Please reach us at hello@barkhollow.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We want your child to have the best experience, no matter the weather! Here's a list of what to bring:
Water bottle – Staying hydrated is essential. We ensure children have regular access to drinks.
Spare clothing – A full change of clothes (including socks and trousers), as children often get wet or muddy.
Hat and gloves – Weather-dependent. Warm hat and gloves in colder months, or a sun hat for sunny days.
Coats
Spring: Light waterproof jacket
Summer: Light, breathable jacket
Autumn & Winter: Waterproof outerwear is essential
Footwear – Wellies or waterproof boots for wet conditions. Sturdy shoes or trainers for drier days (no open-toe sandals).
Layered clothing – Helps regulate body temperature in changing weather.
Plastic/wet bag – To store muddy or wet clothes at the end of the day.
Towel or flannel – Great for quick cleanups.
Packed lunch and snacks – If you've chosen to bring your own. Otherwise, we provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and daily snacks, with healthy snacks always available.
Nappies and wipes – If you're providing your own.
Sun cream – Please apply before the session on sunny days and pack extra if needed.
Insect repellent – Optional for warmer months.
Medication – Please inform us in advance and bring any necessary items.
Waterproofs:
Children will need waterproof clothing to stay dry and comfortable during outdoor activities in all weather. You can either provide your own, or we can supply the necessary waterproofs for an additional charge. Having the right gear helps ensure your child stays warm, dry, and happy throughout the year.
Food:
We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day to keep everyone fuelled and happy. This is offered at a small additional cost.
If you would prefer your child to bring their own packed lunch and snacks, that's absolutely fine — and you won’t be charged the food contribution.
Nappies:
We can supply nappies and wipes for a small fee. If you prefer, you’re welcome to provide your own.
We go outside in all weather conditions, come rain or shine! We limit outdoor activities only in extreme weather (e.g., heavy snow or thunderstorms). We ensure the children are comfortable and safe, with appropriate outdoor gear like waterproofs and warm clothing.
Children stay warm and dry by being properly dressed for the weather and having the right outdoor gear. We ask that all children come prepared with:
Waterproof clothing – This is essential for keeping dry during outdoor play. You can provide your own, or we can supply waterproofs for an additional charge.
Wellies or waterproof boots – Suitable footwear is a must for wet or muddy conditions. Children need to arrive with wellies or sturdy boots that can handle all-weather adventures.
Layered clothing – Dressing in layers helps children stay warm and adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
Hats and gloves – These should be weather-appropriate: warm sets for colder days, and sun hats for hot weather.
We also have our log cabin where the children can warm up if they get too cold, and we provide plenty of lovely warm drinks to keep everyone cosy, especially on chilly days.
With the right clothing, gear, and access to a warm space and drinks, children can stay comfortable and enjoy all the outdoor adventures, whatever the weather!
We offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day to keep the children energised. If your child has any dietary preferences, allergies, or specific requirements, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
To help you plan ahead, we send out fortnightly planners with details of the meals for the upcoming weeks, so you can see exactly what the children will be having.
Children will have access to water throughout the day, and on colder days, we also provide warm drinks to keep them comfortable and cosy.
There is a small contribution towards all food provided in the setting. However, if you prefer to bring your own meals or snacks, that’s absolutely fine — just please let us know when booking.
Yes, we offer resting and napping areas in the cabin and shelters for the children to take a break or nap. We ensure they are warm and comfortable, especially during colder months.
Yes, we maintain a safe child-to-adult ratio to ensure individual attention and a supportive environment. The ratio aligns with best practices for outdoor and forest school settings.
Our days are flexible, with a focus on outdoor exploration, play, and learning through nature. A typical day might include nature walks, building dens, outdoor cooking, using tools, creative play, and social time with peers. We also have imaginative play, bird spotting, and creating art.
Our woodland area has designated zones offering different activities, allowing children to explore and engage in various experiences tailored to their interests. Whether it’s a quiet zone for creative play, a nature zone for bird watching and exploration, or a practical zone for building and outdoor cooking, each area provides unique opportunities for learning and discovery.
Children also have time for meals, snacks, and rest, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable day.
If your child requires medication (e.g., for allergies, asthma, etc.), please inform us in advance and provide written instructions. We will ensure that the medication is kept safely and administered according to your guidelines.
The safety and well-being of every child is our priority. All activities are fully supervised by our trained Forest Leaders, and everyone working on-site has completed outdoor first aid training. Our staff are equipped to handle emergencies, and in the event of an accident or injury, you will be contacted immediately. We also have clear protocols for any medical issues that may arise.
To ensure safety, all tools are securely stored and locked away when not in use. The safe use of tools and equipment is a top priority, and we are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all children within the woodland.
We follow the Forest School ethos, focusing on emotional development, self-regulation, social skills, confidence, resilience, and independence. Children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow through hands-on activities in nature, where they can freely engage with the natural world around them. Children develop problem-solving skills, teamwork, and an understanding of their environment by participating in activities like building dens, outdoor cooking, using tools, and creative play. Our approach nurtures a sense of curiosity, allowing children to take risks in a safe, supportive space, which helps them build confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives. Additionally, we follow the EYFS framework to ensure a structured approach to their learning and development, ensuring that each child’s needs are met holistically.
Absolutely! We encourage families to visit our site, meet our team, and see the environment before making a decision. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
We keep parents updated through a private Facebook group, WhatsApp, and direct communication to ensure you're always in the loop. You’ll also receive regular updates about your child’s progress and any special activities they are involved in. While we also post on Instagram to share exciting activities and learning experiences, please note that no children’s faces will be shown on our social media for privacy reasons. Our social media is primarily used to showcase the fun and engaging activities that the children participate in during their time with us.
Forest School Childminding: We cater to children aged 0-5 years, offering a nurturing, outdoor-focused environment for their emotional, social, and physical development.
Holiday Club: Our Holiday Club welcomes children aged 5-14 years, with tailored activities for all age groups, encouraging outdoor fun, exploration, and learning.
If your child is unwell or unable to attend for any reason, please let us know as early as possible. We aim to be as flexible as possible, but please check our attendance policy for any terms and conditions regarding refunds or rescheduling.