If you are like me you have everything crossed that the government roadmap is going to be a reality. The reason for my doubt is that we have all been disappointed so many times in the last year when our plans to see family or go on holiday have been canceled. I think it is important that we keep the belief that the plans we are making now, will happen when the restrictions will begin to lift.
I thought making our own roadmap for when we will start doing sessions would be useful to you.
I hope it is.
For many of my sessions, I collaborate with Siobhan who runs her own Forest School called TreeTops. We work really well together to deliver holiday and weekend sessions.
Primary Schools (Run by Grass Roots)
Since March 8th when all children went back to school, I have started to go back into primary schools to deliver Forest School either on their own site or if they have transport we go to the woods. I offer school blocks of one week. In order to reduce the transmission of Covid-19, I make myself exclusive to that school rather than visiting lots of different schools during the week. I teach through The Wild Passport if schools prefer children to progress on a woodland curriculum.
Woodland Birthday Parties (run by TreeTops and Grass Roots)
We can start holding birthday parties from the 29th of March. If your child has a birthday coming up in April then we currently have some slots available at Bishop Wood, Cawood site and Bluebell Wood, Knaresborough site. More information
Holiday Clubs (run by TreeTops and Grass Roots)
We can also run Holiday Clubs that are open to everyone, not just Key Worker and children that could attend school through 'lockdown'. We will be running Holiday Clubs every school holiday. (North Yorkshire County Council School Term Dates) This is a great opportunity for your child/children to play freely with other children, something that they have really missed in the last year.
We take children from 5 years old at the Holiday Club but if you have a robust 4 year old that you think would love to be outdoors all day then get in touch. This is a great time of year for a child of this age to start staying at Forest School for the day without a parent. The weather is warmer and children are more likely to play out for longer.
Siobhan and I understand that it is a big jump for both of you so when the time is right for you we would love to welcome you to one or both of our sites.
Families who have children with additional needs (run by TreeTops and Grass Roots)
These sessions are classed as support groups and can re-start any time, we just need to secure some funding. It is such a shame that these sessions aren't up and running again. They offer so much to children who desperately need this kind of free play opportunity. We are really putting our thinking caps on for this one. If anyone has any ideas for funding then please get in touch.
Little Shoots (run by Siobhan through TreeTops)
Little Shoots is a pre-school Forest School session for parents and carers to bring their little ones to the woods to play out. It is re-starting on April 16th. Book here
Family days (run by Siobhan through TreeTops)
In the past Siobhan and we have run family themed days such as: The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, The Stickman, 'Dads and lads' day. These may return after May 17th, depending on demand.
Ok so that's it...I hope this is helpful to you and I hope we see you very soon back at Forest School.
Here is a link for you to the roadmap.
Have a lovely weekend.
Sally x
