Q: What are the hours that the young person will attend?

Three BridgesMonday - Friday 0900-1200hrsHogsmillMonday 1300-1500 (special group)Tuesday 0900-1400Wednesday 0900-1200Wednesday (Older Years) 1300-1500Thursday 1000-1400Friday 1000-1400 Berrylands (Full Time) 0930am - 1430pm

Question 1

What subjects are included in the curriculum?

Accepted Answer

Our curriculum includes a mix of academic subjects, creative arts, and outdoor activities, all designed to support the holistic development of our students.

Question 2

What happens before a young person is offered a place at the AP?

Accepted Answer

Young people are usually known to us through our Alternative Provision first. This allows us to build relationships, assess suitability and ensure that Berrylands School is the right environment before any transition into full-time education is considered.

Question 3

Who we are?

Accepted Answer

Forest Schooling UK has been delivering provision at St John’s School in Kingston upon Thames for several years. In addition, we operate across two further sites in Berrylands, Kingston. We accept referrals through the Education Inclusion Support Service (EISS) at Achieving for Children, as well as direct referrals from schools and home-educating families of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.Our team is made up of highly trained Forest School Leaders and experienced support staff, all skilled in working with young people who present with challenging behaviours. Every member of staff receives annual safeguarding training and is qualified in specialist outdoor first aid. You can find out more about our team here.

Question 4

Where are we?

Accepted Answer

FSUK has sites at St Johns Primary and Nursery School and Hogsmill Nature Reserve, both in Kingston Upon Thames. Our sites consists of allotments, forest areas and open spaces. We have small classrooms as most of our activity is outdoors. The sites are secure and have  separate gates away from other young people and adults. We have running water and a compostable toilet. We all have radios for contacting each other if needed.

Question 5

I am worried about the young person missing 'academic' lessons

Accepted Answer

We believe that a young person is not able to study in a conventional school setting until they are emotionally secure within themselves. We do not have 'learning objectives' and the entire session is young person focussed and led.  We do however follow and believe in our 8 C's curriculum in our AP and try to ensure this is embedded if everything we do. Those in full time placements go onto Roots, Nurture & Growth following the 8C's Framework.  The 8 C's ​Curiosity ​ The ability to ask questions and explore how the world worksCreativityThe ability to generate new ideas and to apply them in practiceCriticism The ability to analyse information and ideas and to form reasoned arguments and judgementsCommunicationThe ability to express thoughts and feelings clearly and confidently in a range of media and formsCollaboration The ability to to work constructively with othersCompassionThe ability to empathise with others and act accordinglyComposureThe ability to connect with the inner life of feeling and develop a sense of personal harmony and balanceCitizenshipThe ability to engage constructively with society and to participate in the process to sustain it

Question 6

What are the hours that the young person will attend?

Accepted Answer

Three BridgesMonday - Friday 0900-1200hrs​HogsmillMonday 1300-1500 (special group)Tuesday 0900-1400Wednesday 0900-1200Wednesday (Older Years) 1300-1500Thursday 1000-1400Friday 1000-1400
Berrylands (Full Time)
0930am - 1430pm

Question 7

What should a young person wear for cold weather?

Accepted Answer

Base LayerThe children will be outside, so thermal leggings (long johns) with a thermal long-sleeved top. If you don’t have those and it’s not too cold, tights will do at a push.Warm trousers – fleecy ones like jogging trousers or tracksuit bottoms.A long-sleeved T-shirt or thin top.A fleece sweater (preferably one that zips up).Socks – a thin “normal” pair (like school socks, preferably cotton) and then a thick pair of ski, thermal or woolly socks.Outer layerA warm coat or jacket – one that doesn’t matter if it gets wet or muddy.Hat and scarf.Gloves.Snow boots or warm boots are better than wellies: wellington boots need a couple of pairs of socks inside on cold days, so be prepared to go up a size or two. Their ordinary wellies probably won’t be roomy enough for the warm layers.Waterproofs – even more important in winter than in summer. Puddle suits or rain suits are perfect. For older children, waterproof trousers and a light waterproof jacket. Waterproof mittens can fit over woollen mittens for dry hands in wet weather.Extra KitUse your judgement on really cold days: send your children to forest school with an extra jumper or base layer if it feels like that would be needed. They can always take layers off but it’s hard to get warm if you don’t have the right kit.Spare gloves, spare socks and a change of trousers (in case they fall in the snow or water while not wearing waterproofs – it happens!)."There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing"

Question 8

How will the young person get to you?

Accepted Answer

You will have to drop the young person and pick them up at the correct times. Those who are older may be able to come to us independently after a discussion with the family and young person.

Question 9

What does the young person eat?

Accepted Answer

All young people receive drinks and a snack at basecamp during the day. Fruit is also available. Those with us until 1400 will require a packed lunch. Full time children will also need a packed lunch.

Question 10

Can I visit FSUK and meet the staff?

Accepted Answer

Of course, parents and carers are very welcome to come along on visit days

Question 11

How do you report progress & keep in touch?

Accepted Answer

We are always available at drop off and pick up for a quick chat
You will receive access to a tracker online which will contain a short report of your child's days
If your child is full time, you will receive an end of year report.
We use Arbor to hold your child's information securely. You will have access to all your child's information as well as other information such as behaviour and attendance on our Arbor App. Download the app from your phone ( App Store or Google Play ) Your offer email will have information for logging in.
Our phone number for parents is 0203 576 0176. You can also contact directly through the Arbor App

Question 12

How do I know the young people are Safe?

Accepted Answer

Safeguarding is at the heart of all that we do here at FSUK. All of our staff have received Safeguarding training and we have strict guidelines and procedures on how they can report any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Leads. Our page on Safeguarding will help you understand in greater detail how we do this.

