about us
welcome to little foxes forest school
Our outdoor nurseries offer children the chance to connect with nature and become confident, resilient and independent learners. We believe that children are never happier or healthier than when playing outdoors. It is our aim to give children growing up in Bristol access to beautiful, natural woodland and green spaces, providing an environment for them to grow, learn, explore and develop in.
We are founded, run and managed by two ex-primary school teachers who have young families of our own. We both have seen first hand the benefits of outdoor learning and we hope that our settings offer you the kind of experience we would want for our own children. Little Foxes Forest School follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) and we operate within a safe and secure environment. We only employ staff who share our joint passion for bringing the best out in children, and a love of the great outdoors.
Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain
how will children be learning at little foxes?
We are proud to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum to our children through the outdoor environment. Our focus is on building children's self esteem, independence, social skills and physical and mental wellbeing. Our outdoor settings provide us with plentiful opportunities for this as well as literacy and numeracy based activities. Numbers and counting can be taught through collecting and sorting natural objects, stories created from fairy doors and there are plenty of opportunities for den building, cooking and real-life first hand experiences.
Learning is child-led and play-based. We invite experts into the settings on a monthly basis to offer extra enriching experiences for the children. Topics include woodwork, ukulele, yoga, photography and so much more.
safety
The safety of your children is our upmost priority. We will have a ratio of one adult to every five children in our Pre-School, over double the recommended amount for this age range. Our Mini Foxes (2.5 -3 years) have a ratio of one adult to every four children. Children wear brightly coloured clothing provided at registration, and all staff are able to communicate with each other using walkie talkies. Staff are all up to date with their paediatric First Aid training. If the weather is deemed too adverse (high winds or storms) we retreat indoors to the warmth and safety of our indoor space.
We encourage the children to take ownership of their own safety. Each morning as part of the routine we will work with the children to perform a safety sweep of the day's camp area and discuss boundaries for their play. Children's involvement in this process increases their awareness of their surroundings.
food
We are passionate about wholesome, healthy and nutritious food. Our lunches are home cooked fresh daily by our dedicated chef Claire who brings the food to the forest for the children to eat. Children at Little Foxes are encouraged to be incredibly involved with the preparation of our dishes. From picking wild garlic to make pesto with, to making crumble with hand picked blackberries, the children's participation helps them to make connections between nature and the kitchen. Hearty and healthy snacks are provided as part of your fees and menus change seasonally.
Here for everyone
We are an inclusive setting. If your child has additional needs we look forward to working closely with you to ensure your child meets their full potential.
Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator is Stacey Parsons. She is happy to talk through with you any further questions you may have regarding out provision for children with SEND.
The Bristol SEND Local Offer website is information in one place about what help and support there is in the local area for children and young people with special educational needs or a disability (SEND). It’s for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein
clothing
As part of your registration fee you will receive a set of high quality all-season waterproof clothing from top brands Didriksons or Spotty Otter. We also provide you with a kit list each season to help you know how best to pack for your child.
rain
When it rains the children pop up their hoods and carry on playing. The woods are very sheltered so more often than not they don't notice the rain. We have sheltered areas and cosy tents, but we find that most of the time the children want to splash, stomp, bug hunt and get muddy.
toileting
The children at Little Foxes use special camping style toilets and potties. These are situated within our outdoor toilet tent. Warm water and soap is provided to wash hands with. There are also toilet facilities available at our indoor base within Stoke Park Primary School.
