Whether you’re exploring our school, looking for specific information about Forest School, or simply seeing what makes us special, we invite you to browse our site. If you have any questions, our friendly team is always happy to help—just reach out!
For any inquiries, you can easily get in touch with us via email at hayley.gee@dialpark.stockport.sch.uk
At Dial Park Nursery, our Forest School and Outdoor Learning opportunities fulfil the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage by providing a comprehensive and engaging approach to learning. We follow an established pattern of routine that enables participating children to develop a sense of security, belonging and confidence. By supporting the holistic development of our young children across all areas and characteristics of effective learning, we can foster a love for nature and lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
At Dial Park Forest School, we have built on the strong foundations of our Nursery and EYFS ethos, ensuring that every child from Reception to Year 6 participates in weekly Forest School sessions throughout the year. This continuous engagement fosters a deep connection with nature, promotes self-discovery, and builds essential life skills.
Our child-led approach allows children to take ownership of their learning, supporting their individual needs, mental wellbeing, and ability to assess risk. Through exploration and hands-on experiences, they develop a strong sense of independence, confidence, and resilience.
Guided by our highly skilled and passionate practitioners, we provide a safe, nurturing environment where children not only thrive outdoors but also gain valuable skills that transfer seamlessly into the classroom and beyond.
By fostering problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, we prepare our pupils to excel in a variety of environments throughout their lives.
By the time our children leave us at 11, they have:
🍃 Mastered fire safety, including lighting, maintaining, and extinguishing fires.
🍃 Enjoyed regular outdoor cooking sessions, often linked to the History curriculum.
🍃 Learned to boil water using a Kelly Kettle and make hot drinks safely.
🍃 Built shelters and dens for both play and purposeful projects.
🍃 Used a variety of tools for crafting and construction.
🍃 Explored three different, progressive Forest School sites, experiencing seasonal changes firsthand.
🍃 Engaged in team-building activities, enhancing communication, self-worth, and interpersonal skills.
🍃 Taken part in self-directed learning, allowing them to explore at their own pace, nurturing intrinsic motivation.
Whether you are a parent seeking an enriching, holistic education for your child or an aspiring Forest School practitioner looking for inspiration and best practices, Dial Park Forest School offers an exceptional model of outdoor learning—one that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love for nature.
In addition to our Forest School, we offer Nurture Sessions—small-group experiences designed to provide additional support and enrichment. These sessions run for a minimum of six weeks (or longer, as needed), allowing children to further engage in practical Forest School activities, gardening, and community projects.
The smaller group setting creates a supportive environment, helping children develop essential social, emotional, and physical skills. By offering personalised guidance, we empower children to build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to nature and their community.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Forest School Practitioners
At Dial Park, we have spent the last eight years establishing and running a highly successful Forest School within our mainstream primary setting. Now, we’re excited to share our expertise and inspire others to bring the benefits of Forest School into as many settings as possible.
Whether you’re a teacher, teaching assistant, youth worker, or another professional passionate about connecting children with nature, we’re here to help you make it happen.
Do you love the outdoors? Are you passionate about helping others connect with nature? This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a Forest School Leader, enabling you to establish and run your own Forest School programme.
What You’ll Learn
This comprehensive course covers everything you need to lead successful Forest School sessions:
• Learner-Centred Facilitation: Develop strategies to guide groups in a supportive and individualised way.
• Sustainable Site Management: Learn how to manage a Forest School site responsibly and with care for the environment.
• Practical Skills: Gain expertise in woodland management, tool use, fire lighting, risk management, and more.
Who Is This Course For?
This qualification is ideal for:
• School and college staff, including teachers and teaching assistants.
• Youth workers and outdoor professionals.
• Adults training to become Forest School Leaders.
Whether you’re seeking professional development or exploring a new career path, this course will prepare you for employment and further study in the outdoors.
Why Choose Us?
We tailor each course to the unique needs, skills, and experiences of the group we train, ensuring a personalized learning journey for every participant. By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident and fully prepared to:
• Set up and run your own Forest School sessions.
• Apply the Forest School principles in your practice.
• Lead engaging, safe, and sustainable outdoor learning experiences.
Eligibility to Enrol
To join the course, participants must meet the following criteria:
• Be 18 years or older.
• Hold Relevant Level 2 Qualification or appropriate experience in education, youth work, childcare etc.
• Established link with a group and a potential Forest School Site.
Additional likeable qualities:
• Be comfortable leading a group.
• Have a passion for the natural world and enjoy outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
• Embrace a playful, curious, and hands-on approach to learning.
Ready to inspire others and make a difference in the great outdoors? Enrol today and start your journey as a Forest School Leader!
From left to right:
• Lucy: The big ball of energy that keeps us all going! She’s full time delivering Forest School from reception to year 6 and bringing all the vibes while she’s at it.
• Andy: Our resident joker, bringing plenty of laughs and fun to every forest school session. Andy is also full time with us and the master builder behind all the amazing structures on site.
• Emma: The newest addition to the team! Emma delivers Forest School in the nursery site and is busy developing their amazing outdoor provision, ensuring even the tiniest ones get plenty of outdoor adventures.
• Hayley: As the longest-standing team member, Hayley is dedicated to expanding our team, enhancing our site, and delivering high-quality training. Her passion for outdoor learning drives her mission to give more children across Stockport the opportunity to experience the magic of nature.
EYFS
Primary
Nurture