Woodland Pathfinders home education sessions forest school
High-quality outdoor education for home-educated children
A quick intro
Woodland Pathfinders is a child-led outdoor learning experience designed especially for home-educated children between 8 and 14 years old, who love to explore, build, experiment and get stuck in.
Every session is an adventure in its own right — lighting fires, cooking over flames, building dens, playing woodland games, learning bushcraft skills, exploring nature and working together as a group. No two sessions are the same, and children are encouraged to follow their curiosity, try new things and grow in confidence at their own pace.
Outdoor education is a powerful way to build resilience, independence and self-belief. Through play and exploration, children naturally develop skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, emotional regulation, creativity, leadership and risk awareness — all without the pressure of a classroom.
Sessions are led by experienced outdoor educators who understand how children learn best, particularly those who thrive outside traditional education settings. Activities are carefully planned, risk assessed and adapted to the group, ensuring children are supported, challenged and celebrated for who they are.
The details about Woodland Pathfinder - Home Education Sessions
the details
Schedule
Dates: Various Dates
Cost: £15
When: Twice a month
Time: 12-2pm
Outdoor Educator: Ian Henderson
Location
Where: Jays Wood, Canterbury Rd, Boughton-under-Blean, Faversham ME13 9FL
what3words: ///parkland.cult.permit
Car Parking: There is a small parking area in the woods, or roadside parking on Canterbury Road.
your kit list
- Clothing suitable for all weather
- Sturdy footwear
- Refillable water bottle
- Any personal medication
- Curiosity, imagination and a sense of adventure
experienced and trustworthy leadership
Sessions are led by Ian, lead faciliatory for Outdoor Education Kent CIC
- Forest School Level 3 Practitioner
- Currently completing Level 4 Outdoor & Adventure Therapy
- Extensive experience working with SEN / SEMH children and young people
- Lifelong involvement in outdoor and woodland environments
- Advance DBS and fully insured
Who is Pathfinders for?
- Home Educated children
- Children who learn best through play and movement
- Neurodivergent friendly
- Young people who benefit from outdoor space and freedom
- Families seeking connection, confidence and nature-based experiences
What the sessions will look like:
Each 2-hour session offers a gentle rhythm rather than a rigid timetable. Each session will include a mixture of the following.
🔥 Fire lighting and fire play (introduced early and revisited often)
🍳 Campfire cooking every session – from marshmallows and popcorn to simple shared meals
🛖 Den building, bushcraft and woodland crafts
🎯 Games, challenges and imaginative play
🌿 Nature exploration and seasonal discovery
🧠 Moments of reflection, storytelling and calm
Learning emerges naturally through doing — children practise communication, problem-solving, cooperation and independence without being “taught” in the traditional sense.
Important information
- A responsible adult is required to remain on site for the duration of the session. This is not a drop-off provision.
- Cancellation policy states: Full payment becomes due if a person cancels within 7 days of the activity. Any person cancelling outside of the 7 days will receive a credit available to use within 90 days. Cancel at least 7 days before the event to receive a credit note for a future activity, valid for 90 days.
- We take photos during our walks for promotional and training purposes. If you prefer not to be included, just let us know on the day.