Meet Our Forest School Leaders

At the heart of our wonderful Forest School programme are the leaders who guide, inspire, and ensure the safety and well-being of every child. Our programme at Botley has grown from a simple, powerful idea: that children thrive outdoors.
 

This journey was championed by Mr. Evans-Lee, who began sharing his passion for nature with our pupils during outdoor learning sessions back in 2020. Throughout the challenges of the pandemic, his work was invaluable in giving children a safe and joyful space to learn and play outside. He formally established our programme as the official Forest School Leader in 2022, and his passion has been the cornerstone of its success ever since.
 

The team grew when Mrs. Lica brought her wonderful enthusiasm to the woods, first as a dedicated volunteer in 2023. Her natural talent for nurturing children in the outdoors was immediately apparent, and after becoming a valued Teaching Assistant in 2024, she has now qualified as our second Forest School Leader in 2025.
 

Together, they are the keepers of the campfire stories, the facilitators of muddy adventures, and the experts who help our children build confidence, resilience, and a deep, lasting connection with the natural world. We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team and invite you to learn more about the friendly faces your child will get to know in our woodland classroom.

Mr. Evans-Lee Forest School Leader
 

Nurturing Nature's Learners

Hello, I'm Mr. Evans-Lee, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be leading the Forest School programme here at Botley School. As a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader, trained at the renowned Hill End Outdoor Education Centre, I'm passionate about creating a truly exceptional and inclusive learning environment where every child can connect deeply with the natural world and develop essential life skills that will empower them throughout their lives.

About Our Forest School

Our Forest School offers a unique and enriching opportunity for children to explore, play, and learn within our beautiful outdoor setting. We believe that nature is the ultimate classroom, providing a dynamic and ever-changing landscape for discovery. Through carefully curated, hands-on experiences, children develop not only a deeper appreciation for the natural world, but also crucial skills such as confidence, independence, resilience, and social awareness. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all children feel welcome, valued, and supported to thrive.
 

My Approach

My background blends a deep love of nature with a passion for creative learning. This passion was ignited in my childhood, where a lifelong love of gardening first took root. My Level 3 Forest School qualification, earned through training at Hill End Outdoor Education Centre, has provided me with the skills and knowledge to create enriching and safe outdoor learning experiences.
 

In addition to my Forest School qualification, I hold Paediatric First Aid Level 3 and Forest School First Aid Level 3 certifications, ensuring that I am fully equipped to handle any medical emergencies that may arise. I also have a Food-Safety-Hygiene-Level-2 qualification, which is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of food prepared during our outdoor cooking activities.

I bring a creative, thoughtful, and child-centred approach to every Forest School session. My philosophy is rooted in fostering curiosity, encouraging children to take calculated risks, develop problem-solving skills, and learn through self-directed exploration. I believe in nurturing individual strengths and celebrating the unique contributions of each child within our community. Safety is, of course, always my paramount priority. I am dedicated to providing a secure, supportive, and stimulating environment where all children feel comfortable to learn and grow. We actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all our activities, ensuring that every child feels a sense of belonging and has equal opportunities to participate and succeed.
 

Benefits of Forest School

The benefits of Forest School are numerous and far-reaching, impacting children in profound ways:

• Connection with Nature: Children develop a strong, meaningful connection with the natural world, fostering respect, appreciation, and a sense of stewardship for the environment. This connection is vital for their well-being and understanding of their place in the world.

• Holistic Development: Forest School supports the holistic development of each child – physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Through hands-on activities and exploration, children develop physical literacy, emotional intelligence, critical thinking skills, and a love of learning.

• Increased Confidence and Resilience: Children gain confidence in their abilities as they learn to take calculated risks, overcome challenges, and explore their own limits in a safe and supportive environment. This builds resilience and empowers them to face future challenges with greater self-assurance.

• Essential Life Skills: Problem-solving, creativity, communication, collaboration, and teamwork are just a few of the essential life skills nurtured within the Forest School setting. These skills are invaluable for success in school and beyond. We particularly focus on developing these skills through collaborative projects and games that promote inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives.
   

Warmly,

- Mr. Evans-Lee
Forest School Leader

Mrs. Lica Forest School Leader

Creating Joyful Woodland Journeys

Hello, my name is Mrs. Lica, and I am delighted to be a Forest School Leader at Botley School. I am deeply committed to creating meaningful outdoor learning experiences that nurture children's confidence, creativity, and their innate connection to the natural world, ensuring every child’s journey in the forest is joyful and enriching.

Our Vision for Learning in Nature

I believe that the woodland is a place of magic and endless possibility. My vision for our Forest School is to provide a sanctuary where children can lead their own learning, feel truly heard, and develop a sense of wonder. It is a space where play is valued as essential work, and every discovery, big or small, is celebrated. We aim to cultivate an inclusive community where empathy for nature, and for each other, can flourish.
 

My Approach & Background

My practice is rooted in a profound respect for child development and the principles of child-led learning. As a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader, my focus is on creating a safe and empowering atmosphere. To support this, I hold certifications in First Aid ensuring every session is underpinned by the highest standards of safety and care.

My background in early years education has given me a strong understanding of how to observe and respond to children's individual needs and interests, allowing me to facilitate their journey rather than direct it. I bring enthusiasm and empathy to every session, and I am dedicated to creating a secure environment that champions diversity and inclusion, ensuring every child feels valued and free to be themselves.

The Impact of Outdoor Learning

Learning outdoors provides unique opportunities for growth, helping children to thrive:

• Nurturing Curiosity: Children are natural scientists and artists. We encourage them to ask questions, experiment with natural materials, and express their creativity in a supportive setting.

• Building Emotional Intelligence: The outdoors provides a calm and restorative environment where children can develop self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication skills through collaborative play and shared experiences.

• Fostering Independence: By empowering children to make choices, solve problems, and manage their own tasks, we help them build self-esteem and a strong sense of capability.

• A Lifelong Friendship with Nature: Our goal is to plant a seed of respect and love for the environment that will grow with the children throughout their lives, encouraging them to become conscientious guardians of our planet.
   

With best wishes,

- Mrs. Lica
Forest School Leader

Get in Touch

If you would like to learn more about our Forest School programme, please do not hesitate to contact us through the school office. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
 

We look forward to welcoming your child to our Forest School!
 

Warmly,

Mr. Evans-Lee & Mrs. Lica
Forest School Leaders Botley School