FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

No two days will be the same! We will start each session by gathering together to wander through the woodland environment. We will lead you on a meander through the paths making discoveries along the way with opportunities for play, exploration and to enjoy our surroundings. The Journey is the experience giving ample time to notice, changes and interesting features. Once we reach our base we can spend time together following your interests. There will always be some activities available including den building, the mud kitchen, building bridges to name a few. We always have drinking Water. We encourage you to bring your own snacks and refreshments for your child but also try to have hot water, fruit and teas/coffee during the session. There will also be opportunities for song or story time. We like to end each session reflectively.

Forest school is an educational ethos based on several other historic theories that was brought back to the UK In the Late 1990's from Denmark. The Forest School association outlines it as "...a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting." Their video is very helpful.

The main influences on how to dress your child will be the weather and our sometimes messy activities. We always recommend long sleeves and long trousers all year round. For rainy days your child will need a comfy waterproof top layer which can accommodate warm layers underneath if needed. Waterproof trousers are easier than all-in-one suits for children over 2. Of course sun-hats and sunscreen will be a necessity on our sunny sessions.

You're very welcome to come dressed as casual/smart/scruffy as you like - we don't want to tell adults how to dress! Our advice is to be prepared for whatever weather is forecast. Requirements will change with the seasons, our recommendations are based on our Risk Assessments and take into account the environment, weather and specific activities. We always consider mud, sunburn, insects, cold, wet ,heat and environment. Whatever the weather we will always be active so please make sure your clothes are comfortable to move in. Waterproofs are a game changer, if you have never owned a set, for allowing your comfort and enjoyment in the cold and the wet.

It's not bad weather but unsuitable clothing that makes the difference. We would check that all participants are suitably protected against any weather then we're good to go! If the trees are swaying and rain is driven by gale force winds it may mean that we have to cancel our session. Stormy weather and high winds bring obvious danger to woodlands including a risk of falling branches. We would alleviate this risk by moving to an open area. If a lightning storm is within five miles we would seek shelter or curtail our session. We will always give you as much notice as possible about cancelling or curtailing a session but this could be very short depending on the weather. ​

We are trying to get away from commercialism and play in a way that previous generations took for granted. We will embrace nature, the natural environment and of course the natural resources it provides. Children's imagination and creativity will be actively encouraged and supported at Roaming Wild Forest School. Having said that we do appreciate that familiar items offer security to many children so a small toy would be able to join us as long as it's needed. This will remain your responsibility; other children may want to play with this toy so do ensure it is sound, sturdy and happy to be covered in mud. Parents can hopefully distract children with our activities and reassure children that their toy will be safe at home or in their bag. Please name any items you bring to Roaming Wild including toys and comforters as we will endeavour to return any misplaced items. ​

Carry on regardless - unlike cricket rain doesn't stop our play! Under the canopy of trees you can hardly notice a light shower but if there is heavy rain we'll put on our coats and ensure the children have their hoods up. If necessary everyone will also put on their waterproof trousers. We don't want anyone's day spoilt by being cold and wet so we'll ensure our tarpaulin is up to provide shelter for everyone; their belongings, bags and tools. There is a lot of fun to be had in the rain, some of the best sessions have been on rainy days! We may build a fire but sitting around in front of a fire does not particularly interest the children. They would much rather be using the tarp to fill up pots! Some have explored the taste of rainwater, made rain shadows and even purified water. A lot of learning takes place in water play. The children also like to make their own shelters and test how waterproof they are. Of course we would stop any activity that became too dangerous during wet weather but this would be replaced by some safer fun. ​

We always carry lots of kit but there are a few things that would be handy for you to have including: A water bottle each for you and your child Another layer of clothing (in all seasons) A waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers Something to sit on if you haven't got waterproof trousers Something to dry wet hands on (either a small flannel, tea towel, tiny towel) Spare clothes, for your child, especially if we're playing with water. (something warm to go home in if they are drawn to this in the cold. If your child is in nappies please bring your usual nappy changing items. We cannot dispose of nappies so ask that you take them home with you. Backpacks are ideal when spending time in the woods, easier than a handbag or shoulder bag as you'll be hands free! ​ ​

We find the woodland a calming place, but it is a completely natural environment. Please do contact us to discuss your needs, or your child's. We are happy to discuss individual solutions, and endeavour to be adaptable and know our sites well. We can advise on the more accessible routes for wheelchairs and their suitability. There are options for more accessible routes, we will do our utmost to ensure access for all and that everyone has an enjoyable time with us. ​

Yes, there is usually sufficient parking although limited available close to our sites, especially our main site. We'll send you details of where to park / meet once we have confirmed your booking and received your payment and completed our 'information and permissions/All about me' forms. One of our aims is to be aware of ecological impact of everything we do, we hope that many local parents will be able to walk or cycle to us, or use public transport . We accept this may not be possible for those coming from further away. ​

