Who are we?

At Evergreen Forest Nursery we believe we have perfected the true meaning of a ‘Forest School setting’. Forest schools are all about enabling children to explore and experience the natural world through hands-on activities outdoors. Which is exactly what we have created here in our little town of Clitheroe! 

This type of approach towards learning has proven to be successful within the development of children’s self-esteem and confidence through activities that involve creativity, working together and child-led learning. 

So let us ask you; what was your happiest childhood memory? Was it watching television? Or was it climbing in the trees, running along a windswept beach or paddling in a river?

Here at Evergreen Forest Nursery we follow the 6 key principles of being a Forest School.  

1.  Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits…

 At Evergreen we offer sessions each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; we remain open throughout the four seasons of the year.

2.  Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.

In our Forest setting we have 11 acres of woodland forest for he children to explore.  We have a shaded woodland area, an open forest playground, a central stage, animal feeding area, beehives, a pirate ship, a set of wooden bars, a magical gate and much, much more.

3.  Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development an learning.

 Children are at the heart of our learning process, their suggestions, their interests and their imagination often takes us on a journey of discovery.

4.  Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

‘Have a go’… ‘see what happens’… ‘you try first’…’what do you think?’…’how can you manage by yourself?’…’what will you need?’.  Our use of open questioning is key to pass the responsibility to children, for them to make decisions, be confident with their skills, realise where their weaknesses lie, manage to support each other with their predictions and thought processes to reach a successful outcome or a tangible end point.  

5.  Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

 Children are kept safe at all times yet the children also know that it is their responsibility to find problems, follow the rules and keep others safe.  This is a continuous converstaion yet it does not define play or stifle creation or imagination.  Children are encouraged to be brave, to try new food, to use new tools and to be adventurous in their thinking and problem solving.  They are not defined due to their age or ability.  Challenges are embraced and children’s sense of being a ‘Forest School Leader’ is well within their reach.

6.  Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

At Evergreen we believe that all individuals are learners – we pride ourselves that the children are at the starting point, our inspiration and guide.  With over 40 years of Early Years experience, our lead teacher is also Level 3 Forest School trained.  Other staff are fully qualified Early Years teachers who are instrumental in supporting your child’s educational journey through the natural world.