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We are proud to showcase our Ofsted registered Forest School Kindergarten.
The setting offers certified Forest School ethos sessions for children from the age of 2 until they start school, in a dedicated area within the beautiful grounds of the formerly known 'All Saints Pastoral Centre' in London Colney. Our site benefits from a natural canopy created by the surrounding trees, providing both shelter and shade throughout the seasons. Led by our Level 3 Certified Forest School Leader, our team comprises a wide variety of qualified staff... Early Years Professionals, Forest School Leaders, and qualified Teachers.
The children are encouraged to learn through play and exploration.
Who can come?
The Kindergarten is for 2–5 year olds, and activities are planned accordingly. We can accept children from age 2 (also see the funding section at the bottom of this page).
When does it run?
The Kindergarten follows the same term time dates as the Local Schools (we are not linked to them, but we align with the Term Dates and Inset days of Hertfordshire County Council dates.
Our Six Principles
At Strong Roots, everything we do is guided by the six core principles of Forest School, as set out by the Forest School Association:
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Long-Term: regular, frequent sessions over an extended period, not a one-off visit
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Woodland Setting: learning takes place in a natural, wooded environment
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Supported Risk-Taking: children are given the chance to take risks appropriate to their age and stage
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Holistic Development: sessions nurture the whole child: physical, social, emotional, and creative
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Qualified Leadership: every session is led by a qualified Forest School Practitioner
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Learner-Led Community: children's own interests and choices shape what happens each session
No single principle takes priority over another, together, they create the unique environment that makes Forest School so special. Learn more from the Forest School Association →
Session Details
Please note – There is a minimum booking requirement of 4 sessions per week (Not including Lunch Club or the snack per session) e.g Two full days, or four half days, or a combination.
Morning | 8.30 to 11.30 | £20 or Funded (+50p for snack)
Lunch Club | 11.30 to 12.00 | £5 (not covered by funding*)
Afternoon |12.00 to 3.00 | £20 or Funded (+50p for snack)
Where are we?
In the grounds of the formally known 'All Saints Pastoral Centre' we have a dedicated area of woodland where the natural canopy created by the trees acts as both shelter and shade as well as an open space.
Shenley Lane, London Colney, AL2 1AF
How do you sign up?
Clicking on the button to the right, will take you to the enquiry form. Once we have received and processed your form, you will receive an invite, via email, to set up an online account in our Nursery Management System. We will then work with you to get your child(ren) booked into the sessions you require.
There is a non-refundable Booking Fee of £100 **, which is charged once your account is set up. As soon as the Booking Fee is paid, your spaces are confirmed, and the value credited to your account.
At Strong Roots Forest School, we are proud to be a Recognised Accredited Forest School Provider, awarded by the Forest School Association, delivering high-quality Forest School ethos experiences that nurture confidence, curiosity and independence in every child.
Forest School accreditation reflects our commitment to the core principles of Forest School learning - child-led exploration, supported risk-taking, and meaningful connections with nature. Our experienced leaders are fully trained and passionate about creating an environment where children can learn, grow and thrive outdoors.
We are also proud to have received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, recognising the exceptional care, learning opportunities and supportive environment we provide. This rating reflects the dedication of our team and the positive impact our setting has on children’s development.
By combining accredited Forest School practice with Outstanding early years education, Strong Roots Forest School offers a unique environment where children build resilience, develop practical skills and form a lifelong love of the natural world.
The Outstanding grade acknowledges the exceptional delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage aswell as care, Learning etc
Autumn Term 1 2026 / 2027
Tuesday 1st September: CLOSED INSET Day 1
Wednesday 2nd September: Existing children return
Monday 7th September - Settling week for new children
Friday 25th September CLOSED 'Forest School Association' National weekend Conference - Occasional Day
Half Term Holiday
Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October
Autumn Term 2
Monday 2nd November: Children return
Friday 18th December - End of term 12.00pm finish
Christmas Holiday
Monday 21st December – Friday 1st January
Spring Term 1 2027
Monday 4th January: CLOSED INSET Day 2
Tuesday 5th January: Children return
Half Term Holiday
Monday 15th February - Friday 19th February
Spring Term 2
Monday 22nd February: Children return
Thursday 25th March: End of term 12.00pm finish
Easter Holiday
Friday 26th March – Friday 9th April
Summer Term 1
Monday 12th April: Children return
Friday 30th April - CLOSED INSET Day 3
Half Term Holiday
Monday 1st June - Friday 4th June
Summer Term 2
Monday 7th June: Children return
Wednesday 21st July: CLOSED INSET Day 4
Thursday 22nd July CLOSED INSET Day 5
Kindergarten Term dates
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Elle Tylee
This place is so so special and a hidden treasure in the woods! My son has simply THRIVED since being here - my only regret is not pulling him from nursery earlier and finding this place sooner! My son started doing 3 days a week and after his second day begged me to go every day - which he has done since and he’s just loved every second of it! It’s the most beautiful setting, led by throughly wonderful staff who are super experienced and with whom I throughly trust my most precious little people with. My daughter attends the little shoots also and will be starting kindergarten next spring.
Outdoor learning and play done in the very best way - I simply cannot reccomend this place highly enough. I wish there were more stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ann Rogers
Such a great ethos and experience for my kids. Can’t rate Strong Roots enough - getting the kids to experience so many new things that we as parents wouldn’t have necessarily thought to share and explore. They have the best time, get absolutely filthy and come home exhausted but happy. An experience that they absolutely wouldn’t get anywhere else.
Come and See for Yourself
We'd love to show you around, just get in touch first so we can arrange a time. Visits encouraged by prior arrangement only
We're tucked within the grounds of the the formerly known 'All Saints Pastoral Centre'. Park at the top of the main drive; our site is on the opposite side of the building to the car park. Follow the signs, or give us a call and we'll point you in the right direction.
Find us at Shenley Lane, London Colney, AL2 1AF