Last Thursday, our nursery took a pause from the usual sound of children’s laughter and learning, to focus on something just as vital—our team. With the nursery closed for staff training, we ventured into the forest for a day of Forest School and team building lead by Daisy. The woods welcomed us with rustling leaves and the kind of quiet that invites reflection and connection. It was the perfect setting to step away from routines and rediscover the power of nature-based learning.

Learning by Doing

One of the highlights of the day was learning how to start and maintain a fire in small groups. There’s something primal and grounding about gathering around a fire you’ve built yourself. We explored fire safety, techniques for ignition, and how to keep the fire going—skills that will enrich our Forest School sessions with children and deepen their understanding of nature’s elements.

Crafting and Creativity

We also tapped into our creative sides with some forest floor art and dream catcher making. Using natural materials like twigs, leaves, beads, and string, we created beautiful pieces that reflected both the environment and our individual styles. These activities reminded us how meaningful open-ended experiences can be for children—and how therapeutic they are for adults too. We also learnt who the perfectionists were amongst us!

Team Building in Nature

Throughout the day, we engaged in team building activities that challenged us to communicate, collaborate, and laugh together. From problem-solving games to trust exercises, we strengthened bonds and built a deeper sense of unity across rooms and roles. These moments of connection will ripple back into our daily work, enriching the way we support each other and our children.

While we were out in the forest, deep cleaners came in to give every room at nursery a thorough refresh. It was a perfect opportunity to return to sparkling hallways and rooms and then take time to carefully put each space back together. With fresh eyes and renewed energy, we reorganized, reset, and made sure every corner was ready to welcome the children back the next day. It was also the perfect opportunity for room meetings and the all important room leaders meeting.

This day wasn’t just about training—it was about reconnecting with nature, with each other, and with the values that guide our work. We returned to the nursery with muddy boots, full hearts, and a renewed sense of purpose.

-Nathalie