Real World Forest School was commissioned by Westminster Children’s University to deliver its Summer Holiday Club programme.

The programme was evaluated by Westminster Children’s University using child questionnaires, parent and carer feedback, and visual evidence of practice. The feedback showed very high levels of enjoyment, strong learning outcomes and meaningful connection with nature.

🌟 The results

The children’s feedback was exceptional:

• 100% rated the programme Amazing or Good
• 78% rated it Amazing
• 22% rated it Good
• Every child who responded said they would like to return

Children enjoyed exploring the forest school site, making new friends, learning practical skills and taking part in activities that encouraged creativity, confidence and curiosity.

🌿 Learning through real experiences

The Summer Holiday Club offered a wide range of hands-on activities, including:

• 🔥 Fire-lighting, fire safety and marshmallow toasting
• 🩹 First aid and helping others
• 🎨 Expressive arts and design using natural resources
• 🌱 Mud play and imaginative play
• 🐞 Nature exploration and investigation
• 🧘 Mindfulness and time to connect with nature
• 🌿 Natural jewellery making
• 🪵 Using tools safely and developing practical skills

These real-world experiences gave children opportunities to develop confidence, independence, resilience, creativity and problem-solving skills while having fun outdoors.

💚 What parents said

Parents and carers noticed the difference too, describing their children as more confident and independent, happier outdoors, more resilient and excited to share their new skills and experiences at home.:

“We couldn’t be happier with our son’s experience at Real World Forest School. The staff are kind, supportive, and genuinely passionate about helping children learn through outdoor exploration. Our son has grown in confidence, independence, and his love of nature since attending. Every session is engaging, well organised, and full of exciting activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, and resilience. We highly recommend Forest School to any family looking for a nurturing and inspiring environment for their child. Thank you to everyone involved for making such a positive difference!”

— Zena, parent, 5-star Google review

🍃 Connecting with nature

Nature was at the heart of the programme.

Through nature exploration, natural materials, mud play, wildlife investigation, imaginative play and mindfulness, children had the opportunity to slow down, explore their surroundings and develop a deeper connection with the natural world.

🌳 A summer to remember

From learning to light a fire safely and toast marshmallows, to creating with natural materials, investigating the woodland and making new friends, children experienced a summer filled with adventure, creativity, learning and joy.

We are incredibly proud of what the children achieved and grateful to Westminster Children’s University for commissioning Real World Forest School to deliver the programme.

Summer Holiday Club 2026 has been a wonderful celebration of learning through nature — and we look forward to creating many more opportunities for children to learn, explore, grow and thrive outdoors.