Business Details
Outdoor Child Care & Forest School in Dorset
Elves & Fairies Woodland Nursery is an outdoor nursery and forest school dedicated to fostering holistic child development through immersive nature-based learning. Established in a serene woodland setting, we prioritise experiential education that aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage goals while nurturing creativity, confidence, and environmental awareness. Our approach combines structured and self-directed outdoor activities with purposeful indoor sessions during extreme weather, ensuring children engage deeply with natural surroundings. With a high adult-to-child ratio, we create secure environments where children explore freely, develop social skills, and build resilience through play.Our curriculum integrates literacy, mathematics, physical development, and expressive arts, all facilitated by qualified educators trained in forest school leadership and early years care. We maintain strong partnerships with families, offering toddler group introductions and open days to foster community connections. Regular campfire activities, seasonal crafts, and woodland adventures form core elements of our pedagogy, which has been recognised through positive Ofsted inspections. By balancing structured learning with unstructured exploration, we help children achieve their full potential while cultivating lifelong appreciation for nature.
Services
Forest School
Outdoor Nursery
Toddler Group
Adventure Sessions
Nature Education
Highlights and features
- We offer forest school sessions led by Level 3 qualified leaders with childcare expertise
- Our high adult-to-child ratio ensures individualised attention and safety
- We integrate EYFS requirements with natural environment learning opportunities
- We provide seasonal outdoor activities that develop physical and creative skills
- Our approach combines structured curriculum with self-directed nature exploration
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Safe and caring environment
Creative and imaginative play
Detailed learning journals
Seasonal nature activities
Positive transition support
Services
Forest School
Our forest school programme delivers holistic child development through regular woodland sessions. Children engage in shelter building, nature crafts, and campfire activities that build confidence and environmental awareness. Qualified leaders facilitate self-directed exploration alongside structured learning aligned with educational standards.
Outdoor Nursery
This woodland-based nursery combines free play with curriculum-guided activities for early years education. Children develop physical skills through outdoor exploration while meeting learning goals through natural material interactions and seasonal observations.
Toddler Group
Weekly outdoor sessions introduce toddlers to nature through walks, songs, and seasonal crafts. Parents participate in guided woodland activities while children develop social skills through peer interactions and sensory exploration in forest environments.
Adventure Sessions
Seasonal day programmes offer themed woodland adventures for children aged 3-11. Activities include den building, nature games, and campfire cooking that develop teamwork and outdoor skills while maintaining curriculum connections through experiential learning.
Nature Education
Our curriculum integrates natural elements across all learning areas. Children develop literacy through nature stories, mathematical understanding through woodland observations, and creative expression through organic art materials in both structured and spontaneous learning contexts.
People
Kirsteen Freer
Owner/Manager
Forest School Leader with Level 3 qualification and extensive childcare experience. Holds Diploma in Teaching Music and multiple safety certifications. Manages daily operations and educational direction.
Claudia Shallcross
Deputy Manager
NVQ 3 qualified childcare professional with expertise in safeguarding and food hygiene. Leads kindergarten sessions while working towards Forest School Leader Level 3 accreditation.
Jen Thick
Deputy Manager
Holds Level 5 health and social care qualification with specialist forest school training. Focuses on outdoor safety and nutritional education within early years settings.
Karen Lane
Deputy Manager
BA Hons graduate in Early Years education with Forest School Leader Level 3 certification. Specialises in child development and outdoor learning methodologies.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We accept children from 1 year old through to 11 years, with specific programmes for toddlers, kindergarten, and holiday sessions.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have childcare qualifications (NVQ 3 or higher) with multiple holding Forest School Leader certifications and specialist early years training.
How do you handle bad weather?
We operate outdoors in most weather with shelter options available. Extreme conditions use our indoor Bothy or village hall facilities.
Are meals provided during sessions?
Snacks and seasonal cooking activities are included. Adventure days include lunch with dietary requirements accommodated.
Can parents attend sessions?
Yes, parents participate in toddler group sessions and are welcome to accompany children during initial nursery settling-in periods.
How do you support educational development?
Our curriculum integrates EYFS goals through nature-based activities that develop literacy, numeracy, and creative skills in outdoor contexts.
Reviews (4)
Sarah Queenan
Jun 09, 2019
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My sons have attended the Adventure In The Woods days over the holidays and just love it. At the end of the day they have so many things to tell me, are so relaxed and have that healthy and happy tired glow that only a day of fresh air and the freedom to explore nature can bring. They look forward to returning again soon.
Jo-Ann Crews
Apr 12, 2019
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Dylan had such a fantastic time yesterday. he is a city boy and I like him and his brother to explore the outside world. this forest school allows this and allows them to have some independence at the same time. well done guys for a fantastic school.
Sally Francis
Jun 12, 2018
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Brilliant and so so refreshing to see and hear about..I taught in around 200 schools... this is so so needed... what a wonderful example you all are to the world.. We are part of nature and always will be .No child is designed to sit in a box and not move.. Wishing you so much success and all the best.. Conscious women leaders for children.. and a love of the earth.. Great work you are doing on so many levels.. I will be writing about education in the future and this is how it should be :) .
Louisa Critchlow
Feb 13, 2018
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If my children could spend the rest of their schooling experience here I'd be the happiest Mum on the planet. I was so sad when their learning journey had to end and school began as there are numerous wonderful benefits to this enchanting place. Surrounded by the Beauty of nature with dedicated inspirational Staff and nutritious food with opportunities for imagination surrounding the children, it's just paradise. I am so Happy that ofsted saw all the benefits and this place is thriving, it absolutely deserves every success.
