About Us
‘Down the Woods’ is a exciting initiative set up by Caroline Langley, who has been a Nursery Nurse for 15 years as well as a play leader at various settings. She also runs a successful Cub pack. After completing her Forest School qualification Caroline decided that the children in Hertfordshire would benefit from Forest Schools.
Caroline has also attained the ITC outdoor first Aid certificate, possess a enhanced CRB and is a member of “The Institute for Outdoor Learning”
We strongly believe that children love being outside and learn best outdoors. The experience of Forest School touches them emotionally and this improves their all round development
Vision & Mission
“Down the Woods’ Forest School” Vision Statement is to give every child in Hertfordshire the chance to experience this wonderful learning opportunity. Using the Forest School will help the children improve their understanding of nature conservation and its impact on the local area. Forest School has been particular successful with children by:
• Visiting the same local woodlands children learn about their surrounding natural environment.
• Learning how to handle risks during challenging activities.
• Learning to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate in a different environment with others.
“Down the Woods” runs a Forest School initiative for children in Hertfordshire.
Introduction to the “Down the Woods team”
Ray is a qualified Forest School Leader and is an experienced teacher. He has taught in special schools for the majority of his career and is particularly interested in how Forest School and using woodlands can help children and adults with all forms of learning difficulty. Ray is committed to an holistic approach to learning and how Forest School can enhance emotional wellbeing and emotional intelligence.
Laura is experienced in working with children and adults of all ages and abilities. After completing a degree in Childhood Studies &
Advice Guidance and Counselling she began to be interested in outdoor therapy and education, and the positive effects
that the natural environment can have on holistic wellbeing and learning development. This led her onto her training in
Forest School with Archimedes Training Ltd. From there she acquired many skills such as
green woodwork, John Muir conservation leader, willow weaving and sustainable development education at the Centre of Alternative Technology.
