CHILDREN at Small Steps Day Care in Bicknacre enjoyed a week of seasonal outdoor learning to help the children ‘overcome emotions and anxieties’.

Located at Oak Lodge Farm, Small Steps Day Care and Forest School was first established in 2019 by Hayley Barness.

It caters for pre-school children with term time care, offering curriculum-based learning with ‘highly qualified’ staff in an outdoor environment. 

Hayley said: “Children can relax and thrive in our serene and harmonious environment on a beautiful farm.

Small Steps Day Care and Forest School was first established in 2019Small Steps Day Care and Forest School was first established in 2019 (Image: Hayley Bareness) “We offer forest school activities as part of their daily routine as well as tailored sessions in the school holidays where they learn new skills such as woodwork, tool skills and lighting and cooking fires.

“While following a curriculum, children become confident in their abilities, testing their skills, choosing their activities and making decisions on what to do next.

“Our doors open at 9am and stay open all day so children can come and go, exploring their surroundings and choosing how to enjoy everything at their fingertips.”

Small Steps day care is ‘proud’ to be Ofsted-registers and has achieved an Outstanding rating for its range of activities and quality of care.

Earlier this month, children at Small Steps enjoyed a week of outdoor learning, seeing them get creative with leaves and sticks.

The children enjoyed activities in the outdoorsThe children enjoyed activities in the outdoors (Image: Hayley Bareness) Hayley said: “During the Autumn term we have been using a lot of our woodland space collecting natural resources and making items.”

“The children have been making things like leaf kebabs, stick mobiles, clay sculptures, leaf crowns, cork boats, witches broomsticks from twigs and large branches, flower potions, bug hunting, mud painting, and nature trails.

“The children relaxed in the tree swing and hammock and made dens using the trees.

“They are constantly challenging themselves and using all their fine and gross motor skills.

“We aim to help children overcome emotions and anxieties, helping them make friends and learn new skills.

“We’re all often covered in mud - wellies and puddle suits are usually worn daily!”

Continuing its seasonal activities, Small Steps will host its own Christmas fete next month.

The event will feature a variety of stalls, raffle prizes, a chocolate tombola, and food and refreshments, with on-site parking available.

Entry to the fete costs £1 per person, with children going free and will take place at South Woodham Ferrers village hall on December 1, from 11am to 2pm.

For more information, visit smallstepsdaycare.co.uk