Hackney Forest School

We believe that the great outdoors provides the ultimate classroom for building a child’s confidence and independence.

The Hackney Forest School routine is a wonderful exercise in building resilience and focused discovery. Whether we are exploring our beautiful landscaped garden or venturing across the canal to the expansive Hackney Marshes, the shift into an 'unfamiliar' natural setting signals that it is time for a new adventure. This consistent access to nature helps even our youngest learners tune into their environment, teaching them the value of observation and the excitement of discovering something new under every log.

The heart of this practice lies in child-led exploration and empowerment. Hackney Forest School is open to all schools, families, childminders and organisations ensuring that our community-wide ethos of outdoor learning is shared by everyone. As children engage in varied activities like wood-crafts or nature trails, they gain a sense of agency and pride in their physical capabilities, learning that they can navigate and master the world around them with curiosity and care.

Once a session begins, the magic of collective discovery takes over as we bridge the gap between our city surroundings and the wilder spaces of the marshes. As everyone joins in together to build dens or hunt for mini-beasts, the children practice vital social-emotional skills, learning to collaborate and solve problems in a dynamic environment. By sharing this precious asset with the wider community, we turn our local green spaces into a hands-on lesson in environmental stewardship and shared joy.

Beyond the outdoor fun, Hackney Forest School is a powerful tool for developing strong social bonds and a lifelong love for the planet. The children learn to appreciate the seasonal changes and the delicate balance of nature, participating enthusiastically in a setting that encourages them to be brave and inquisitive. It creates a supportive community where the forest becomes a place of freedom and self-esteem, helping children build the confidence needed to grow alongside the world they are exploring.