The Forest at Merchiston Head, Davina Bowers
From School Guide, Edinburgh · 36:09
Show by Select Publishing Ltd
Episode 16. Join host Nikki Miller as she speaks with Davina Bowers, Head of The Forest Nursery and Junior School at Merchiston, about this unique outdoor-focused independent school in Edinburgh.The Forest offers a fully outdoor nursery for ages 3+ and a co-ed primary and junior school, with around 115 pupils (currently up to P5, expanding to P7 by 2028). In this conversation, Davina explains how outdoor learning is woven into the curriculum across all year groups and weather conditions, with children equipped in waterproofs and wellies as standard.Davina talks about the benefits of forest school education—from building resilience and independence to fostering curiosity about the natural world. Davina discusses how the school balances rigorous academics with outdoor exploration, manages risk assessment with children's input, and integrates specialist subjects like music, languages, and science through both indoor and outdoor learning.You'll also hear about wraparound care, extracurricular clubs, and how the school creates a community where every child can thrive.Whether your little one is an active outdoor enthusiast or you want your child to have a healthy school life and a more curious mind about the outside world, this episode offers valuable insights into an innovative approach to early years and primary education.If you think The Forest could be the perfect fit for your family, visit the website links below or contact the Admissions Team to arrange a visit. [email protected]://www.merchiston.co.uk/the-forest-nursery-and-junior-school/To get in touch with the podcast: [email protected] Follow us on Instagram: @nurseryandschools_edinburghLog in to read a free digital edition of the Nursery and School Guide Magazine here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk/digitalmagAnd read our blog here: https://www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk
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