It’s up to you and your family how many days you feel ready for. Since this might be your first experience sending your little ones off outside the family, you can ease yourself in. Or if you need more support, than we can help your child with that transition. We find that children are pretty tired by the end of the session, so might well take to napping if given the opportunity. 

A backpack they can carry with:

• water & snack,

• extra mitts or socks,

• and seasonal gear (sun hat or warm layers).

• Some kids like a small comfort item, but it’s best left in the car or stroller.

Much like a camping trip, we teach the children in our groups how to respectfully and discreetly take care of their toileting needs.  We find a more discreet space, away from our work and play.  We teach children how to dispose of wild number twos in a sanitary fashion and ensure hygiene practices are followed in every situation, using antibacterial hand cleaner and wipes where necessary.  

Whatever they can carry on their back (with ease and comfort). Chose a backpack they will wear, pop in some extra socks or mitts with water and snack, and extras depending on the season. They don’t need anything else but sometimes children like transition toys when heading off into a new environment away from home. That said, they are responsible for these, so leaving them at home/in the car/stroller/chariot is advised. 

We try to give little snippets of information to parents at pick up, however when this is not possible we use photographs which only parents have access to. 

Your best bet is through the power of play. Finding an opportunity daily to be at their level and let them lead. They won’t necessarily tell you directly “we did this, this and this” but by providing them with your time and attention you will give them the chance to ask you questions, play out scenarios and also feel connected to home again. 

Looking through our Forest School photos will provide them with prompt reminders, but rather than asking them questions whilst looking, simply look and describe them together.  

You could also lie down with them and read to them, which would allow them to feel close to you. As parents it’s a big transition to go from knowing and managing their every move to not knowing how they passed a 3 hour span of time. We will not know the exact activities they enjoyed or what they learnt, however we can trust that by putting them in an environment where they can thrive that they are becoming independent, able and confident people.