Forest Cubs neonatal Forest School Age 0-5years

Welcome to our Forest School! 🌲

Ever wondered what a Neonatal Forest School actually looks like? You’ve come to the right place.

The idea for this group grew from the lived experience of our peer mentor, Katie. After her own son’s neonatal journey, Katie transitioned from her career in early years education to join the Leo’s team. Combining her professional background in Forest Schools with a deep understanding of how NICU stays impact early development, she designed this program specifically for our "neonatal graduates."

Why Forest School?

While it looks like simple outdoor play, there is a wealth of benefit hidden in the trees:

• For Parents: It’s a peaceful, open-air space to connect with others who truly "get it." No explanations needed - just community and fresh air.
• For Children: The natural world is the ultimate sensory classroom. We focus on nurturing development through exploration while helping little ones build confidence and social skills at their own pace.

What to Expect

Each session brings a fresh new theme, ensuring there is always something new to discover.

• All Ages Welcome: While some structured activities are geared toward children over one year old, the sights, sounds, and textures of the woodland offer plenty of magic for even our youngest babies.
• The Adventure: Some weeks we stay settled in our base camp; other weeks we head out for a woodland wander.

A Note on Accessibility: The gate to our main woodland path is a bit narrow, which can make double buggies/wider wheelchairs a challenge. If you are coming with a double buggy/wide wheelchair, please let Katie know in advance! We will happily adapt the session to ensure you can join in comfortably.

Join Us

This is a wonderful opportunity for neonatal families to thrive outdoors. We can't wait to see you under the canopy!

Questions? Feel free to reach out to Katie at katie@leosneonatal.org.