Great and Small Forest School

We live about 45 minutes drive away from the school but the commute is totally worth it as he has so much enjoyable, gets to playtime with his friends, learn about nature and he’s learnt loads of valuable new skills in a secure setting. His self-self‑assurance has increased a lot and he’s very comfortable being outside in nature and thinks nothing of being cold, wet or covered in mud (he likes to jump in muddy puddles!), he’s learnt to just get on with things. The team have been remarkable and consistently provide a enjoyable and nurturing setting for our little man to learn new life skills and delight in himself in the excellent outdoors. I can’t suggest them enough, it’s a excellent place to send your kids and a remarkable alternative to traditional pre-school settings. When our daughter is old enough, she’ll be going too. Our son has been going to Excellent and Small Forest School once a week for over a year and he absolutely loves it!

It is a very big and important part of my son’s life and I believe it has contributed to his self‑assurance in himself in almost every way.
He started at age three and is now seven. He goes one day a week with some other older kids that are home educated/flexi-schooled and they have the most incredible adventures.
Their ancient bit of woodland is the perfect setting to be in which they have developed to make it a nice place to spend prolonged periods of time.
Activities and projects are planned for the kids, but they are also given the trust and freedom to follow their own plans for the day if that’s what they want to do.
I could keep going about how much we adore the forest school, but the fact my son loves it so much that he celebrates that he’s going the next day says it all! My son has attended this forest school since it very first started doing preschool sessions!

Even on the coldest, wettest days, he still looks forward to going and he consistently has a smile on his face when I pick him up. The forest school leaders are incredible and have really taken the time to get to know my son. Their approach to teaching and discovering is kid-led and gentle. I would highly suggest Excellent and Small for anyone looking for a real forest school journey for their kid. My son (six) has been attending Excellent and Small Forest School for over a year now and he really enjoys his time there.

He absolutely loves it, he’s been buzzing with enthusiasm after every session and it is a highlight of his week. I have been so impressed with the weekly observations we receive through the online journal, the personalised and detailed comments really make my day and it’s lovely to know he is being so well looked after. The passion from the team and their care for the kids shine through, and as a parent, that really is the most important thing! The opportunity to mix with other kids, playtime on their own terms and follow their own interests is remarkable and I would highly suggest this setting to all of my friends. My other son who is nearly 2 will adore it too when he is old enough to join in! My son (3) has been coming to Forest School on Tuesday mornings since September.

The team are very nurturing and totally understand the kids’s needs and listen to them and follow their interests. My son consistently comes back exhausted with a massive smile on his face. When asked what he has done he consistently tells me everything. They also offer a weekly storytime via zoom which has become a weekly staple in our home and missed when it’s not on during the half terms. My son’s self‑assurance has been developed massively and his adore of the outdoors strengthens. It’s a shame he going to school in September as he will miss his outdoor adventures with the team. If you are looking for your kid to learn and be nurtured whilst being in the excellent outdoors then look no further. Highly suggest. Absolutely outstanding forest school, my son loves coming here to playtime with his friends and get very muddy.

He absolutely loves it and has progressed in so many ways. He has become more connected to nature and has a real adore for the outdoors. The team at Excellent and Small are nurturing and provide an setting where kids gain self‑assurance and self-esteem. The setting also allows kids to engage in risky playtime which has many benefits for kids’s development. It’s a fantastic childcare setting and I am so cheerful that my little boy loves attending! My son has been attending Forest School since October 2020.

She absolutely loves it. Over her time there her self‑assurance has come on leaps and bounds and she has become much more resilient. We’ve consistently been an outdoorsy family but now it seems the weather does not faze her and she is more than cheerful to spend large amounts of time out there, accompanied or not, when secure. The team are consistently so welcoming and my daughter has a excellent connection with them. She has learnt some excellent skills in her time there and has developed some lovely friendships too. To top it all off, the fire cooked meals and snacks are a highlight of her day! My daughter has been attending Excellent and Small Forest School for the previous two academic years.

He especially loves the tyre swing and helping out the Forest School Leader. Forest school really helps keep his mind curious and his body active. Thank you everyone for helping give him such a great start in life! My son has been attending the Forest School here for the last 18 months (lockdown permitting) and has really enjoyed his time exploring, adventuring and discovering new skills.

He has been attending for 18 months and has made lots of friends and learned a lot. The team are very well‑informed and make the day interesting for the kids. Outstanding setting – compassionate and attentive team who go the extra mile for my son who is autistic.