Through The Lens Of: Forest School
Living in Dubai, where it’s hot and humid for half of our academic year, we have learned to get creative and find ways to ensure our children still have ample access to the outdoor environments we have crafted for them. At Kid's Island Nursery, we embrace outdoor learning, drawing inspiration from forest school principles, and adapting them to the unique urban and desert climate of our home.
Our Environment
Our outdoor spaces are our pride and joy. Though we can't offer sprawling forests or rolling meadows, we make the most of what we do have. Our nursery is surrounded with as mush lush greenery as we can, wooden structures, and sensory stations that bring the feeling of nature into the heart of the city.
We don't get much rain in Dubai, but do we let that stop our puddle-jumping dreams? Absolutely not! We create puddles in trays, splash stations, and even mini splash pads so our little adventurers can jump, splash, and squeal with delight. Because let’s face it, what’s childhood without soggy socks?
Natural learning zones at Kid's Island Nursery:
Water play areas with shells, stones, and natural elements
Wooden climbing frames and obstacle courses
Garden beds for herbs and flowers
Sand pits and mud kitchens for messy fun
Quiet corners with logs, pebbles, and leafy shade
Even in the desert, nature can thrive, especially in a nursery that thinks like a forest school.
Adventurous Play
Let’s talk about adventurous play. Children learn by doing, scraping knees, testing boundaries, and getting gloriously messy. Our British nursery in Dubai encourages children to engage in play that involves measured risk. Think building obstacle courses with crates and planks, or making sand volcanoes that actually erupt (with baking soda and vinegar, of course).
We keep things safe and sensible with appropriate adult-child ratios and age-appropriate challenges, but we never underestimate a child’s need for adventure. Risky play builds resilience, coordination, and confidence and gives the best stories to tell at snack time.
Why adventurous play matters:
Develops problem-solving and decision-making
Builds physical strength and coordination
Encourages independence and creativity
Supports emotional resilience and risk management
Adventure boosts brain and body development.
The Benefit of the Outdoors
The forest school philosophy is rooted in the power of the great outdoors. Being outside isn’t just a break from the classroom; it is the classroom. Children engage all five senses, explore the natural world, and learn at their own pace.
At Kid's Island Nursery, our environments encourage freedom of movement and uninterrupted, immersive play. Repetition is key to learning, and we make space for children to revisit their favourite areas and activities, whether it’s painting with mud or arranging leaves into patterns.
Why outdoor learning is powerful:
Promotes emotional well-being and regulation
Enhances focus and attention spans
Encourages imaginative, open-ended play
Supports social collaboration and problem-solving
Outdoor classrooms build confidence, focus, and joy.
Building a Strong Sense of Community
Dubai is a vibrant, multicultural city with a population that’s always on the move. That’s why community matters so much to us. At Kid's Island, inspired by forest school principles, we create a nurturing hub where children, parents, and teachers grow together.
Our Thursday Stay & Play sessions are legendary. Families gather in our garden for music, messy play, and coffee-fueled conversations. No need to be registered everyone’s welcome. It’s our way of ensuring that even if you’re new to Dubai or just passing through, you feel rooted and connected.
Why community in early years matters:
Builds empathy and social skills
Fosters trust between parents and educators
Supports shared cultural learning
Encourages children to feel safe and valued
Parents and children engaging in outdoor play during a Stay & Play session at Kid's Island Nursery in Dubai.
A strong early years community plants the seeds for lifelong learning.
F.A.Q Section
What is the best age for forest school?
The earlier the better! Forest school is perfect for children aged 2 to 7, right when they’re most curious and creative.
How does forest school fit into nurseries in Dubai?
While we don’t have dense forests, British nurseries in Dubai like ours adapt forest school values using local resources, shade, and water play areas.
Is forest school academically beneficial?
Yes! Forest school supports cognitive development, literacy, and numeracy through real-life experiences.
Do children get dirty at forest school?
Oh yes. And that’s the point. Muddy hands = busy brains.
How often do children go outside in a forest school nursery?
As often as possible. At Kid's Island Nursery, we balance heat and hydration to ensure safe daily outdoor play.
Can forest school principles be used indoors?
Absolutely. We bring nature inside with natural materials, sensory tables, and loose parts play.
Are there real forest schools in Dubai?
Not in the traditional sense, but many nurseries in Dubai (like ours!) embrace the ethos and adapt it beautifully.
What skills do children learn through forest school?
Teamwork, resilience, independence, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Is forest school safe for toddlers?
Yes, with supervision and age-appropriate activities, even our littlest learners can enjoy forest school-inspired play.
Can parents join in forest school activities?
Definitely. We love seeing families at Stay & Play, gardening events, and nature walks!
Final Thoughts
Whether you're exploring nurseries in Dubai, looking for a British nursery in Dubai with a twist, or simply love the idea of forest school, we welcome you to visit Kid's Island Nursery. Our approach combines nature, community, and joyful learning, all wrapped up in sunshine and laughter.
With the Inspire Philosophy and forest school values, Kid's Island Nursery offers a truly unique early years experience in Dubai.