About us
Founded in May 2019 by Nicky our company director. Our provision was born in Reddish Vale Park as a baby & toddler club. We have grown and flourished and continue to do so! Our forest school offers a unique approach to learning, providing children with opportunities to take risks and explore their environment in a safe and guided way. Join us and watch your child grow in confidence and resilience!
We are proud to be an OFSTED registered childcare provider, offering a range of sessions across different sites in Stockport and Manchester. Our forest school programs are designed to encourage children to learn about our natural world, fostering a love of learning and a desire to explore.
Our experienced staff create a safe and supportive environment for children to build their confidence and learn important life skills. We believe that access to nature is essential for childhood development, and we strive to provide the best in outdoor education for children.
Welcome to kids go wild
Hey there! I'm Nicola Farrell, the creator of Kids Go Wild, which was born in May 2019. Let me take you on a quick trip through how our forest school came about:
My journey began with a BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University and continued with a PGDE in Liverpool, where I became a certified teacher. Fast forward over 10 years, and here I am, with many years of experience working in Early Years settings and schools.
Inspiration struck during a teacher training trip to Sweden. Imagine this: outdoor learning was a big deal, not just a quick play session. It was every day, all day, rain or shine. The education system there was so refreshing, with a flexible timetable and a curriculum that followed the kids' interests through play. And formal schooling didn't start until kids were 6! And guess what? Their results tables were (and still are) pretty impressive - even better than ours in the UK!
After I returned, I signed up for a two-week placement at an outdoor Forest School in Croxteth, Liverpool, where kids were thriving without any indoor facilities. Streams, bridges, flora, fauna – you name it, they had it.
I carried on with my teacher training and qualified in June 2015. After teaching at a traditional school for four years, dealing with some challenging situations, and adding a pregnancy (my eldest, Lyla) into the mix, I decided it was time to give Forest School a go.
In 2018, I started my Forest School training with an inspirational tutor and began organising toddler stay and play sessions in Reddish Vale, eventually expanding to forest school holiday clubs and birthday parties. The demand quickly grew, with most of our sessions selling out. I knew from the first day of my course that this was the career for me.
Fast forward to today, and Kids Go Wild has evolved into an OFSTED-registered, completely outdoor nursery, home-education group, holiday club and more. We are always learning & developing, we have a tight-knit team who are all passionate about outdoor education. Our parents, children and all our customers are so important to us and we strive to offer a superb service to all.
We can't wait to keep nurturing more little adventurers in the great outdoors! 🌿✨
-Nicola
What is forest school?
Learner-inspired, hands-on experiences
Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk-taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.
The journey
The process helps and facilitates more than knowledge-gathering, it helps learners develop socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically and intellectually. It creates a safe, non-judgemental nurturing environment for learners to try new things, develop a "can do" attitude and take risks.
Forest School inspires a deep and meaningful connection to the world and an understanding of how a learner fits within it. Our approach to risk means that learners constantly expand on their abilities by solving real-world issues and building self-belief and resilience. We believe that risk is more than just potential for physical harm, but a more holistic thing, there are risks in everything we do, and we grow by overcoming them.
Forest School, therefore, helps participants to become, healthy, resilient, creative and independent learners. There is lots of research out there to support the outcomes of Forest School, but we know that it isn’t just the educational outcomes and research that matter, our learners and leaders love it too!
(Taken from The Forest School Association)
the 6 forest school princples
Long term
Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits. The cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
Holistic
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Practioner-led
Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
The Environment
Forest School takes place in a natural or woodland environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Risk Benefit
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Learner-centred
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
Meet the team
Our passionaite staff team bring a mix of qualifications, skills, backgrounds, and experiences and most of us are either already Level 3 forest school trained or enrolled in the training. We are dedicated to continuous professional development and our most recent training is in childhood developmental trauma.
Company Director & Setting Manager
Nicola Farrell
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BA Hons Early Childhood Studies
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Qualified Primary School Teacher
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Over 10 years of Early Years experience
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Level 3 Forest School Leader
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Safer Recruitment Lead
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Outdoor & Paediatric First Aid Trained
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Designated Safeguarding Leader
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SENCO
Deputy Manager
Emily Hall
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Level 3 Diploma in childcare and playwork
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Over 10 years of Early Years experience
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Level 3 Forest School Leader
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Outdoor & Paediatric First Aid Trained
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Deputy Safeguarding Leader
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Nursery Key Worker
Nursery Key Worker & Forest School Leader
Kate Hutchinson
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Level 3 Forest School Leader
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Qualified Primary School Teacher
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Outdoor & Paediatric First Aid Trained
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Nursery Key Worker
Home-Education Key Worker & Forest School Leader
Lindsay Isherwood
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Level 3 Forest School Leader
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Safer Recruitment Team Member
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Qualified Primary School Teacher
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Developmental Trauma Professional
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Deputy Safeguarding Leader
Holiday Club Forest School Assistant
Fern McEwan
Fern works at our holiday clubs, she is a trainee primary school teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Holiday Club Forest School Leader
Allyson Smith
Allyson helps support our holiday clubs, she is an experienced ex primary school teacher with Level 3 Forest School leadership qualification. She is specifically talented and dedicated in working with our SEND children and often supports those who have 1:1 support with us.
