuals.
In everything we do, our goal is to create a nurturing, diverse, and inclusive forest school environment that supports the holistic growth of every child and family. By connecting with nature and fostering a love for learning, we aim to build a resilient, confident, and compassionate community.
Book a Tour and See the Magic of Nature!
Discover the joy and wonder that nature brings to learning!
BOOK NOWWHAT OUR FAMILIES ARE SAYING
Hear directly from our community about the positive impact Forest Families has had on their children's lives.
"Forest Families has been a game-changer for our family. Our son comes home every day with exciting stories about his nature adventures. We've seen a huge boost in his confidence and creativity."
Sarah M.
"The environment at Forest Families is truly magical. Our daughter has flourished both academically and emotionally. She loves exploring the outdoors and has developed a deep appreciation for nature.""
James L.
"We couldn't be happier with our choice to send our children to Forest Families. The staff is incredibly caring and the outdoor activities have helped our kids develop strong social and problem-solving skills."
Emma K.
"Forest Families provides a perfect balance of fun and learning. Our kids are always excited to go and they come back home with new discoveries and a genuine love for the environment."
Michael W.
"The transformation in our child has been remarkable. Forest Families nurtures a love for learning in a natural setting, which has ignited our daughter's curiosity and passion for the world around her."
Laura D.
"Forest Families has exceeded our expectations. The combination of nature-based learning and the supportive community has made our son more independent, creative, and happy. We highly recommend."
Rebecca S.
Our Team
Our dedicated team of Forest School Leaders, Teachers, Play workers, First Aiders and SEND specialists have a wealth of experience, knowledge and deep interests in alternate methods of education, the environment, sustainability, mental health and wellbeing to ensure we are able to deliver high quality Forest School provision.
We are here to nurture and inspire your children, fostering creativity, independence, and a love for nature.
Siân Cain
Owner / Manager, Forest School Leader, Paediatrician outdoor First aider, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Certified outdoor mental health practitioner, level 2 food hygiene
Jenny
Assistant Manager, Teacher, Forest School Leader, Paediatrician outdoor First aider, level 2 food hygiene
Layla
Maintenance Manager, Herbalist, sylvotherapy practitioner, children's party entertainer, balloon artist, Paediatric outdoor First aider
Tori
Teacher, Forest School Leader, Paediatrician outdoor First aider
Marie
Forest School Leader, Paediatrician outdoor First aider, Certified outdoor mental health practitioner, level 2 food hygieneDiscover Our Sessions: Tailored Times, Ages, and Pricing
Discover the flexibility and structure of Forest Families with our detailed session times and age-specific programs.
BENEFITS OF JOINING FOREST FAMILIES
Forest school originated in Scandinavia and has since been adopted in many countries around the world. It is appreciated for its ability to provide a rich, dynamic learning environment that contrasts with the more structured, indoor-focused traditional education system.
Enhanced Creativity and Imagination:
Through daily interaction with nature, children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and create. Our outdoor activities foster innovative thinking and allow kids to express their creativity freely
Improved Physical Health:
Engaging in physical activities such as hiking, climbing, and running in a natural environment promotes overall physical fitness, improves motor skills, and instills a love for active play.
Stronger Emotional Well-being:
Nature has a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Our nurturing environment supports emotional resilience, ensuring children feel happy, secure, and confident.
Increased Environmental Awareness:
Children develop a deep appreciation for the natural world through hands-on learning and exploration. They become environmentally conscious and learn the importance of protecting our planet.
Enhanced Social Skills:
Working together in nature-based projects and play, children learn vital social skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy. These interactions build strong, positive relationships.
Holistic Learning Experience:
Our unique approach integrates academic learning with nature exploration. Kids engage in experiential learning that enhances their problem-solving abilities and fosters a love for lifelong learning.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE – ENROLL TODAY!
Give your child the gift of nature-inspired learning and endless exploration. Enroll now to become part of our thriving community!
BOOK NOWCOMMON QUESTIONS
Forest Families is committed to providing you with an experience that exceeds all expectations. Don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us through our official channels.
- What should my child wear?
Children attending a themed party, like Fairies, are welcome to come dressed up but please consider that they are likely to get a bit dirty! We recommend that legs and arms are covered to avoid any scratches or stings. Suitable footwear must be worn by all children and grown-ups attending. E.g. Trainers, wellies, walking boots.
- Is food and drink provided?
The children will toast marshmallows on the fire and can even turn them into s'mores (a delicious marshmallow and biscuit sandwich!), they then have a choice of water, squash or hot chocolate (with optional cream!). For an extra fee children can cook sausages on the fire and make a hot dog. See 'extra treats' for more details.
We cater for allergies, vegetarians etc, as long as we are made aware before the party. - Do I need to complete any forms?
All children attending the party will need to have completed a form before the parties which will ask questions about consent for photographs, allergies, medical, behavioural conditions, special needs or disabilities.
- Can adults attend?
We welcome adults to join in with the fun or they can relax on the nearby field under the shade of the tree. We have sheltered area and picnic tables. We can provide blankets and even hot water bottles for the colder months. We can also set up a drinks station with hot drinks and biscuits for an extra fee.
CONTACT
Your contact is very important to us. Questions, suggestions, or criticisms are always very welcome and help us to constantly improve our work.
Rainbow Woods, Bromsgrove - B60 1LH
info@forestfam.com
Preferred method of communication is by email, please only use telephone numbers when urgent.