Come have some ‘Leafy Learners’ Fun!
Are you interested in trying something new with your child? Want to get them playing outside more? Then come along to Leafy Learners Stay and Play sessions on Fridays at Gatwick FootGolf.
Join us for free play in our mud kitchen, digging and craft areas. You can swing in the trees, climb on the hay bales, lay in the hammock, walk our trail, build a den or search for bugs under the log piles.
We come together around the fire circle to sing and chat and enjoy watching the flames dance and flicker. We often have a book, season or celebration as our theme each week and a craft, snack or activity that will link to this.
ABOUT OUR STAY AND PLAY SESSIONS
Each week we focus on a theme, which could be linked to a story, the seasons, food or an animal.
Starting with free play, the children can explore our setting, swinging on the ropes, playing in the wild kitchen, climbing the woodland obstacles, looking for bugs and investigating activities that have been set up to link to the theme.
We then come to the fire circle to sing and welcome everybody. The parents and children are invited to walk our woodland path, often looking for treasures related to our story or songs. We return to the fire circle for a snack and to keep us warm.
We often end our session with a craft or ‘doing’ activity. All resources for our crafts are included and they are usually something to take home with you.
How to find us
From Horley and Crawley:
Come along the B2036 towards Copthorne and at the small roundabout turn onto Antlands Lane. Travel along this road for about 0.8 miles until you see the sign for Gatwick Footgolf, turn right, and travel up the dirt road until you reach the customer parking at the Footgolf. Here you will find small toilets and the cafe is often serving refreshments.
From East Grinstead:
Travel towards Copthorne on the A264. After 1.8 miles turn right onto Snow Hill (B2037) and then at the roundabout continue straight onto Effingham Road(B2037). Travel along this road for about 1.8 miles until you see the sign for Gatwick Footgolf, turn left and travel up the dirt road until you reach the customer parking at the Footgolf. Here you will find small toilets and the cafe is often serving refreshments.
Book Now
Simply head over to our booking system to reserve your place.
What to wear in cold weather
There is a saying in the Forest School Community that there is no such thing as bad weather – only unsuitable clothing! People often come in the wrong clothing. Having the right clothes and shoes can make the difference between you or your child having a great time and being miserable.
With that in mind, please dress for the weather and remember that lots of layers are the best and easiest to manage. Adults need layers and waterproofing too, not just the children.
Having the right clothes and shoes can make the difference between you or your child having a great time and being miserable.
With that in mind, please dress for the weather and remember that lots of layers are best and easiest to manage. Adults need layers and waterproofing too, not just the children.
- Waterproof boots or snow boots with several warm pairs of socks. Ordinary welly boots are pretty cold if you only wear normal socks with them so definitely get a good pair of warm welly socks (for both you and your child!)
- Waterproof over-trousers. If you only have thin waterproof trousers like you get from hiking shops, wear as many layers (tights, leggings, jogging bottoms etc) underneath as you can.
- Ski or snow trousers are best – available cheaply on eBay, second hand. Also, need layers underneath.
- Body – again outer ski clothes best, as many layers as possible. Thin layers next to the body with long sleeves, and then jumpers, jackets and waterproof top layer.
- Scarf or neckwarmer
- Gloves, with gloves to spare. And another pair just in case.
- Warm Hat
What to wear in warm weather
- Waterproof coat and trousers
- Long-sleeved top to avoid scratches
- Leggings or tracksuit bottoms again to avoid scratches
- Sturdy closed-toed shoes or boots, spare socks. No sandals or flip-flops, please!!
- A jumper or hoodie even if it’s hot. It can get cool in the woods under the trees
- Mosquito repellent
- Hat and sun cream, though the wood is mostly shaded.
If you are due to visit Leafy Learners, please ensure that you are feelling well.
Nobody should attend the session if they are ill. If anyone develops symptoms of being ill during the session they should go home immediately. If they are confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 they will need to isolate for 5 days as per the current government guidelines.
Adults are expected to support the leader in maintaining good hygiene practices.
Leafy Learners will provide handwashing, soap, disposable towels, and a bin.
Ensure hands are washed on arrival, before and after eating and drinking, and after coughing and sneezing.
Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
Please NB antibacterial gels are flammable and should not be used near the fire.
Promote ‘Catch it, Kill it, Bin it’ approach.
Thank you for working with us to keep everyone safe.