The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through an innovative, long term, educational approach to outdoor play and learning in a woodland environment.
About Come Rain or Shine
I envisioned Come Rain or Shine whilst working as a child carer looking after different combinations of children from five different families each week. I realised that there was the need for parents of preschoolers, especially those looking to ease back into work, freelancers or full time parents simply needing break, to have one or more short sessions of childcare each week. Coinciding with this was a growing passion for the work I was already doing outdoors with the children I was looking after and a motivation to take this work purely outdoors and make more of the education aspect. So the aim of Come Rain or Shine became to offer outdoor educational sessions that double up as outdoor childcare sessions. Nature as playscape.
About Rhiannon
She has spent the last couple of years doing ad-hoc childcare for many families, looking after two or more 1-3 year olds at a time.Rhiannon has over seven years experience as a child carer for children from birth - 8 years.
She is a qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioner, enabling children to 'explore magical, stimulating, mysterious, relaxing, exciting, amazing, interesting, educational, safe & fun environments. Experience achievement, complete challenging tasks, develop relationships and act as positive role models, provide supported learning, problem solving, working in teams or independently, developing self-awareness, self-esteem and building confidence.'
She has completed an extensive year long foundation course in outdoor education leadership with Wildwise in association with Schumacher College. During this time she was taught by many gifted outdoor educators and explored many different ways to work with and facilitate nature connection. This has further deepened her practice as a Forest School practitioner.
She is also currently completing a Permaculture Design certificate. She has also worked on outreach arts projects and at a play therapy center with children who have learning difficulties. She currently also works on an ecotherapy programme with adults who have mental health challenges at organic food-growing permaculture site.
About Sessions
Times:
Currently, 3 sessions are being run every week on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning from 9-12am. Places are limited to 3 per session and work on a first come, first served basis. Advance booking is advised. For those who haven't booked, last minute places are sometimes available so it is always worth contacting me once you know you would like to come however close to the session.
Cost:
£30 per 3 hour session
Factored into the cost are healthy snacks (oatcakes and fruit), nappies and equipment.
New children are welcome to come to the first session for free. Parents are also welcome to stay with their child for as many hours/ initial sessions as they feel they need for their child to settle in.
Sessions will run come rain or shine. Please make sure children come with wellies, waterproof overalls, rain coats etc. Please limit the things you bring to these only to allow our group to move about freely. Water, healthy snacks and nappies are supplied.