Outdoor/forest nursery in East Dulwich?

[frantic_expat]

Hi All,

We're a family of four (American/Danish) and we are moving to ED in July. I'm looking for the most outdoorsy nursery possibly for my 3-year old son (he just turned 3 this week - crazy!). We currently live in Berlin and he's used to being outside all the time with his German kindergarden and he really thrives with it. Conversely I don't think he'd thrive with being indoors all day. Are there any nurseries in London/ED where the kids are bussed out to a forest or a beach and spend the day there, come rain or shine? They're very common in Denmark..

Barring that, what is your take on the dreaded waiting lists? Should I expect years or months.. All advice eagerly received, as we are losing our minds (and hair!) over trying to figure the English school system!

Thank you so much!

[Mariamadeit]

Hi, my daughter will be in the same school year. She goes to blossoms Montessori who have forest school days (the day changes each week and they go every other week) there are also several outdoor groups on different days that you can take part in, if you aren't doing full time nursery. There is also small acres school which is based in the park and they are outside all the time.

You will need to register online for the school admissions process which opens in September and you will need to make your school choices by January, you can call the schools to book a place on their open mornings to look around. Private school systems are slightly different. Depending on where you live, you may/may not have more/less "choice" look at the school threads on here for info, you might want to bear this in mind when looking for a home.

[wellington]

There is the German Kindergarten in North Dulwich - http://www.germankindergarten.co.uk/#toppage

I don't know of any other outdoor nurseries in this area but am aware of ones further afield in South London if you would consider travelling.

[nickysydenham]

Hi, no i don't think you'll find nurseries like in Denmark or Germany where kids spend all day in woods or outside. However there is also a 2nd German kindergarten in forest hill. SE23, which my daughter went to ( I'm English but my parents loved in Germany for 25 years, and for much of it in Berlin). The kindergarten is brilliant and the kids are outside in all weathers, and now also go to a forest school session weekly. However it's not open Wed, and hours are 8.30-4.30pm. Likely too be a waiting list now, but just ask likelihood of getting a place. Sometimes there are places for older kids, rather than the 2 year olds. Hope this helps. For school start you will need to apply by Jan 2016, for starting reception Sep 2016, aged 4 and a bit. For state schools being in their nursery does not mean you get a school place, that is a different application procedure with strict rules..... Siblings first, then based on distance.

Hope this helps!

Nicky

[Nunheadfamily]

There is a community group that meet on mondays at The Lodge, 57 Streatham Common North

http://www.naturalchildhood.co.uk/about-us/13-2/forest-school/

Private provision at Peckham Rye

http://www.smallacresschool.org/place.html

The Horniman primary school has some forest school concepts in place as does the Dulwich Woods Children centre nursery

The Nell Gwynn Nursery school has forest school activities on thursday mornings for under 5s and their parent/carers

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/11058/peckham_nunhead_and_peckham_rye

[lollol]

There is also the Rose Montessori school is Forest Hill that does alot of outdoor activities.

[EP212]

I'd also second Rose House in Forest Hill. It's an excellent school that nurtures academic growth trough outdoor led activities and has Steiner based principles. Another avenue for you to explore would be the Forest School that runs at Mayow Park very Monday morning. Term time as well as during school holidays.