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Dreckly Woods C.I.C.

Forest school for every child

A welcoming, small-group woodland where children with SEND can thrive — parents welcome to stay, and a named safeguarding lead on every session.

Our ethos

Forest School for every child

Inclusive. Supportive. Empowering. Every child belongs here.

At Dreckly Woods Forest School, we are committed to creating a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive environment where children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can thrive, connect with nature and be themselves.

Four children sitting around a log stump, whittling and working with hand tools

Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do

Every child, every ability

We celebrate neurodiversity and recognise that every child brings their own strengths and gifts.

Nature supports all

The natural environment reduces barriers, builds confidence and provides opportunities for sensory exploration, calm and play.

A flexible approach

We adapt activities to meet individual needs, and offer choice, time and space to succeed.

Skilled and experienced

Our team has experience supporting children with a wide range of SEND, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma and sensory needs.

Strong partnerships

We work closely with families, carers and professionals to understand each child and provide the best support possible.

Belonging matters

We foster a sense of belonging, respect and friendship, where every child feels valued.

Our commitment to inclusion

  • We create a safe, predictable and supportive environment
  • We celebrate progress in all its forms
  • We listen, learn and adjust to meet needs
  • We promote independence, confidence and self-esteem
  • We ensure every child has the opportunity to lead, explore and shine
A child lying in the green hammock, laughing

Different, not less. Outdoors, we thrive together.

“The goal is not to be the same, the goal is to grow together.”

Come as you are. Grow with us. You belong in Dreckly Woods.

Coming soon

1:1 SEND sessions, Monday to Wednesday

Mon – Wed T.B.C.

One-to-one SEND sessions in the woodland — we are getting these ready now.

We have been accepted for sessions funded by personal payments (Devon & Kernow Wallets) — this will be an option in the future.

Where we are heading: We are hoping to open a registered alternative provision for children with and without SEND. We really want to be inclusive.

Keeping them safe

How we look after your child in the woods

Their own hand-made "Dreckly Woods Woodwork Rules" sign on a post in the trees
Our woodwork rules, on the post by the benches

A named safeguarding lead and deputy

Donna is our safeguarding lead. Helen is our safeguarding deputy. Both are first aid trained.

Insured for what we actually do

We raised our insurance policy to cover tree climbing up to 5 metres.

Tools come after the training

Nobody picks up a tool before the safety training for it. That is the order, every time.

Fires follow Forestry England guidance

When Forestry England guidance says no fires, we suspend them. No exceptions in a dry spell.

Small groups

We keep every session to a small group.

Parents are welcome to stay

Parents are welcome to stay if your child feels more comfortable, or if you want to join in too.

Getting around the woodland

It is a working woodland, so the ground is uneven and there are no hard paths. We would rather tell you that than have you arrive and find out. If you want to talk through whether it will suit your child, please just ask us. We would much rather have the conversation.

Get in touch

Ask us anything before you book

Or reach us directly

Bookings go through Bookwhen, but if you would rather just talk to a person first, please do.

Sessions

Thursdays 10am–1pm · Discoverers, ages 7+
Fridays 10am–1pm · Dinkies, ages 0–7

in term time