A play-based, exploratory programme following the EYFS framework — where the forest is the classroom and wonder leads the way.
Our Early Years Foundation Stage programme provides a rich, nurturing environment where children aged 3 to 5 develop a love of learning through guided play, exploration, and connection with nature. Following the statutory EYFS framework, our approach is uniquely enriched by Watamu's coastal forest setting.
Every child's individual journey is supported through careful observation and planning, ensuring they build the confidence, curiosity, and skills they need for a strong start in Primary school.
Our programme covers all seven areas of the EYFS framework, each brought to life through our forest environment.
Children develop listening, speaking, and understanding skills through forest story circles, nature discussions, group singing, and daily conversations about their discoveries.
Forest trails, climbing, balancing, digging, and outdoor play develop gross and fine motor skills naturally. Children build strength, coordination, and healthy habits every day.
Through collaborative forest activities, sharing responsibilities, and nurturing relationships, children develop self-confidence, empathy, and the ability to manage their feelings.
Stories, mark-making in sand and mud, letter hunts in the forest, and journalling develop early reading and writing skills in meaningful, engaging contexts.
Counting seeds, measuring sticks, sorting leaves, and exploring patterns in nature build number sense, spatial awareness, and mathematical thinking through hands-on play.
The forest is a living laboratory. Children explore plants, creatures, weather, seasons, and their local community — building knowledge of the world around them.
Natural materials inspire creativity — from forest sculptures and mud painting to music-making with found objects and imaginative role play among the trees.
Every day at Gede Forest School is an adventure. Here's what a typical day looks like for our youngest learners.
Children arrive and settle into self-chosen activities — exploring interest stations, building with natural materials, or reading in the story corner.
The class gathers for songs, the day's weather observation, sharing news, and introducing the morning's learning focus.
Guided learning in the forest — this might be a nature walk, a maths trail, storytelling under the trees, or investigating minibeasts.
Healthy snack time followed by quiet activities — drawing, puzzles, or listening to stories.
Art, music, construction, or imaginative play — using natural materials wherever possible.
A shared meal followed by free play on the forest playground — climbing, sand play, water exploration.
Small group activities focused on literacy, numeracy, or specific EYFS areas tailored to each child's development stage.
Children share what they've learned, sing a closing song, and prepare for pick-up.
Children follow their natural curiosity, supported by skilled practitioners who extend learning through thoughtful questioning and scaffolding.
The forest provides endless open-ended resources — sticks, leaves, water, mud, creatures — sparking creativity and scientific thinking.
Outdoor play in all conditions builds physical and emotional resilience, risk assessment skills, and a can-do attitude.
Through purposeful play, children develop the literacy, numeracy, and social skills needed for a confident transition to Year 1.