Wise Oak Forest School

What is Family Forest Play? This 2 hour session brings families of all ages together in a woodland for open-ended good old-fashioned free play. Some families like to play as a family unit, some children go off and explore alone or with other children and some families join other families in their quests to have fun. Either way it's the perfect way to have children lead the play. Sometimes we climb, make clay, swing, explore. Some times we set off to do one thing but another thing takes our fancy and that's OK. We provide ropes, cords, tarps, hammocks, woodland ID charts, activity guide sheets and access to the brook to help you play but those are not always necessary to enjoy your time. Towards the end of our session, we come together to toast marshmallows over the campfire and share what we have enjoyed. We also like to share ideas for future visits. At the moment, we don't have any toilet facilities. Please take the time to read the Terms and Conditions of this Event.

This club is for children age 5-16 who love the outdoors. Set in a fantastic 6 acre woodland in Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan. Wise Oak Forest School Holiday Club is a place where children connect, not only with people but with nature too. There's time for free play and exploration. Time for creativity and acquiring new skills. It's a place were children feel heard and valued as part of a community. It's a place where laughter can be heard from all around. Our day begins at the log circle, where we meet each other and find out what we have in common. We discuss our ideas for the day and make plans to fit it in. We agree on ways to be safe in our environment and go over our essential safety elements. Our environment lends itself to an array of activities, such as: bushcraft, nature exploration, artwork, rope craft, den building, hammock hanging, water exploration and bug/bird/squirrel/fungi hunting. Activities involving tools are delivered and supervised by trained Forest School leaders but most other activities are designed to be self lead and open ended to allow for problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. We are huge believers of play being a powerful catalyst in cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. Therefore play is always an option and adult led activities are free choice. For your child to make the most of their day with us, send them in wearing... warm layers, including sock layers, waterproof trousers or snow pants, waterproof jacket, wellies, In their back pack... hats, snoods and gloves (Feb and Easter half term) spare warm layers spare socks possibly a change of shoes (We have a brook that children love to play in and can sometimes end up filling their wellies) Campfire snacks will be provided however children are welcome to bring their own too. (We ask about dietary requirements on the booking form.) They will also need to bring their packed lunch and drinks, labelled with their names. We get so many with the same bottles. Plus anything that will support them in their enjoyment with us. All we ask is no devices please. Mud and electronics to not mix well. Holiday Club is ran by a qualified teacher, Forest School leader, WILD Passport practitioner and Outdoor First Aider. Additional staff are DBS checked and also first aid trained with experience of working with children either through schools or youth groups. How to find our exact location is sent to you on booking. Please see our Ts and Cs for further information.