🦶 Our Barefoot Sensory Station
We believe children learn best when they can feel the world beneath their feet. That’s why we have created a dedicated Barefoot Sensory Station — a unique outdoor trail where children walk through 12 completely different natural surfaces, one after the other. Furthermore, we believe we are one of the very few — if not the only — nursery in London to offer this as a permanent daily feature.
Walking barefoot through natural textures builds body awareness, strengthens feet and ankles, improves balance and coordination, and helps children feel deeply calm and grounded. Moreover, it connects children to the natural world in the most direct and sensory way possible.
Forest School is a child-led, outdoor learning approach that gives children regular opportunities to explore and experience the natural world. At Forest Village Kindergarten — one of London’s leading forest school nurseries, based in Morden, Merton — we believe forest school is not just “playing outside”. Furthermore, it is a structured educational philosophy with trained practitioners, risk-managed activities and a deep belief in children’s ability to learn through nature. Our forest school nursery in SM4 South London serves families across Morden, Wimbledon, Sutton and the surrounding areas.
What Happens in a Forest School Session?
At Forest Village Kindergarten, our forest school sessions take place in Morden Recreation Ground and our private fenced garden every day. Children might be:
- 🌿 Foraging and identifying plantsLearning the names of trees, plants and fungi — building a lifelong connection with the natural world.
- 🐛 Exploring mini beasts and wildlifeTurning over logs, looking under leaves and observing insects, birds and other creatures up close.
- 🌱 Growing vegetables and herbsPlanting, watering, tending and harvesting in our garden — understanding where food comes from.
- 🎨 Creating wild artUsing natural materials — mud, bark, leaves, berries and stones — to make art in and with nature.
- 🌧️ Going out in all weathersRain, wind, frost and sunshine — all weather is forest school weather. Children learn to embrace and understand the seasons.
Why is Forest School so Good for Children?
- Builds confidence and resilienceTaking managed risks outdoors — climbing, balancing, using tools — helps children develop genuine self-belief and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
- Develops physical healthFresh air, movement and outdoor play every day supports healthy bodies, strong immune systems and excellent gross motor development.
- Supports emotional wellbeingNature is calming. Furthermore, research consistently shows that time outdoors reduces anxiety, improves mood and helps children self-regulate their emotions.
- Encourages curiosity and creativityThe natural world is endlessly fascinating. As a result, children who spend time in nature develop stronger curiosity, imagination and creative thinking.
- Builds social skillsWorking together on outdoor projects — building, exploring, problem solving — develops communication, cooperation and empathy.
- Connects children with natureChildren who grow up connected to nature are more likely to care for the environment as adults. Moreover, this connection brings a sense of wonder that lasts a lifetime.
Forest School at Forest Village Kindergarten
What makes us truly special is that we have a full-time dedicated forest school teacher — so children benefit from expert-led forest school sessions every day except Wednesday. In addition, forest school is not a separate activity that happens once a week — it is woven into everything we do, every single day. Furthermore, our forest school approach is combined with Montessori, Waldorf and Aware Parenting — creating a uniquely rich environment where children develop in every way.
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