Our vision is simple. Provide a unique place where we can nurture confidence, imagination and resilience in our little people and allow them to fully engage with nature. To be the perfect environment for children to sharpen their key developmental skills, in preparation for the next chapter of their lives. Allowing our children to develop naturally by interacting with the world in an all encompassing way, laying the foundations for confident and self assured humans later on in life.
Our setting
We are based in a purpose built Scandinavian chalet, within an acre of natural land. Our plot is next door to Lyminge Forest, one of the largest areas of woodland in Kent. This awe striking Forest is home to a vast array of ancient trees and protected wildlife and we are lucky enough to have the access to be able to explore it regularly. Up the road from our plot you have the stunning views across the rolling hills of the Kent Downs and all the way out to the English Channel.
The chalet contains general amenities such as a toilet/changing block, kitchen and a large playroom. The children also have freeflow access to the outdoor area, rich with activities such as the mud kitchen, water tray and digging pits. In addition, we have an on-site allotment, this is something we encourage the children to help tend to as part of their daily routine. We believe this is a great way for them to understand how food is grown and it gives them a huge sense of achievement seeing and eating the finished product!
Meet the Team
Georgia White Head Practitioner
Georgia Head Practitioner
Georgia spent her childhood climbing trees, picking apples and making dens in the woods. These early outdoor experiences helped to shape her confident and resilient character as well as providing her with the practical skills that would go on to serve her later on in life. From a young age Georgia was encouraged to be independent and self sufficient, she would help tend to the allotment and learn how to build tree houses and shelters! These are all skills that Georgia wants to pass down to the children of today. Her dream has been to create her own unique outdoor setting for early years children and to provide them with the opportunity to gain the benefits of an outdoor learning environment that she enjoyed as a child.
Georgia is a qualified Early Years teacher and has taught in mainstream and SEN schools across Kent. She has always been passionate about children's early education. In addition to teaching, Georgia has previously worked in Nursery settings and has International experience working across Europe, Asia, and Oceania as a Nanny and a Governess. Through Georgia’s experience of working with children from a variety of backgrounds, she has seen first hand the benefits that an outdoor learning environment can have on the vital early years of development. Georgia has a BSc Degree in Education Studies and has recently completed her Level 3 Forest School Leader training.
Myles Coleman Assistant Practitioner
Myles Assistant Practitioner
Myles has a deep rooted background in sport and exercise and is a passionate advocate for teaching children the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. As a child, he played Football to County level and enjoyed sports such as kayaking and climbing, activities that he still does today. He recently completed a 100km trek across the South Downs for charity!
Myles has extensive experience working with youngsters and owns a successful, well established Football coaching company that has been operating in Kent for the last 15 years. Myles works with up to 200 children on a weekly basis, operating in seven different venues set up across the Southeast. Myles has also worked within primary schools, providing inclusive sports sessions to children from a wide range of abilities and backgrounds.
Myles holds a BA Degree in Sport & Exercise Management and has recently completed his Level 3 Forest School qualification.
Lottie Lead Practitioner
Lottie Lead Practitioner
Lottie is dedicated to early years education, championing child-led learning while serving as a nurturing role model. She thrives on facilitating children’s education by creating opportunities that tap into their natural curiosity about the outdoors. With a childcare career that began at 16, Lottie is passionate about communication and language in the Early Years and often introduces new Makaton signs to enhance understanding. Her experience includes four years as an EYFS teacher and a year as a childminder before she joined In The Sticks Childcare and is a great addition to our high skilled and qualified team.
Aggie Assistant Practitioner
Aggie Assistant Practitioner
Aggie has a diploma in Montessori pedagogy, and has recently worked in Montessori settings. She is passionate about the process of learning and a child’s holistic development. The Montessori approach goes hand in hand with Forest School pedagogy as both believe in a hands-on, child-led way of learning. Aggie also has worked within Mental Health Organisations as a support worker developing valuable skills, many of which are used daily with early years children. We are extremely excited to have Aggie working as part of the team Monday - Thursday and she has already built up a lovely bond with the children.
Claire Assistant Practitioner
Claire Assistant Practitioner
Claire has a vibrant personality and a love for the outdoors. Her extensive background in horticulture and childcare combines her passions for gardening and working with young children. Claire has a rich history of supporting early years education as well as adults and young people with SEND. Whether she’s showing children how to plant seeds or sharing her enthusiasm for nature, Claire is dedicated to getting kids outside and learning through hands-on experiences. She thrives on inspiring young minds to appreciate and explore the natural world around them.
What is Forest School and what are some of the benefits?
Forest school is a teaching method that develops confidence in children by encouraging exploration of the natural world. Learning takes place in a natural/woodland environment for part of the day which allows children to connect with the outdoors. This may involve exploring the woods, searching for treasures, building dens and using what nature has to offer by making crafts. Originating in Scandinavia, Forest School has grown in popularity in the UK due to the myriad of benefits it offers our children. These benefits are broken down below. These benefits are backed up by a multitude of research and data. These specific points are referenced from research undertaken from forestresearch.gov.uk and can be found and verified online:
Physical Benefits - Through digging, working with tools, climbing and general exposure to the outdoors, children drastically improve strength, stamina, balance, gross and fine motor skills. This way of learning really helps them to get to grips with their bodies!
Social Benefits - Activities such as sharing tools and participating in play helps to teach the children how to problem solve as well as how to work together as a group, strengthening bonds and social ties.
Language Benefits - The sensory experiences provided by Forest School helps to promote language development.
Knowledge and understanding - Children develop an interest in the great outdoors and respect for the environment. These are important values to instil into our children as encouraging children to develop a connection to nature will help in protecting the environment for generations to come.
Confidence - Forest school helps children to grow in confidence as a result of the freedom, time and space they are given in learning. This self led method gives the children self determination and empowerment.
FUN - Perhaps the biggest benefit of Forest School to children is that it is fun! Being outdoors and allowing children to play and get mucky is a big part of Forest School, the fresh air, the adventure, the excitement! You can't ask for more as a child!
Our Values
Maintain the highest level of care possible.
Provide a personal approach to the children and parents.
Give every child the focus and attention they deserve, through our limited group sizes.
Hold our practitioners' commitment to continued professional learning and development.
To encourage children to learn how to live sustainably and to look after the environment.