Dynamic risk assessments are carried out daily. n addition, all of our staff are trained in first aid skills. Our Forest School leaders are trained to a nationally recognised high standard in outdoor first aid. We all have access to plasters,  trauma kits and defibrillators on our sites.

Question 13

What about attendance?

Accepted Answer

We collect attendance figures as any school would. If your child is ill or is going to miss a session you must call our attendance line on 0203 576 0176 to let us know. You can also let us know through the Arbor App which you will be using whilst your child is placed with us. It is very important that you tell us as soon as possible why your child is unable to attend. We have a legal obilgation to inform authorites if a child fails to attend.

Question 14

What does the young person need to wear & bring with them?

Accepted Answer

Whilst we don't have a uniform. Your child will need to dress appropriately for any weather. They will be outside for most of the day.

Please make sure they have:

A water bottle
Your child will need long trousers
Wellies or waterproof shoes
Waterproof over-trousers  and coat (this can be in a bag if hot)
Suncream if needed
Sunhat/Gloves/Warm hat as needed
No mobile phones or screens (older children will hand in their phones)
If your child is with us over lunch (12pm), a healthy pack lunch (no nuts AT ALL, no sweets or fizzy drinks)

Question 15

Can young people bring mobile phones to sessions

Accepted Answer

All mobile phones must be handed in on arrival. They are returned at the end of the day. If you need to contact your child for any reason you can pass a message to our number 0203 576 0176

Question 16

Can I read your policies?

Accepted Answer

Of course, they can all be found here.

Question 17

It's raining, are you open?

Accepted Answer

Of course. We believe being outside in all weathers enhance resilience and perseverance. If the children are dressed properly they will enjoy their day. Severe weather warnings from the Met Office are the only reasons we may close. If we do close for any reason you will always receive a text message, email and Arbor App message informing you. Assume we are open otherwise!

Question 18

Can I see what everyone gets up to?

Accepted Answer

If you have given photo permission when you applied you may see pictures of your child on our busy social media accounts.  Links can be found on every page. In addition you will recieve newsletters once a term.

Question 19

Do you have rules?

Accepted Answer

We expect our staff, children and parents to be Ready, Respectful and Responsible at all times.
In addition our 5 'Golden Rules' for our sites are:
​​
We look after each others bodies and minds.
We help look after nature.
We stay safe by staying in our fenced area.
We won't eat anything unless an adult says it's ok.
We keep safe by not walking through the fire circle.

Question 20

Is there a uniform?

Accepted Answer

We don't require our young people to wear uniform, however parents might find it simpler to have one. We also know that they like to feel part of something and may enjoy the items in our store. We use a partner, TeeMill, who are a uk based sustainable & organic supplier. Their items are of great quality and you even get money off when you return outgrown clothing.

Question 21

Can parents apply for a space at our Alternative Provision?

Accepted Answer

Parents must speak to their child's named school or caseworker in order to be referred to our Alternative Provision. We do not accept direct referrals from parents into our full time provision.

Question 22

What is Arbor?

Accepted Answer

We’ve chosen Arbor to help us manage our school. Accessing Arbor is part of our admissions process and helps you keep track of what your Young Person is up to.
​​
Arbor is a simple, smart and cloud-based MIS (Management Information System), which helps us work faster, smarter and more collaboratively as a school. The Parent App and Parent Portal mean we can keep you informed about your child’s life at school in a much more accessible way. Log into Arbor to see and update your child’s information, get live updates and make payments or bookings on the go.

Download the app from your phone ( App Store or Google Play ) Your offer email will have information for logging in.

Question 23

What is the social challenge being targeted by your organisation?

Accepted Answer

traditional school settings—particularly those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, trauma histories, neurodiversity, or challenging life circumstances.

Across the UK, rising numbers of children are being excluded from mainstream education or disengaging entirely due to environments that are not equipped to meet their complex emotional and behavioural needs. Many of these children face cycles of isolation, low self-esteem and poor mental health, leading to long-term disadvantage and social marginalisation.

Our organisation targets this problem by offering an inclusive, therapeutic and nature-based alternative to conventional schooling. We provide safe, restorative spaces where children can rebuild trust in adults, regulate their emotions and re-engage with learning at their own pace—often for the first time. Our approach reduces the need for exclusion, supports earlier intervention and helps children develop the social and emotional foundations they need to succeed in life.
In doing so, Forest Schooling UK addresses wider social challenges such as:

Educational inequality
Youth mental health and well-being
Exclusion and off-rolling
Lack of appropriate support for neurodiverse learners
Barriers to inclusion in mainstream education

We believe that no child is “unreachable”—but many are simply being taught in ways that do not meet their needs. We aim to change that.

Question 24

Our Social Mission

Accepted Answer

The mission of Forest Schooling UK is to transform the lives of children and young people who are struggling in traditional education by providing inclusive, restorative and nature-based learning experiences.

We are committed to creating safe, therapeutic outdoor environments where every child—particularly those with SEMH needs, neurodiversity, or trauma histories—can build confidence, develop emotional resilience and re-engage with learning in a way that respects their individuality and dignity.

Our work aims to reduce educational exclusion, promote mental well-being and champion a more compassionate, child-centred approach to education across the UK.

Question 25

What are your term dates.

Accepted Answer

These can be found in the dates section on our website or on Arbor.

Question 26

Are there any specific requirements for admission?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we require a referral from your child's current school or caseworker. We receive a high volume of enquires, please look at the referrals part of our website before ringing to ask questions.

Question 27

How many pupils are in each group?

Accepted Answer

We intentionally work with small groups and high levels of adult support. This allows us to build strong relationships, maintain emotional safety and respond flexibly to individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)