Forest School

Bringing Nature to Life for Young Learners in the Heart of Manchester
At Unity, we believe every child deserves the chance to connect with nature—no matter where they live. That’s why we offer fully funded Forest School sessions, giving our Nursery class children opportunities to explore, play, and learn outdoors in a safe, natural environment.
These experiences don’t just create happy memories—they directly support your child’s development across the Prime Areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
🗣 Communication and Language
In our Forest School area, language comes alive!
Children chat about what they see, hear, and feel—whether it’s spotting a worm, describing muddy puddles, or telling stories around the log circle. These rich experiences help children:
- Develop new vocabulary in a natural, meaningful way
- Build listening and attention skills
- Learn to express themselves clearly and confidently
🏃♀️ Physical Development
Forest School is full of movement and adventure.
Climbing over logs, balancing on tree stumps, digging in the soil and using simple tools all help children:
- Strengthen their gross and fine motor skills
- Improve balance, coordination, and spatial awareness
- Learn how to assess and take safe physical risks
This kind of active, outdoor play is especially important in our inner-city location where access to green space can be limited.
💛 Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Nature is a powerful teacher.
In Forest School, children learn to:
- Become more independent and resilient
- Manage emotions and solve problems calmly
- Work together, share ideas, and support their friends
They gain confidence by trying new things, taking risks, and discovering their own capabilities—all in a peaceful, open setting that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
🌱 Why Forest School Matters at Unity
Living in an urban environment shouldn’t mean missing out on nature. Forest School helps bridge the gap by:
- Giving our children hands-on experience with the natural world
- Supporting early learning in a fun, active, and creative way
- Encouraging a lifelong love for the outdoors
We’re proud to offer our fully funded Forest School as part of our commitment to nurturing happy, healthy, confident learners—ready for whatever comes next.