Nature Nurture 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 six years. Over this time, we have witnessed the huge benefits Forest School can have for these families.

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 are welcome and the nature of activities mean they can get a lot from the session too. Parents (and often grandparents) value time spent outside in the soothing environment of the woods and the opportunity to meet other parents around the campfire.

We aim to compliment activities that take place elsewhere such as in mainstream schools and nurseries, 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 families. Group numbers are kept low and any pressure is removed. We send an email prior to every session detailing what to expect and sharing pictures of the activities on offer. This can be used by parents to prepare their children for the session.

Sessions take place at a woodland site on Busses Farm in East Grinstead You can find more information and pictures of the site here.

These sessions are costly to run so in order to make the sessions as accessible as possible we work hard to raise funds including applying for grants.