Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions from parents. Please read through these, and if you still have questions, we’d love to hear from you.

How do I sign up?

You can book onto a session by filling in our [booking form]. Once completed, you will receive payment information.

If you are interested in the next term, you can also join our waiting/mailing list. Please note: lists are refreshed each term, and previous contact details are deleted in line with GDPR.

I’ve filled in the booking form but haven’t heard from you?

It may take 1–2 days to process your booking, as our system is not automated.

Please check your Junk/Spam or Promotions folder, especially if using Gmail or Hotmail.
To speed up communication, you can email us directly: miniforesterslou@gmail.com.

Can I do a trial session?

Yes! You still need to complete the booking form. In the ‘Other Information’ section, indicate it’s a trial session and the date you wish to attend. If your date changes, just let us know.

If I start halfway through a course, do I pay for previous sessions?

No. You only pay for the sessions from the date you join. For example, if you join at session 3 of 5, you pay for session 3 and onward.

What if the weather is bad?

Sessions run in all weathers unless conditions are considered unsafe.

A session will only be cancelled in extreme circumstances, such as:

Strong winds exceeding 46 mph (9+ on the Beaufort Scale)
Electrical storms

Parents will be notified:

The day before, via email and our Tiny Trees & Forest Folk Facebook pages
Morning of the session, if conditions remain dangerous.

What if I can't make my regular session?

Things happen, and sometimes we all need a little flexibility. We'll do our best to find another session you can attend within the term, as long as there is space. (If you wanting to swap a week day session to a Saturday one, you will need to pay the difference, as these sessions are longer).
Unfortunately we cannot carry any sessions you haven't used across terms or refund them.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

If a session is cancelled due to circumstances outside our control (e.g., weather), a refund is not issued, but we always try to reschedule.
Payments are non-refundable unless your place can be refilled; a 25% administration fee will be retained.
Once the term has started, no refunds are available.

COVID-19 exceptions:

If sessions are cancelled due to government restrictions, you may request a refund or credit.
Bookings remain in termly blocks, and we will try to reschedule where possible.

Do I need to move my child from Tiny Trees to Forest Folk at age 3?

No, there is no pressure to move your child to Forest Folk after their third birthday. The decision should be based on your child’s individual personality and readiness.

The age ranges for each group are only a guideline. For Forest Folk, children need to be able to listen to instructions, concentrate on tasks, and demonstrate a certain level of dexterity. As this group may use tools, a level of physical coordination and maturity is important for health and safety.

Sometimes children move up too soon and find they’re not quite ready. Equally, some children prefer to stay where they are because they enjoy the free-flow play and that is absolutely fine. On the other hand, some younger children are more than ready and thrive in the Forest Folk sessions.

If your child hasn’t attended Forest School before, it’s often best to start with Tiny Trees. This gives them time to settle in, become familiar with the environment, and explore activities through free-flow play before moving up when they’re ready.

Can I bring my older child along to a session. Its Inset day at school, can my other child attend also?

Yes this is ok, please let the Forest School leader know in advance if possible, so we can make sure we have enough campfire snack available and whether your older child has any food allergies we need to be aware of.
Sibling rate applies for any additional children (£8 per child)