Be Free Forest School
Where Joy Leads Learning
and forest school.
Social skills & Communication
Knowledge & understanding
Confidence & motivation
Physical skills
At Be Free Forest School, children have time. Time to notice. Time to wonder. Time to build, fail, try again and master something real. Forest School is not a lesson delivered outdoors. It’s a different rhythm of learning – one rooted in relationship, repetition, supported risk and deep play. Over week and seasons, children grow in confidence, knowledge and self-belief because their experiences are lived, not simulated. They return muddy, tired and lit up with stories. Screen-free, sensory-rich. This is where awe and curiosity spark understanding. This is where a love of learning is reignited.
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Schools - Partner with us
We partner with schools who believe that:
• Learning should be joyful as well as rigorous
• Play is serious work
• Resilience grows through real challenge
• Not all progress can be measured in data
• Some children need a different setting and pedagogy to thrive
Forest School pedagogy is nurturing and distinct from mainstream classroom systems.
For children who are not currently thriving indoors, it often offers a way to experience competence, belonging and success.
We work best in partnership with schools committed to long-term provision, because transformative impact takes time.
Alternative Provision & EOTAS
We offer bespoke Forest School provision for young people accessing education outside mainstream settings,
including those supported through EOTAS packages and EHCP provision.
Sessions are relationship-led, structured and responsive, providing a calm environment where young people
can rebuild confidence, develop regulation and experience success through meaningful, real-world tasks.
Provision is tailored in collaboration with learners, families and professionals to ensure clarity, consistency and purpose.
Community Provision
We offer bespoke Forest School provision for young people accessing education outside mainstream settings,
including those supported through EOTAS packages and EHCP provision.
Sessions are relationship-led, structured and responsive, providing a calm environment where young people
can rebuild confidence, develop regulation and experience success through meaningful, real-world tasks.
Provision is tailored in collaboration with learners, families and professionals to ensure clarity, consistency and purpose.
Forest School, true to its principles
Our programmes are guided by the core principles of Forest School
We don’t replicate classroom
teaching in the woods.
Instead, we create rich experiential contexts that deepen curriculum knowledge over time. When children revisit Ash, Oak and Birch across seasons, they build mastery. When they cook on fire, build structures or identify wildlife through direct encounter, knowledge becomes meaningful and memorable.
The outcomes are powerful. But the process matters just as much.
Befreeforestschool
4.3
8 Reviews
First Forest Camp
Our daughter went to the camp, she just loved it! she came back with a big smile every day and many things to tell us about her days. I wish I could sent her longer to this camp as it is really different from the others. It’s lovely to be surrounded by genuine people interested and passionate about what they are doing and not just doing the usual box(es) ticking! Looking forward to the next camp!
My Daughter was nervous to go..
My Daughter was nervous to go... Alas...Jude made her feel so comfilortable...she cried and didnt want to come home! Best kids club day my daughter has had in a long time. Top Marks. Thanks again Jude.
What an exciting place for children
Every time half term comes around, my daughter and I can’t wait for forest school to open again! She has the absolute best time there, and you can clearly see it on her face after pick-up. Jude and the team are incredible, and we trust them completely to provide a safe, friendly and educational environment for children. Thank you, Jude!
Who we are
Jude
Director, Level 3 Forest School Leader - Click on my name to learn more!
Jude
Director, Level 3 Forest School Leader - Click on my name to learn more!
Jaci
Level 2 Forest School Assistant - Click on my name to learn more!
Jaci
Level 2 Forest School Assistant - Click on my name to learn more!
Nicola
Level 3 Forest School Leader - Click on my name to learn more!
Nicola
Level 3 Forest School Leader - Click on my name to learn more!
Sarah
Trainee Forest School Leader - Click on my name to learn more!
Sarah
Trainee Forest School Leader - Click on my name to learn more!
FAQs
We run sessions for schools (primary and secondary). Community sessions (Cheshunt and surrounding areas) are on the horizon for 2023 – join our mailing list to be kept in the loop.
We’re working on it. Join our mailing list and you’ll be the first to know if we set up a local alternative learning session.
No. In short, Forest School is only magical and transformative when participants’ experience is over time, 6 weeks minimum. We work hard to uphold the Forest School Association’s golden 6 principles, which is why we can call ourselves a Forest School provider.
Everyone can benefit from Forest School, and our experience ranges from little ones 2+ and parents, KS1, KS2 and nurture groups in KS3 too.
Warm layers in the winter, hat, gloves, warm shoes. Sun hat, long trousers and covered shoulders in the summer. If we are delivering FS sessions at your child’s school, you’ll be given detailed information and kit list too.
Forest School is sustained by people who care deeply. If you are training, curious, or feel drawn to contribute your time and energy, we invite you to reach out and start a conversation.