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 experience in childcare. As well as managing preschools for 15 years, I have worked in nurseries, as a children’s rep in France, as a nanny and even as a clown!
I strive to make a difference in the lives of children and to provide them with the opportunity 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 and work in partnership with them to facilitate and support them. I allow them to 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 activity increases our stamina, our emotional and our mental well-being as we go through our 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 shared 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 at our base, 'The Hut', and in our outdoor environment; learning is enhanced by the fantastic woodlands that surround it. Some learning experiences are loosely structured in order to accommodate interests and curiosity.
Today's children are often overly sheltered, limiting their ability to evaluate risks independently. The Forest Approach powerfully addresses this issue by allowing children to engage with managed risks, empowering them to make their own decisions. This process is crucial for cultivating their confidence and independence. Unlike other educational methods, the Forest Approach focuses on developing the whole person, ensuring well-rounded growth and resilience.
In an environment outside the formal classroom setting, the outdoors and woodland create their own learning environment, framed by safety routines and established boundaries.
Children participate in active learning through a more relaxed, unstructured approach, which aligns effectively with the diverse learning styles exhibited by many individuals.
Physical activities like games, crafts, and play not only make learning fun but also promote the development of both gross and fine motor skills. This, in turn, helps build core strength and leads to a more balanced and fitter child.
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.