This summer, we are delighted to offer a Steiner-inspired Forest School programme in our beautiful community woodland beside Nant-y-Cwm Steiner School.

Rooted in a Steiner-inspired approach, the programme is designed to support the whole child through a healthy balance of rhythm, freedom, creativity and practical activity, in a way that nurtures curiosity and wonder, while building confidence, resilience, creativity, teamwork and connection with the natural world.

Time spent outdoors in this way can bring enormous benefits as they meet small challenges and take managed risks. They strengthen their social skills and friendships through shared games, teamwork and imaginative play. They also deepen their connection to the natural world through direct experience of the woods, the weather, the seasons and the living environment around them. Away from screens and the busyness of modern life, children are given space to move, create, explore and simply be.

Above all, the programme aims to offer children a joyful and memorable summer experience: one that is adventurous, grounding, socially rich and full of wonder.

What children will gain

• Confidence and independence outdoors
• Resilience and self-esteem through challenge and achievement
• Friendships and teamwork through shared experiences
• Creativity and imagination through nature-based play and craft
• Practical skills in the woodland environment
• A deeper connection with nature, the seasons and the place around them

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Dates

Running across 6 days, over 2 weeks:

Wednesday 22 July to Friday 24 July 2026,

and again from 

Wednesday 29 July to Friday 31 July 2026

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Timings

9:00 – 15:30

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Pricing

We have tried to keep this programme as accessible as possible, while also reflecting the care, staffing and quality of the experience being offered across all six days. Children can attend for 3 or 6 days (children who attend 6 days will progress into deeper and more sophisticated content and skills).

Early Bird rate:

£300 for the full 6 day programme
£150 for 3 days over 1 week
(Available until 31 May 2026)

Standard Rate: Applies from 1 June 2026 –  £360 for the full 6 day programme or £180 for 3 days

We hope the early bird rate offers families a helpful saving, while also enabling us to plan well and create the best possible experience for the children.

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Booking

Places are limited and we expect interest to be high, so early booking is encouraged.

To secure the early bird rate, please book by 31 May 2026. After this date, places will still be available subject to capacity, at the standard rate.

We would love to welcome your child for a summer of outdoor adventure, creativity, friendship and connection with nature.

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Draft Programme Summary

Indicative Content Across 3 or 6 Days

The draft programme will likely include the following areas of learning and activity:

Circle time
Getting to know each other in a sharing circle, aided with conversation cards/games aimed at building on emotional intelligence and confidence in public speaking in a nurtured space. 

Woodland orientation and nature connection
Games, site exploration, habitat discovery, sensory activities and observation of the natural world. 

Shelter building and teamwork
Collaborative den and shelter building, problem-solving tasks, simple knot work and group challenges. 

Fire and practical outdoor skills
Fire circle routines, gathering and preparing materials, supervised fire-lighting and simple campfire-based activity or food preparation. 

Foraging and seasonal awareness
Guided exploration of seasonal plants and natural resources, with an emphasis on respect, observation and responsible engagement. Opportunities to cook with and create arts/crafts from foraged items 

Nature crafts and heritage skills
Creative work using natural materials, with scope for traditional or heritage-inspired crafts such as weaving, simple woodwork or other handcraft activities.

Story, music and reflection
Shared storytelling, songs, quiet reflection and celebration to support group cohesion and deepen the sense of connection and enjoyment. 

Free play
An important element of the day is to give the children freedom to play as they wish within the boundaries of the site and with observation from the team. 

Suggested Daily Rhythm

A typical day will follow this structure:

• Welcome circle, morning movement and settling activity
• Group game
• Fire lighting, fruit chopping
• Snack
• Activities on offer / or choice for free play/exploration
• Lunch
• Activities on offer / or choice for free play/exploration
• Closing reflection, story or song

The main essence is to provide children with a beautiful woodland setting to explore, free play and let their imaginations blossom. Facilitators will have activities, games and crafts on offer for the children to engage with as they wish, whilst also ensuring a safe, nurturing and fun space. 

Age Range and Differentiation

As the programme is intended for children aged 6–14, activities will be differentiated appropriately. Younger children might access the programme through play, movement, story and simpler practical tasks, while older children might take on greater responsibility, challenge and independence in areas such as more complex shelter building, fire craft and tool related activities.

Intended Outcomes

By the end of the six days, children would have had opportunities to:

• grow in confidence and self-belief outdoors
• strengthen communication and teamwork
• develop practical woodland skills
• engage creatively with natural materials
• build resilience through supported challenge
• deepen their connection to the natural world