About Us

---

Tiny Toadstools FS&K was founded by childcare and nature enthusiast Heather Mortlock. After working in nurseries since leaving school and as a childminder for 4yrs, Heather had the idea to create a unique provision entirely outdoors. Heather qualified as a forest leader in 2020; it was an enlightening experience, learning about the endless benefits to not only the children but us as educators, and since then she has been implementing her passion for outdoor education into the provision.

Established in the 90’s in Denmark, Forest School utilises nature as a tool for learning. Sessions are held regularly in a woodland environment in all weather and focus on supporting confidence and natural discovery. 

Supporting children to manage risks independently is an important aspect of the Forest School pedagogy. There are many opportunities within our setting for children to experience tool work, tree climbing and fire building. Children are shown how to keep themselves and others safe whilst carrying out these activities by trained staff members. When a child learns a new skill, it creates a sense of pride and supports their self-confidence. As well as activities there is an element of risk within the environment in the form of flora & fauna; children are taught a ‘no pick, no lick’ procedure; as adults, if we eliminate all risks children will never learn how to manage their own safety due to lack of exposure. Risk assessments are continuously carried out by staff to ensure everyone’s safety.

Our mission is to teach the next generation how to be responsible and look after their world. Children experience bird watching, bug hunts, mud play, yoga and nature art to build a love of the natural environment which they can carry on into their adult lives. We teach children how we can impact wildlife for example litter picking, making bird feeders and building habitats.

We have discovered our children are increasingly more resilient, are able to solve problems independently, becoming more responsible for their environment and developing an understanding of how the world around them works, compared to when they started. Being out in the fresh air for regular periods of time alone supports increased focus, mood, sleep, and immune system, meaning children are already better equipped to receive new information.

Through daily experiences in nature, children develop physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and creatively in a meaningful and engaging way. Outdoor play encourages children to run, climb, balance, dig, and explore, which helps to strengthen their muscles, improve their coordination, and develop their overall physical health and wellbeing. The varied outdoor environment also allows children to challenge themselves and become more confident in their physical abilities.

Being outdoors promotes cognitive development by encouraging curiosity, investigation, and problem-solving. Children learn through first-hand experiences as they observe wildlife, explore natural materials, notice changes in the weather, and ask questions about the world around them. These experiences help to develop critical thinking skills and a love of learning.

An outdoor nursery also supports social development by providing opportunities for children to play, communicate, and collaborate with their peers. As they work together to build dens, create games, or explore their surroundings, they learn important skills such as sharing, cooperation, negotiation, and teamwork.

Children's emotional wellbeing is enhanced through regular contact with nature and the freedom to explore independently. Outdoor environments can help children feel calm and relaxed while also giving them opportunities to take appropriate risks, overcome challenges, and build resilience. Successfully completing tasks and solving problems helps to develop self-confidence and self-esteem.

Creativity and imagination flourish in outdoor settings because natural materials and open spaces can be used in many ways. Children are encouraged to create, invent, and engage in imaginative play, which supports creative thinking and self-expression.

An outdoor nursery can also support a child's physical health by helping to strengthen their immune system. Regular time spent outdoors exposes children to fresh air, sunlight, and a wide range of natural environments, which can contribute to overall wellbeing. Being active outside encourages healthy physical development and may help reduce the spread of illnesses that can occur more easily in enclosed indoor spaces. Exposure to natural environments can also support the development of a healthy and diverse microbiome, which plays an important role in immune function.

Finally, an outdoor nursery helps children develop a strong connection with the natural world. Through caring for plants, observing animals, and experiencing seasonal changes, children gain an appreciation for the environment and begin to understand the importance of looking after it.

Forest School is a pedagogy that is child-led and child centered. As such, we do very limited forward planning. Our days are led by the children and their emerging needs and interests; plus, less planning time means more time spent exploring with the children! When children are given the freedom to be the leaders of their own play, they become more independent learners.

A child’s world in the 21st century is often overstimulating from every angle. We choose to simplify and tone down resources to allow children to build their imagination. We use natural materials (sticks, pinecones, leaves) and other open-ended resources to provide opportunities for creativity to flourish. You won’t find 20 Christmas cards that all look identical at Tiny Toadstools; children are encouraged to use a variety of materials and create their own masterpieces from their own minds. Our natural environment has endless learning opportunities!

Forest School practitioners act as facilitators rather than directors of learning. We build strong, trusting relationships with children and provide a safe and supportive environment where they feel confident to take appropriate risks, make choices, and learn from their experiences. Through regular sessions, children are given time to develop skills, reflect on their learning, and build a meaningful connection with nature.

We implement a slow pedagogy and limit busy transitions to prioritise deep play. We value a child’s “state of flow” and adapt our learning environment to suit their needs.