Question 1

What is Forest School

Accepted Answer

Forest School involves child-led activities in a natural space, where the free parts lend themselves to the child's imagination. The Leader will provide resources and demonstrate activities but the child is free to participate in ways that suit them. Leaders encourage investigation and exploration.

Question 2

What age range is Squirrels suitable for?

Accepted Answer

Squirrels is for children from around 18 months (who are confidently walking), up to school age. Our Foxes Forest School is for ages 5-7 to complement home education. For ages 8-11, we recommend our 'Be Wild' family sessions. Please contact thehive@walthamforest.gov.uk or see our Eventbrite listings

Question 3

What is the difference between Squirrels and Foxes Forest School?

Accepted Answer

Squirrels Forest School has more time for free play and Foxes has more structured activities to target the EYFS Framework. Foxes specifically caters for home-educated families and covers a higher age range than Squirrels. Both compliment Nursery and home education, depending on your child's needs.

Question 4

Can older or younger siblings attend?

Accepted Answer

Younger siblings can attend free of charge but older siblings who are actively participating, will still need to pay.

Question 5

What type of activities take place in Forest School?

Accepted Answer

Regular free-choice play includes mud kitchen and water play, hammocks, dens, tree swing, bug hunting. There is also usually a combination of story, trail or craft on a theme of the week. In colder months, we offer a campfire but during summer we spend longer in the woods instead.

Question 6

What is expected of attending adults?

Accepted Answer

The Forest School Leader will provide resources, activities and keep an overall eye on safety. However, it is the attending adults' responsibility to supervise their child throughout. We encourage adults to play alongside, but also give children space to follow their interests instead of directing.

Question 7

What should we wear?

Accepted Answer

Layers of clothing that you don't mind getting muddy and a pair of wellies are ideal. (We will go in the stream most days.) Layers allow you to adjust if you are too hot/cold. Waterproofs keep out the wind, rain and splashes. As adults are less active, they often get colder so remember yourself!

Question 8

What else should we bring?

Accepted Answer

Your usual pack of snacks and drinks, and a change of clothes if your child loves getting really messy. Sun cream or insect repellant in warmer months. In Autumn and Spring term we will have a campfire so bring something to toast on a stick e.g. bread-based foods, Babybel, pre-cooked sausages.

Question 9

Is there a baby-change or accessible facilities?

Accepted Answer

At the start and end of the session you will have access to our toilets, including an accessible toilet with baby change table. There are no toilets in the forest, so you may choose to bring a porta-potty or go in the woods. We will not be far from the center if you need to go back and use toilets.

Question 10

Is there a cafe or can I bring a picnic?

Accepted Answer

There is no cafe or shop on site. The nearest eateries are The Owl pub at Lippet's Hill (family-friendly) and options at High Beech (tea hut and The Oak pub). We cannot guarantee you can stay for a picnic on site, if we have other groups in.

Question 11

Is there parking or public transport?

Accepted Answer

We have free on-site parking but this is limited so please consider car-sharing. Please park in the white car park bays and avoid blocking gates. We have a cycle rack for your use. The nearest public transport hub is Chingford station: a 3km walk through the Forest on primarily hard-surface tracks.

Question 12

When should we arrive?

Accepted Answer

We advise arriving 10 minutes before the start so you can get dressed into your outdoor clothes and use the toilets. If you are running late, please let us know by calling 0208 508 0611 or texting 073 4544 0908.

Question 13

Do sessions run in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

We run in most weather, so please check the forecast and dress appropriately. We modify activities to the conditions on the day. In extreme weather, we may cancel or run an alternate session indoors. We will offer you a refund or exchange event if WE cancel.

Question 14

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

If you cancel more than 7 days prior to your block booking or individual session, we can refund you (minus the booking fee). If you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice, you will be charged in full. We do not offer partial refunds for block bookings but it is cost-effective, even if you miss some.

Squirrels Forest School - Spring Term 2026

Good to know

Location

The Hive

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