Forest schools are gaining momentum, especially across the US and UK, as more families seek child-led, nature-based alternatives to traditional classrooms. In fact, the number of forest and nature schools in the U.S. grew from fewer than 100 in 2012 to over 800 by 2022, serving around 25,600 children, according to the Natural Start Alliance. Whether you are an educator, a parent, or an outdoor enthusiast with a vision, starting a forest school can be a deeply rewarding path. This guide will walk you through the practical steps to bring your forest school dream to life.
📢 Starting a forest school? Pembee is a flexible booking system built for nature-based programs like yours. Set up online registrations, collect attendee details and consent forms, and manage attendance with ease. Give families a smooth, professional sign-up experience and save yourself hours of admin—so you can focus on what matters: delivering a child-centered, outdoor learning journey. Learn more about Pembee’s booking solution for forest schools.
1. Understand the Forest School Philosophy
At its core, a forest school is a long-term, learner-led program that takes place outdoors in all seasons. It prioritizes hands-on experiences, play, and exploration over structured lesson plans. Children develop confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world by making their discoveries through supported risk-taking and collaboration, according to an early study by the New Economics Foundation of two urban Forest School projects in Wales, UK (2003–2005).
Forest schools promote holistic development and view children as capable individuals who benefit from a reflective learner-led approach. They are grounded in a child-centred inspirational learning process, often involving a cycle of planning, observation, and adaptation.
Before you start building a program, take time to understand the key principles behind forest schooling. It isn't just teaching outdoors; it is also a mindset and educational approach that aligns with learner-centred processes. Consider visiting a quality Forest School provider, watching a video package of real sessions, or reading key publications to immerse yourself in the philosophy.
2. Get Qualified (or Partner with Someone Who Is)
In the US, while you don't legally need a specific certification to start a forest school, most families and schools will expect you to have relevant training. Several organizations offer Forest School Leader programs that cover safety, child development, risk assessment, and outdoor facilitation. Some well-regarded providers in the US include Cedarsong and Association for Nature-Based Education.
In the UK, it is standard to complete a Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification, which is an essential part of the developmental training process. These programs help educators develop their professional practice while ensuring that the minimum benchmarks for a quality forest school are met. This training prepares you to design a programme with discovery, rooted in the ever-changing moods of the natural environment.
Even if you're not the lead educator, it's important to have a qualified practitioner on your team.
3. Choose Your Structure and Business Model
Forest schools can take many forms. Some operate as full-time early years educational settings. Others are part-time programs that complement traditional schooling or serve as homeschool enrichment. You could run sessions weekly, daily, seasonally, or even for one-off or infrequent visits.
You’ll also need to decide whether to set up as a business or a nonprofit. Each model has different implications for taxes, funding, and oversight. Think about your target audience, capacity, and long-term goals.
Logistics matter too. Will you operate on a private site, public land, or in partnership with a school or nature center? Do you want a mobile setup or a fixed site with semi-permanent infrastructure in a natural setting?
4. Secure Land or a Suitable Outdoor Site
Your site doesn’t have to be a deep forest, but it should be a natural space with features that allow for exploration, shelter building, tool use, and a variety of sensory experiences. Look for a space with trees, open areas, and natural materials such as logs, stones, and water sources.
You may be able to use local parks or nature reserves, but you’ll likely need a permit and a good relationship with landowners or local government. Alternatively, you can lease or purchase a private site. Safety, accessibility, and ecological impact should all be considered in your choice. A familiar surrounding within a natural environment helps children develop a strong sense of ownership.
5. Plan Your Curriculum and Sessions
A forest school doesn’t follow a rigid curriculum, but that doesn’t mean there’s no planning. Sessions are designed around seasonal changes, children’s interests, and developmental stages. Common activities include shelter building, nature art, campfire cooking, knot tying, and tool use.
In the US, some educators align their programming with state early childhood frameworks or homeschool goals. In the UK, many forest schools incorporate EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) learning outcomes, especially if registered with Ofsted.