Setting Manager
Helen Massey
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Qualified Primary Teacher
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Over 10 years of Primary School experience
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Outdoor & Paediatric First Aid Trained
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Nursery Key Worker
Deputy Manager
Mandy Marsden
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Level 3 Forest School Leader
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Mother Nurture Key Worker
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Outdoor & Paediatric First Aid Trained
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Brownie Leader
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Safer Recruitment Team Member
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Level 3 Diploma in childcare
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Developmental Trauma Professional
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Deputy Safeguarding Lead
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Nursery Key Worker
Nursery Key Worker
Jenna Tilt
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Qualified Primary School Teacher
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Outdoor & Paediatric First Aid Trained
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Nursery Key Worker
Home-Education Key Worker & Trainee Level 3 Forest School Leader
Naomi Shove
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Trainee Level 3 Forest School Leader
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Level 3 diploma in Teaching Assistant
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Developmental Trauma Professional
Holiday Club Forest School Assistant
Ruben Smith
Ruben came to us as a childcare student on placement, he was so brilliant with the children he now joins us for holiday club work, he is a fantastic asset to our team.
Our curriculums
At Kids Go Wild, we wholeheartedly embrace the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, with play at its core. However we are in the process of creating our own bespoke forest school curriculum.
Our approach emphasizes outdoor play throughout the day, creating a unique environment for children to explore, discover, and develop essential skills. In this setting, children engage in imaginative play, take risks, and problem-solve independently or collaboratively.
Our dedicated team play a crucial role, offering time, space, and a variety of open-ended resources to inspire creativity. Adults observe and participate when invited, valuing play and fostering safe yet challenging environments that support and extend children's learning and development.
Supporting SEN and disabilities
Given the physical aspects of our activities, certain disabilities and additional needs, such as physical disabilities, may pose challenges for some children to fully participate in our sessions.
However, we have successfully welcomed many children with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, and various other needs. If you're considering enrollment for a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), we encourage you to reach out or schedule a visit. This way, we can assess the child's specific needs and determine if our learning environment can safely and effectively support them.
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Should I send my child to Forest School?Absolutely! Forest school helps kids become more independent and curious learners. It's great for focusing, building confidence, developing social skills, language and communication, motivation and concentration, and keeping bodies active with all that outdoor fun. Many early concerns will go away as your child adjusts to a new routine and environment and you will soon see huge benefits both from the outdoor time spent as well as the new and fresh experiences.
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What are some things to consider before joining a Forest School?Forest Schools offer an amazing chance for kids to dive into nature, nurturing their independence, curiosity, and love for learning. Sure, there might be a bit of rain now and then, and we'll need to keep an eye out for safety, but the benefits are huge. Kids thrive outdoors, building resilience, making friends, and falling in love with the great outdoors. It's all about hands-on learning, exploring, and sparking that lifelong passion for discovery. With the right support, we truly believe our Forest School can transform your child's education and give them a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
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How does forest school differ from regular schooling?Forest School and regular outdoor learning have four key differences: 1. Approach to learning: Forest School focuses on child-led exploration, letting kids engage with nature at their own pace. Regular schooling tends to have more structured activities set by teachers. 2. Duration and frequency: Forest School sessions happen regularly over a long period, allowing for deep connections with nature. In contrast, other learning institutions offer it but it's often shorter and less frequent, like occasional field trips. 3. Environment: Forest School mainly takes place in woodlands, while regular outdoor learning can happen in various outdoor spaces, not always natural ones. 4. Social and emotional focus: Forest School places a big emphasis on social and emotional skills, like teamwork and resilience, in a natural setting. While regular outdoor learning also promotes these skills, Forest School offers a more immersive experience. Many educators and parents believe that the benefits of Forest Schools, including enhanced learning experiences, connection with nature, and holistic development, outweigh the challenges.
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How do I find you?Take a look at our locations for specific details on how to access our sites. DENTON, MANCHESTER Site alongside Denton West End Cricket Club, closest postcode - M34 2HB https://www.kidsgowildforestschool.com/denton-manchester HEATON MOOR STOCKPORT Heaton's School St James Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 4RE https://www.kidsgowildforestschool.com/east-didsbury-manchester
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What's happened to the Abney Scout & Guide Centre location?Sadly our Abney Scout & Guide Centre location is closed as of July 31st 2024. Our two locations in Denton and the Heatons are active and we look forward to welcoming children there! Read blog for more details.
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Do you have an indoor space?No, we have no indoor space at all - we use large shelters on wet days.
