We Are Wonder FAQs & Policies
Forest School FAQs
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We Are Wonder run The Den and The Nest, Forest School Association recognised forest school sessions in the woods that are for children aged 5–12.
Children spend a full days outdoors, learning through exploration, play, and connection with nature. Our sessions follow principles of consent, self-direction, and nature-led learning, helping children feel confident, curious, and safe while developing social and practical skills.
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Children enjoy a structured yet flexible day that includes:
Drop-off & free play to settle in
Morning circle to set agreements and plan activities
Child-led exploration – climbing, building, observing, crafting, or resting
Snack & lunch, sometimes cooked over a small campfire
Closing circle to reflect and plan for next session
The schedule gives comfort and consistency, while allowing children to follow their curiosity.
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We run our sessions weekly during Glasgow term time, from 10am–4pm in the woods at Bellahouston Park.
We rotate our base camp within the woods to protect the environment.
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Bookings are made via our website/booking page :
https://we-are-wonder.pembee.app/
Our sessions run in spring/summer autumn/winter blocks, paid for in instalments. This helps us plan and maintain safe adult-to-child ratios.
We know life happens - our terms below explain what happens if a session is missed or cancelled.
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Yes. Our sessions are child-led and experiential, making them ideal for home-educated or self-directed learners. Children can explore and learn at their own pace, while connecting with peers and nature.
Learning Approach & Philosophy
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Children choose how they engage: climbing, building, crafting, observing, or relaxing. Staff facilitate and guide, offering challenges without forcing participation.
This approach encourages creativity, problem-solving, and personal growth.
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Our sessions draw on Forest School principles but go beyond them. Children engage in outdoor learning, practical skills, crafts, collaborative projects, and play. Activities might include fire-making, outdoor cooking, nature-based crafts, and problem-solving challenges. There’s always time for free play, allowing children to follow their curiosity at their own pace. These experiences lay the foundations for skills and confidence that last a lifetime.
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We cater to children, teens and adults via a range of different projects, particularly those who enjoy spending time outdoors and want to try new skills in a supportive, inclusive environment. The principles of outdoor learning we use — curiosity, self-direction, and connection — benefit learners of all ages.
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Outdoor learning offers benefits for people of all ages. Children and teens develop practical and creative skills, resilience, confidence, and social-emotional growth. Spending time outdoors supports wellbeing, focus, and mental health, while fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and a connection to nature and community.
Adults also benefit from reduced stress, improved physical health, and stronger relationships with others and the environment.
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Participation is always voluntary.
Children are encouraged, not forced, to try new things. This approach respects individual choice, builds confidence, and nurtures self-directed learning — core principles of outdoor education for any age.
Practical Information
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Children must wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing:
Waterproof trousers & boots
Warm layers & long sleeves
Hats, gloves, and extra clothing in winter
Sunhat & sunscreen in summer
Expect mud! Outdoor learning is hands-on and active.
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Yes. Children use a supervised outdoor toilet. They should be able to manage independently, though staff help with outer layers.
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Children bring:
Packed lunch (no nuts)
Snacks
Water & a mug
We provide a hot drink October–April. We operate a NO NUTS policy. Allergies are carefully managed - please share full details so we can plan snacks safely.
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For our 6 hour sessions, children should wear weather-appropriate clothing in layers, including waterproofs and sturdy waterproof footwear. Old clothes are fine.
We provide most tools and equipment, but children should bring lunch, plenty of snacks (NO NUTS) and a water bottle.
Being prepared for all weather helps children learn resilience and practical skills.
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Yes! Children are encouraged to engage safely in rain, wind, or cold, with breaks and appropriate clothing to stay comfortable. Experiencing different conditions helps children develop resilience and adaptability, skills valuable throughout life.
Sessions are only cancelled for extreme weather or safety concerns.
Safety, Risk & Wellbeing
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Safety is central to everything we do:
Qualified Forest and Outdoor Learning Leaders (L8) run all sessions
High adult-to-child ratios (1:6) with assistants and trained volunteers
Benefit-Risk Assessments for all activities
Careful supervision for higher-risk activities such as tree climbing, fire, and tool use
Children are supported to understand and manage risk, promoting resilience and confidence.
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Fire and tool activities are gradually introduced with clear safety agreements and close supervision. Children may:
Cook snacks on a campfire
Whittle or use hand tools
Explore the woods safely
Adult leaders model safe practice at all times.
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We encourage:
Respect, consent, and collaboration
Self-regulation and problem-solving
Empathy and communication
We guide children to resolve conflicts safely, creating a positive community and nurturing environment.
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Yes. We support children to settle at their own pace:
Gentle drop-off & free play
Staff guidance to join activities gradually
Parents can accompany children initially if needed
We prioritise each child’s comfort, independence, and autonomy.
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All staff and volunteers are PVG-checked and trained in child protection. We follow GIRFEC guidance and have clear safeguarding procedures in place.
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Yes. All our policies — including safeguarding, risk, behaviour, and GDPR — can be found at the bottom of this page.
Terms & Conditions
Booking & Payment
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All sessions are booked in termly blocks via our online booking system
Bookings are confirmed once payment is received.
Cancellations by Parents/Carers
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Illness or absence: No refunds for missed sessions due to sickness, holidays, or other personal reasons.
Notification: Please inform us as soon as possible if your child cannot attend a session so we can plan accordingly.
Cancellations by We Are Wonder
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Sessions may be cancelled due to severe weather, high winds, leader illness, or any situation posing a health & safety risk.
We will inform parents as soon as possible via email or WhatsApp.
We will reschedule the session where possible or provide a refund if no alternative can be offered.
Refunds
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Refunds are only given if a session is cancelled by We Are Wonder and cannot be rescheduled.
No refunds are available for missed sessions due to personal circumstances.
Payment Methods
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All bookings and payments are completed via our online booking system: https://we-are-wonder.pembee.app/
Additional Information
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By booking a place, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and Outdoor Learning Policies. which are available at the bottom of this page
Sessions are nut-free environments. Please ensure packed lunches do not contain nuts.
We encourage families to join our WhatsApp Community and relevant groups for updates, session info, and news.
We Are Wonder Policies
Please click to view and download our current handbook/policies which provides detailed information on the running of our sessions and what you can expect from us.