Rooted in Nature: Early Learning Meets the Outdoors at Forest Prep Nursery

Did you know a child’s earliest years are the most important for lifelong development? While many parents naturally look ahead contemplating which secondary school their child might attend, it’s just as important to focus on the here and now for their preschooler.

According to the Effective Pre-School, Primary and Secondary Education (EPPSE) study led by Professor Kathy Sylva at the University of Oxford, high-quality early years education has lasting benefits for literacy, numeracy, and social development. The study found that children who attended effective early years settings went on to achieve better GCSE results and exhibited more positive social behaviour.

Forest Preparatory Nursery offers a setting where the findings of this research come to life; high-quality education is delivered during the most crucial stage of development, particularly through its blend of indoor and outdoor learning and its integration of animals into daily routines.

The nursery is home to a collection of well-loved animals: Maggie the sausage dog, two tortoises named George and Mildred, several chickens, and—starting this September—three pygmy goats. These animals are far more than pets; they are considered active participants in the children’s learning journey.

There is growing recognition in the UK of the role animals can play in educational settings. A report by the University of Derby, Pets in Schools: The Impact on Children’s Social and Emotional Development, found that in schools an interaction between animals and children can reduce anxiety, increase empathy, and improve communication skills.

Maggie, the school’s gentle and affectionate dog, is a familiar comfort for the children, especially during transition times. She also plays a quiet but vital role in supporting early reading—children often feel more at ease reading aloud to a dog, helping to build confidence and fluency without fear of judgement.

The tortoises and chickens provide the opportunity for the children to take responsibility, as the children help with feeding and caring for the pets. They also contribute to the homely environment that Forest Preparatory School is proud of.

The upcoming arrival of pygmy goats will take this learning a step further and will offer new opportunities for enquiry-based learning. For instance, studying habitat needs of the goats will be a great theme for the weekly Forest School sessions, which are held outdoors for Nursery and Kindergarten children.

Forest Preparatory Nursery provides an environment that reflects what researchers and educators increasingly focus on – children thrive when they are engaged emotionally, physically, and socially, not just academically. The natural setting, regular outdoor sessions, and presence of animals help cultivate a calm, nurturing atmosphere where young learners can flourish.

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