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What age is this for?Forest School is accessible for all ages, however there are certain ages that are more specific for specific ages. You can find these listed here.
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Can two adults attend?Yes we do not have a restriction on the number of adults that can attend with a child. Our woodlands are very large and more than one adult is more than welcome.
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How should I dress my child?It's important to know our sessions are completely outdoors in all weathers except high winds. We do have shelters for very wet days but waterproofs are a must! Dress the children in appropriate clothing for the weather. It is important to remember however that layers are important and if the children arrive in unsuitable clothing and are cold, we may have to phone you to collect them from the setting. In colder weather, we recommend thermal base layers, warm layers of clothing including fleece jumpers, snowsuits, snow boots and thermal socks, plus hat, gloves and scarf. Wellies and snow boots are also recommended. Our top tips are – tuck everything in! tuck pants into socks, tuck tops into pants, no skin should be left exposed to the cold. Snowsuit/coat should be slightly big so that it isn’t too snug to the skin (to provide proper insulation). In hotter weather, you will need to provide a sun hat and sun cream. Change your language of how you/others around your child talk about the weather in front of them, don’t say things like “it’s raining we can’t go outside”, or “it’s too cold today”, rather talk about what clothing you would need to play in certain weathers, or things you could do to keep warm. Please send your child with a set of spare clothes along with a water bottle. We do provide snacks but parents usually send a little snack with them too. More details found here: https://www.kidsgowildforestschool.com/weatherpolicy
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What food will be provided?At our weekly stay and plays, we provide snacks and drinks but you can also bring one too if you want to. Holiday club and nursery children will need a packed lunch, spare clothes and a water bottle.
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How do you handle toileting?We are an inclusive setting, and we would not exclude any child for not being toilet trained. However, if children are toilet trained, it is very beneficial when attending this setting. Due to the sheer size of the site, we have two options for toileting, we use the indoor toilet facilities in the building (using the outdoor entrance), and we have a toilet tent. The toilet tent is a secure small tent with a potty inside, we have introduced this to our children to support them when they are learning to use the toilet, and for ease of speed getting them to it! As you will be aware the kit the children are wearing in winter is not a quick up and down, and it takes time to peel off the layers! When toilet training time is of the essence, so we will work with you and your child, wherever they are in that journey. We will advise from experience the last couple of years that if your child joins in Autumn/Winter and is not yet toilet trained it may be best to wait until the Summer, it is extremely difficult for the child to continue good progress with toilet training when wearing a number of layers of clothing and also on such a large site and may be far away from a toilet. For nappy changes and pull up changes/changes of wet clothing we will use the indoor toilets, for privacy and warmth and comfort of the child. All of our staff are qualified and experienced to provide these levels of intimate care and have of course all been DBS checked. If your child is still in nappies, you will need to provide these when they start. We will let you know when they are running out so that we always have enough on site. We will provide wipes, unless you have a specific type that your child needs to use, you will also need to provide a nappy cream suitable for your child’s skin, should they need it to be applied during changes.
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How do you handle nap times?Although we don’t have use of an indoor building, we do endeavour to provide areas for the children to rest, and sleep if they need to. We have large parachutes that we put up on wet/cold weather days where the children can sit around the camp fire and keep warm. We also have a double gazebo with sides, and camping tents that we use for nap times, with floor tarpaulins and camping mats, with sleeping mats on top, in winter we also use sleeping bags, depending on the temperature we would likely take the children’s snow suits off when putting them in the sleeping bags. We also have extra blankets for colder days. In Summer we may just create an area of shade with tarpaulin den sheets and have our sleep area under here. Each child will have their own sleep mat, with a cot sheet over it and their own individual sleeping bag/blanket for hygiene reasons, these will be washed weekly after use. We also sometimes create cosy areas, we have pillows and blankets where we can set up cosy corners with story books and teddy’s. Sometimes we find children struggle to fall asleep in the tents/gazebo, so we also have use of a double buggy. We already have some children on site who nap, please let us know before starting up if your child naps or not, you will be given a sleep questionnaire on sign up which includes details of what time of day, how they prefer to go to sleep, if they have a comforter, etc. and we will do our best to create the same for them whilst they are with us.
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What other activities/outings are part of the Mother Nurture nursery?We are a forest school, and believe in the children accessing the learning surrounding this ethos when with us. However, we are also a Nursery, and are governed by the EYFS curriculum and OFSTED. For this reason, and because we believe in providing the best and most diverse learning experiences for the children in our care, we frequently go on outings in the local community. Outings include local parks, playgrounds, care homes and the library, post office and other areas in the community. These outings are opportunities for us as practitioners to see learning that we may not see while at our setting. And enable all the children in our care to access different life experiences. We always need volunteers to help us on these outings, please let us know if you would like to volunteer. Thorough risk assessments will take place for these outings and we will remain with our high staff: child ratio at all times.