Little Bats Learning came into existence in 2021 to offer quality forest school provision to the children and families of East Bolton, who face barriers to it (income, mental health, language etc). It’s a grassroots social enterprise, led by a team committed to enabling children’s needs to be met and understood through engagement in transformative forest school programmes. We offer after school clubs, holiday clubs, and a parent helper volunteer programme. We also deliver a specialist forest school programme for parents and babies who need extra support with their mental wellbeing.
We’re a member of the Therapeutic Forest Approved practitioner network and the Forest School Association, running in line with the six industry guiding principles – 1. Long term, with regular & frequent visits with the same group. 2. In a natural space, ideally a woodland, to foster a deep connection and understanding of that space. 3. Promotes holistic development of the learner – physical, social, emotional & spiritual. 4. Opportunity to take supported risks, appropriate to the learner’s self and the environment. 5. Led by qualified forest school leaders, who maintain & develop professional expertise. 6. Takes a learner centred approach, focused on play, choice and involving observation and reflective practice.
