The roots of Forest School
In the 1950s, educators in Scandinavia saw the incredible impact of outdoor learning and developed what we now call Forest School. This is a child-led approach that builds confidence, independence, and problem-solving through hands-on experiences in nature.
Werton Woodlands
Now, Werton Group is bringing that same spirit to our nurseries with Werton Woodlands Academy, an exciting new programme designed to make outdoor learning a natural part of early childhood education.
Expert-Led Outdoor Learning
Led by Ari Sher, a specialist in outdoor education with 30 years of experience, Werton Woodlands Academy adapts traditional Forest School methods for a nursery setting.
Learning Through Nature
Once a week, our children take part in a Werton Woodlands Academy session, heading to a nearby park, forest, or other natural space. Through nature-based activities, they explore, discover, and learn skills they wouldn't get from a traditional classroom—developing a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.
Incorporating Jewish Values
As a Werton Group nursery, Jewish values play a key part in our daily learning, and Werton Woodlands Academy also contributes to this.
Our sessions benefit from a unique approach Ari has designed to integrate Jewish values throughout the programme.
Using outdoor activities, we teach children key principles of Jewish education, including respect for nature (Bal Taschit), kindness to animals (Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim), and care for the earth (Tikkun Olam).