Above all, your outdoor curriculum should remain flexible and child-led, with room to follow curiosity and respond to the environment. This outdoor approach supports real-world issues and nurtures educational outcomes through experiential learning.
6. Get Equipped, Start with the Basics
You’ll need more than just a patch of land. Start with the basics:
- All-weather gear for children and staff
- First aid kits and emergency supplies
- Tarps, ropes, and tools (knives, saws, fire-starting equipment used under supervision)
- Portable handwashing and toileting solutions
- Snack and water storage
Everything should be age-appropriate and part of your risk assessment plan. Creating a safe, welcoming environment is essential for building positive relationships and trust.
7. Handle Legal, Safety, and Admin Tasks
This step can feel intimidating, but it's essential. Key areas to cover:
- Child-to-staff ratios
- Background checks for all adults
- Emergency plans and risk assessments
- Insurance (liability, equipment, vehicle if needed)
- Licensing or permits, especially if you're running full-day programs
- Registration and consent forms, medical info, incident logs
Using an online booking system like Pembee can help streamline admin, from enrollment to attendance and parent communication. It supports the ongoing management of regular sessions and helps you focus on nurturing your developmental ethos.
8. Start Small and Build Community
Don’t feel pressure to launch big. Many successful forest schools start with a few sessions for family friends or local homeschoolers. For example, the award-winning Dandelion Education CIC in Norfolk, UK began with small, regular sessions before growing into a nationally recognized outdoor nursery praised by Ofsted and featured in the BBC. Starting small allows you to test your setup, gather feedback, and grow organically while building a strong local following.
Engage your community through social media, local parent groups, and partnerships with schools or environmental nonprofits. Word of mouth is powerful in this space, especially when parents see happy, muddy kids coming home from your sessions. Build from strength to strength with a foundation rooted in meaningful connections.
9. UK-Specific Considerations to Set Up a Forest School
- Regulations: If caring for children under 8 for more than 2 hours a day, you may need to register with Ofsted. This also allows you to accept tax-free childcare payments, which many parents use on a regular basis
- Training: Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification is widely expected
- EYFS: Most forest schools for young children align with Early Years Foundation Stage outcomes
- Safeguarding: You must have clear policies and a trained Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Insurance: Public liability and employer’s liability insurance are essential
- Affiliation: The Forest School Association provides resources, networking, and accreditation
- Support: Work with your local head teacher or education authority when integrating forest school into an existing school site
10. US-Specific Considerations to Set Up a Forest School
- Licensing: Requirements vary by state. Some forest schools operate under homeschool laws, while others register as childcare providers or day camps
- Training: While no national standard exists, programs from Cedarsong and Associate for Nature-Based Education are widely respected and support sound professional practice
- Insurance: Look for liability coverage specific to outdoor or adventure-based programs
- Land Use: If using public parks or nature preserves, you may need a permit and proof of insurance
- Weather Policy: Some states require specific plans for shelter, inclement weather, and heat/cold exposure
- Funding: Consider grants from environmental or educational nonprofits, especially if you're running as a 501(c)(3). For example, the Clif Family Foundation offers small grants to support outdoor environmental education initiatives (Clif Family Foundation). Another option is the Cedar Tree Foundation's Children and Nature Initiative, which funds projects that connect kids with the natural world (Cedar Tree Foundation).
11. Ready to Take the First Step?
Launching a forest school is about more than logistics. It’s a journey of rediscovering how children learn best—through play, exploration, and connection with nature. Start small, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to get muddy.
Whether you’re setting up a backyard pilot or envisioning a full-scale outdoor nursery, there’s room for your forest school dream to grow.
12. Resources
Here are some useful resources to help you take your next step:
- 📝 Follow this free forest school startup checklist
- 🌳 Forest School Activity Ideas: A collection of hands-on ideas for all seasons
- 💬 Naming Your Forest School Program
- 📚 How to Set Up an After School Program in the UK: Covers setup basics that also apply to part-time forest school setups
- 📚 How to Set Up an After School Program in California: Covers setup tips for California but apply to most of the US states too.