Monthly Forest School Session for neurodivergent children and young people with Autism/SEND

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 Usually every 3rd Saturday of the month we are running Forest School from 1:30 – 4:00pm / 4:30pm in the summer months for children with neurodivergent conditions such as Autism, PDA, ADHD, Dyslexia and anxiety at Plashett Park Wood. The age range is 8+

 Cost £25. Sliding scale for genuine need available on request. 

 We aim to make all our sessions as inclusive as possible and also offer dedicated Forest School sessions for neurodivergent children and their families during term time. Fridays after school in the woodland. 4pm-6pm. We have a barn and indoor heated classroom and toilets on site. If you would like to find out more about any of the sessions we offer you can contact us at naturalconnectionsussex@gmail.com

Natural Connection Sussex has been offering Forest School sessions to families of children with neurodivergent conditions such as autism, PDA, ADHD, dyslexia and anxiety, including those without a diagnosis for the last ten years.  The huge benefits Forest School can have for these families are clearly evident. We spend the session enjoying an exploratory walk in the forest,engaging activities including games, child led play, crafts, bush craft skills, adventuring and environmental/mindful awareness and observation. Children explore and engage with nature and learn new skills. We aim to meet the needs of all forest school participants.
Over time we have witnessed the valuable benefits Forest School has on the children and the wider family. Children return again and again and discover their own interests and what the woodland can offer in terms of learning, adventuring, and healthy, mindful, enjoyable recreation.

The Forest School ethos particularly suits these children because it suggests sessions are child led, build over time and take place in a natural environment rich in sensory opportunities, yet free of harsh stimuli.

Siblings or peer support friends are welcome if beneficial and the nature of activities mean they can get a lot from the session too. 

We aim to compliment activities that take place elsewhere such as in mainstream schools , special provisions, play therapy and occupational therapy through increasing children’s confidence, resilience, self-acceptance and self-regulation.

Our leaders are continually gaining experience and have learned ways to modify sessions to suit participating young people and families. Group numbers are kept low and any pressure is removed. Sessions take place at a private ancient woodland, with almost no intervention from outsiders. 

 

We have successfully run this session for over ten years now.  Dates for 2025 are: 17th May, 21st June,

19th July, 20th Sept,18th Oct, 15th Nov, 20th Dec.

  •                                                                                               Sometimes we need to change the week due to other events. PLEASE CHECK DATES 

Booking Essential.