Prices for Spring 2025 Spring Early bird offer MONDAYS SpringTerm-Part2 Stay and Play 10-12 24/2/25 3/3/25 10/3/25 17/3/25 24/3/25 31/3/25 Early bird offer for all 6 weeks book by 19/2/24 £84. sibling £42 We prefer nominated dates for the convenience of all participants. booked by email to roamingwildforestschool@gmail.com We do not permit ad hoc with less than 24 hours notice as we require pertinent health and emergency contact details before beginning our sessions. TASTER offer for Spring for new participants when there is availability prefer you book 4-weeks (or more) = £58 @ £14.50 per week and for sibling 4 weeks=+ £28 Standard Price depends on platform you are booking through but standard price for less than 4 sessions = £16 per session for carer and child for term-time provision. We reserve the right to change our prices or make Special offer prices to those re-booking or making a long-term committment to Roaming Wild Forest School. Babies Accompanying baby with older child is free for under 1s. Or £8 per session per accompanying adult and infant ) We may offer a Term pass: enquire if available Holiday Sessions are priced on provision, we often offer fire activity in half term with food. Half Term Holiday sessions in St John's 17/2/25- £10 per person. 20/2/25- £10 per person. £10 per participant as this is Stay and Play both Adults and children will be invited to participate. No charge for accompanying infants under 1. with their older siblings. Future events booked/ priced separately Easter Holiday dates will be released soon bookings will open from 21/2/25. Childminder or group bookings please contact us roamingwildforestschool@gmail.com Bespoke events /Collaboration /Freelance engagement please contact us. Book Early for Summer Term offer by 25th March 2025 Monday Stay and Play. Full Term price 21/4/25- 14/7/25= price on application 8 dates or more bookings open from 21/2/25 email roamingwildforestschool@gmail.com

It is quite difficult to get a double buggy through the entrance to the wood as there is a barrier. Some sites are narrower and terrain is bumpy/muddy. Hopefully between us we can help you get through although we adapt to different route if necessary. As with most things it's weather dependant and rain may make the route very hard to negotiate with a pushchair. If you prefer to park it up somewhere, this would of course be at your own risk. Or you may prefer a sling. ​

We are a very small organisation and we will look into registering with Ofsted on the voluntary register if we grow larger or offer activities that require full registration. We are currently offer Stay and play groups/ or events facilitating child led play, for the early years and beyond and while there is no legal obligation to be registered (see this link Providing childcare services in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) We do everything we can currently to ensure that we would be suitable to be a registered organisation. The key fact is that Parents are present and are responsible for their children at all times. (We maintain a safe environment and do not have staff, keep our DBS checks up-to-date and are subscribed to the update system. We also keep our training up-to-date, including safeguarding and First Aid and CPD. Our insurance is renewed annually, and we maintain membership of the professional organisation for Forest school. We have developed our own curriculum which includes so much of the Early years Foundation Stage curriculum. We have a set of full policies and Procedures and essential policies you may request to see them from Hazel.

Yes for Stay and Play sessions but it is up to you which adult attends with your child, you can permit your childminder to attend or your own Father or a friend in "loco Parentis", so long as we have everyone's emergency contact details and medical information in our "All about me" /Admission form and your written permission for that person. ​

We have a commitment to quality forest school and our training has given us the skills and we have developed our experience through further training attending national conferences and local CPD and putting it into practice. We work to their professional standards, including the 6 key Principles laid out by the Forest School Association, where these apply, When we become a larger organisation we may choose to become an accredited provider by applying for the mentoring and fulfilling criteria to become an FSA recognised Provider. We are both members of the Forest School Association as individuals. Nicola has volunteered for the FSA Surrey local group for a number of years

Yes we have flexible offers sometimes for new participants, a chance to experience a full session if they wish, sometimes at an introductory flexible rate. We do not offer free taster sessions but if you happen upon us in the woodland, we would be happy to answer a few questions while encouraging you to book. We suggest booking a minimum of 3 sessions for a taster, as forest school is a long -term learning process. You may however book a single session if there is availability.

You will appreciate that the group needs to get moving and start and if this is your first session you may worry about finding us but you can give us a call/message and you should be able to catch up with the group. We can also give you "what 3 words" for where we are. Please always use the main paths.

Our map points to our main site a beautiful Woodland Trust Wood in Knaphill. Buses Our main site is on the number 48 bus route from Woking via Horsell passing the site near Waterers Park and going on to Frimley/ coming from Frimley you can walk down from Knaphill Tescos or Anchor bus Stop 91 From Woking you can get off at the top of Barnby Road (or from Pirbright get off outside Tescos Knaphil walk if you take 28 from Sainsburies Knaphill 34 stops at the end of Northwood avenue (Westfield Kingfiedl and Woking towncentre We may host some different events, Walks or Woodland Craft groups on different Sites around Woking Borough, or surrounding areas in Surrey. We will always advise you when you book exactly where to meet us and can help you find out about public transport or about Parking when we confirm bookings. ​