Forest School for West Midlands families

Dumbles Forest School is a woodland early years setting at Red Fox Wood, Willesley Woodside, Ashby-de-la-Zouch DE12 6DP — in the National Forest, on the border where Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire meet. That puts us within easy reach of families across the West Midlands as well as the East Midlands, and we welcome children from both.

Where are we, and which West Midlands areas do we serve?

Our woodland site sits just off the A42/M42 corridor, so the drive is straightforward from Tamworth, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield, Atherstone, Nuneaton, Burton upon Trent and north Birmingham, as well as from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Measham, Swadlincote and Coalville. Families travelling from the wider West Midlands usually reach us via junction 11 of the M42 or the A444.

What happens in a Forest School session?

Sessions are child-led and run in real woodland, all year round. Children take part in woodworking and crafting (whittling, drilling, hammering and gluing under close supervision), cooking on the fire, nature observation such as bug hunting and bird watching, and active outdoor play including den building, puddle jumping and our secret trail. Each activity is chosen to build fine motor skills, concentration, teamwork, confidence and safe risk-taking.

Who is it for?

Dumbles Forest School is an outdoor early years setting for young children, with our activity programme built around four-year-olds preparing for school. It is a passion project built on 30+ years of experience and the values of Ashby Castle Day Nursery & Pre-Preparatory School, founded in 1994 and consistently rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Why choose a Forest School over an indoor setting?

Children who learn outdoors build emotional resilience, empathy and independence alongside physical confidence. Our approach is connection, not perfection: success is measured by whether a child has had the chance to be resilient, curious and kind — not by whether the thing they made looks perfect.

How do West Midlands families join?

Places are limited. Register your interest or book a personal tour on a school day and our Admissions Team will be in touch to talk through session availability and settling-in sessions. We are happy to answer as many questions as you need before you decide.