Little Woodies

Little Woodies is a parent and toddler Forest School for pre-school children aged 2–5 years (younger and older siblings are welcome). The Forest School ethos and principles underpin each session, giving children the freedom to explore, play and discover at their own pace while developing confidence, independence and social skills and learning about the woodland environment. Each session has a fun themed focus, but there’s always plenty of child-led play and exploration. Activities are hands-on and seasonal, including natural arts and crafts, campfires, outdoor cooking, woodland games and sensory investigations – all designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Sessions run on specific dates at the usual time of 10 - 11.30am and parents/carers book for each individual session. Please book by 8am on the morning of the session to secure your spot. Join us for a morning of woodland adventure, creativity and nature connection – a wonderful way to share time with your child in the outdoors! If you've not been before, why not sign up for a FREE taster session and see how you get on? Select 'FREE Taster - child' ticket when booking.

* The sessions will take place at Charlotte’s Wood in Wilby. The address is Sundial Cottage, London City Road, Wilby, IP21 5LT. There is limited parking at the venue so if possible, please park at Wilby Coronation Hall, on London City Road (IP21 5LE) and then walk 400m up London City Road (away from the village). We are on the left, just past ‘The Shingles’. There is a pair of mirrors opposite the entrance. * The sessions will have a flexible start from 10am. I will meet you and your child at the entrance to the woods. * Sessions start with a walk around the woodland - usually with something to find or spot. We then meet at 'Base Camp' for our welcome song and an introduction to activities. We finish with snack and story at our camp fire. * If you are unable to attend a session, please cancel using Eequ. Although I cannot provide a refund, I appreciate the notice so that I do not wait for you and hold up the session. Likewise, if you are going to be late, you can find my mobile number in the full details of your booking on your Eequ booking page. Please call me and let me know! * During sessions my role is to plan, provide resources, introduce activities and ensure the health and safety of the group. Your role as parent/ carer is to: • encourage your child to join in, try new things and have a go by themselves (maybe by modelling or demonstrating to start with); • observe your child and intervene if required (either for safety reasons or to move their learning on); • join in with games (children love to see adults having fun!); • be positive and enthusiastic (even if it’s raining!) * Each week, please ensure that both you and your child are appropriately clothed for the session which will take place entirely outdoors (regardless of the weather!). Suggested clothing for both you and your child: • Long sleeved t-shirt and long trousers (even in the summer – this is to protect your child from cuts and stings) • Fleece or jumper • vest or base layer (in winter) • Waterproof coat (plus waterproof trousers if possible) • Wellingtons, boots or strong shoes/ trainers with warm socks (2 pairs in winter) • Hat, gloves and scarf (if it’s cold) • Sun hat in the summer. * I will provide a drink and snack for you and your child. * You are welcome to take photographs of your own children. Please try not to get photos of other children without asking the parents' permission. I will look forward to meeting you in the woods!

Charlotte's Wood is a place where people can connect with nature. It is a tranquil, privately owned woodland in the heart of rural East Anglia - large enough to lose yourself in but not large enough to get lost in! The woodland has a path running around the perimeter that makes it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Next to Charlotte's Wood are two luxury holiday lodges and a cosy log cabin sits on the woodland edge. The cabin is used as a venue for meetings and training and as a meeting point and shelter during woodland activities. It can also be hired as a place to stay. There is a toilet in the cabin at the entrance to the woodland and a compost loo in the woodland that is used during sessions. At the woodland Charlotte facilitates various activities and events for adults and children throughout the year. The overarching aims of these are to provide meaningful nature connection experiences for all in order to promote physical and emotional wellbeing, to bring people together and promote social interactions and to generate a lifelong love of being outside in the natural world. These experiences include: * Forest School Leader training, taster days and CPD sessions for Forest School Leaders and assistants. * Wellbeing Days and PD Days for school staff and other organisations. * Seasonal Forest Bathing sessions celebrating the Celtic Festivals of Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain. * 'Learn to Nordic Walk' courses and regular Health and Fitness Walks. * 'Wild Wood Holiday Club' for children aged 4-11 years. * 'Little Woodies' - Weekly Parent and Toddler Forest School sessions. * Seasonal Events for parents and toddlers such as the Halloween Spooktacular, Easter Eggstravaganza, Elf and Fairy Party, Teddy Bears' Picnic and Christmas Little Woodies. For more information go to: https://www.charlotteswood.co.uk/