Business Details
Forest School in Witchampton | Little Owls Pre School
At Little Owls, we believe learning should be an enjoyable, exciting, and fun-filled journey for every child. Established to provide a nurturing environment where children can explore, discover, and grow, our forest school is nestled in the beautiful countryside of Witchampton, just 10 minutes from Wimborne. Our ethos centres on fostering self-belief, resilience, and curiosity through hands-on outdoor experiences. With a team of highly qualified staff, we prioritise emotional security, ensuring children feel safe to embrace challenges and develop a lifelong love of learning.We are committed to safeguarding and tailoring our approach to each childs unique needs, working closely with parents to create an enabling environment. Our Forest School programme, delivered in a two-week rotating timetable, offers immersive outdoor learning that nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. All activities adhere to strict safety protocols, with age-appropriate risk assessments and staff trained in first aid. Our dedication to excellence has been recognised by Ofsted, reflecting our commitment to providing a strong foundation for every childs future.
Services
Forest School
Outdoor Learning
Preschool Programme
Nature-Based Education
Child Safeguarding
First Aid Training
Flexible Hours
Snack Provision
Funding Support
Parent Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in early years education.
- Our Forest School programme fosters hands-on, nature-based learning.
- We maintain a 1:1 staff-to-child ratio for personalised support.
- Our team includes qualified first aiders and experienced educators.
- We are Ofsted-registered with a proven commitment to child safety.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Loving, caring staff
Excellent outdoor learning
Safe, stimulating environment
Strong parent partnerships
Creative forest school activities
Services
Forest School
Our Forest School programme immerses children in nature-based learning. Through structured outdoor activities, we develop resilience, creativity, and teamwork. Sessions include woodland exploration, seasonal studies, and risk-assessed play. Each child gains confidence through hands-on experiences in Witchamptons countryside.
Preschool Programme
Tailored for ages 25, our preschool curriculum balances play and structured learning. Activities foster emotional security, independence, and curiosity. We follow Ofsted guidelines, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment that supports individual development and school readiness.
Child Safeguarding
We prioritise child safety with rigorous safeguarding measures. Staff are trained in first aid and child protection. Risk assessments govern all activities, including outdoor sessions. Our policies ensure a secure environment where children thrive under close supervision.
People
Kellie Clare
Pre School Manager
Kellie leads our team with expertise in early years education, ensuring high standards of care and learning. She champions outdoor exploration and child-centred development.
Wendy Gale
Deputy Manager
Wendy brings 20 years of experience at Little Owls. Her focus on rural learning environments and family engagement enhances our educational approach.
Tina Law
Pre-School Assistant
Tina, a former primary teacher, specialises in nurturing young childrens curiosity. She contributes to our forest school activities and ballet programme.
Kirsty Browning
Admin Officer
Kirsty manages administrative operations, ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning. Her local knowledge and organisational skills support our team effectively.
Emma Vowles
Pre School Assistant
Emma supports our educational programmes with a focus on hands-on learning. Her dedication ensures children receive attentive care and guidance.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We support children aged 2 to 5 years, focusing on early years development through play and outdoor learning.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we are Ofsted-registered (Ref: 2603857) and adhere to their standards for early years provision.
What is your outdoor learning schedule?
Forest School sessions run bi-weekly: Week 1 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings; Week 2 on Monday and Friday mornings.
Do you offer flexible hours?
We provide morning (9am–12pm), afternoon (12pm–3pm), and extended lunchtime sessions (1pm finish) during term time.
What funding options are available?
We accept 15, 30, and 2-year-old funding schemes, subject to eligibility criteria.
What should children wear for Forest School?
Children need waterproof clothing, wellies, warm layers, gloves, and a named water bottle for outdoor sessions.
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