Why Outdoor Leaning Matters
Choosing the right early years setting is one of the biggest decisions parents make. You’re not just choosing childcare — you’re choosing the place where your toddler will begin to understand the world, build confidence, and discover what they’re capable of.
At Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School, we offer more than a traditional nursery experience. We provide a nurturing, inspiring environment where children learn through real-life experiences, outdoor exploration, and meaningful connections with nature.
As a day nursery near St Albans, our Forest School approach helps toddlers grow in confidence, resilience, and curiosity — all while enjoying the freedom of learning outdoors every day.
What is the Forest School Approach?
Forest School is a child-led, nature-based way of learning that encourages children to explore, investigate, and discover at their own pace. Instead of being led from one activity to the next, children are given time, space, and support to follow their own interests and ideas.
At Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School, our outdoor sessions take place in our beautiful farm setting. Children climb, dig, build, observe wildlife, and develop practical life skills as part of their daily routine.
This approach supports the whole child — physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually — while helping to foster a lifelong love of learning.
For families searching for a pre-school with a Forest School programme in Hertfordshire, Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School offers an enriching alternative to indoor-only settings through our farm-based childcare.
The Benefits of Forest School for Toddlers
Confidence and Independence
Outdoor learning gives toddlers the freedom to make choices, take managed risks, and solve problems for themselves. Whether it’s deciding how to climb a log or working out how to carry a bucket of water, these small challenges build big confidence.
This sense of independence becomes a strong foundation for future learning in pre-school and beyond.
Physical Development
Running, climbing, balancing, digging and lifting all help to strengthen coordination and motor skills. As a nursery with outdoor play in St Albans, we make sure children are active every day, developing physical strength through purposeful, joyful movement.
Fresh air plus physical play equals healthier, happier toddlers.
Emotional Wellbeing
Spending time outdoors supports emotional regulation and reduces stress. Natural environments help children feel calm, focused, and secure.
Our peaceful farm setting gives toddlers space to breathe, move, and reset. This helps them feel settled and confident, especially during those important early years when emotions can be big and words are still catching up.
Social Skills and Communication
Forest School experiences naturally encourage teamwork, sharing, and conversation. Children learn to take turns, help each other, and build friendships while playing and exploring together.
In this relaxed, inclusive environment, communication develops naturally as children talk about what they’re doing, what they’ve found, and what they want to try next.
Outdoor Learning at Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School
Set within Willows Activity Farm near St Albans and London Colney, our Forest School sessions take place daily in a real working farm environment — not as an occasional add-on, but as a core part of nursery life.
As a nature-based nursery in Hertfordshire, outdoor learning is woven into our daily routines. Our children benefit from:
• Daily access to outdoor learning spaces
• A dedicated Mini Farmers nursery programme, connecting children with animals and farm life
• Experienced practitioners trained in Forest School principles
• A safe, stimulating farm-based childcare environment
Located just off the M25, we are a popular choice for families looking for a North London nursery or childcare near St Albans.
Supporting Families with Funded Childcare
We proudly offer funded childcare from 9 months, helping more families access high-quality early years education in a unique outdoor setting.
Parents searching for an affordable pre-school in London Colney or a nursery offering funded childcare can feel confident that their child will receive exceptional care alongside rich, outdoor-focused learning opportunities.
Why Choose Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School?
Families choose us because we are more than a nursery – we are a community built around care, connection, and curiosity.
Whether you are looking for:
• A trusted choice for toddlers in St Albans
• A nature-inspired pre-school in St Albans
• A nursery accepting babies under 1 in Hertfordshire
• A nurturing pre-school in London Colney
Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School offers a unique blend of education, care, and nature-based learning that sets us apart from traditional early years settings.
Give Your Child the Gift of Outdoor Learning
Our Forest School approach allows children to explore, grow, and flourish in an environment where learning feels natural, exciting, and joyful.
By choosing Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School, you are giving your child the opportunity to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning – right from the very start.
If you’d like to learn more about our Forest School approach or book a nursery show around in St Albans, we would love to welcome you to Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School.