About Me
Wendy Hamley
Hello, I am Wendy Hamley the face behind The Forest Approach.
I am an Early Years Graduate and a qualified Forest School Leader. I have nearly 30 years of childcare knowledge and experience. As well managing preschools for 15 years, I have worked in nurseries, as a children’s rep in France, as a nanny and even a clown!
I strive to make a difference in the lives of children and provide the opportunity for them to progress at their own pace and in their own unique way.
I provide a hands on approach for everyone to enjoy activities and thrive. I engage the children in their learning, work in partnership with them to facilitate and support them. I allow them pursue their own interests and curiosity, thus, enabling them to create their own world.
I provide an environment where children and adults are welcome and motivated.
The Forest Approach ! Why ?
When I commenced my Forest School training in December 2018 I fell in love with the outside environment again, it took me back to my childhood memories of outdoor adventures, the days of climbing trees, looking for gold in my local stream, getting dirty, not worrying about risk, being surrounded by nature and remembering the sounds of the wonderfulness; I feel passionate about sharing this with you.
Not just for Children… The Forest Approach provides ‘Team Building’ and ‘Adult’ workshops.
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The Forest Approach offers a hands on inspirational environment for everyone to develop as individuals whether young or old you can develop self-esteem and confidence within a natural environment.
Physical active increases our stamina, our emotional and our mental well-being as we go through own unique journey.
We put ‘US’ at the centre of ‘OUR’ own journey. The Forest Approach encourages us to explore our own innate learning in the richest classroom we have; the outdoors.
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We are now Ofsted;2712301
& we are also working with plastic free Hart
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The Forest Approach
The Forest Approach is an inspirational process that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem through hands on learning experiences in a natural environment. Forest School is a specialised approach that sits within and complements the wider context of outdoor and woodland learning.
The Forest Approach led by a forest leader aims to provide holistic learning for children and adults in our base ‘The Hut’ and within our outdoor environment; learning is enhanced by the fantastic woodlands that surround our base. Some learning experiences are loosely structured in order to accommodate interests and curiosity.
Today's children are often wrapped in ‘cotton wool’ and unable to make their own judgements about risk. The Forest Approach enables children to experience managed risk and allows them to make their own decisions which helps them develop into more confident individuals. The Forest Approach differs from other forms of learning in that it focuses on the whole person.
In an environment outside of the formal educational setting of classrooms the woodland creates its own learning environment framed by safety routines and established boundaries.
Children experience active learning in a less structured manner which suits the individual learning styles of many children.
Physical activity through games, crafts and play encourages the development of gross and fine motor skills and develops core strength; a more balanced and a fitter child.
Often, today's adults do not allow time for themselves; the pressures of work, running a home and caring for children or family members takes over. It is time to focus on your well-being, ‘kick back’ and embrace the natural world. The Forest Approach is the perfect environment to evoke childhood memories, learn new skills and meet new people.