Welcome to our new Tiny Ashes ‘stay and play sessions’ in the beautiful Great Brickhill woods.

Tiny Ashes is a fabulous opportunity for parents, grandparents or carers to join their toddlers and immerse themselves in nature for a morning of outdoor exploration, mud, music and fun! The sessions are aimed at 2-3 year olds and take place in our very own Forest School Base Camp.

The sessions will be run by Becca Abery a Montessori teacher and experienced level 3 Forest School leader and Julia Jack, also a Montessori teacher and currently training as a level 3 Forest School leader.

For more information on session times and prices, and to book please click here:

What is Forest School?

Forest school teaching is essentially outdoor, nature-based learning that focuses on the holistic development of the child. This gives children the ability to use their own initiative, problem solve and provides hands on learning. It gives children the opportunity to grow in confidence, helps raise self-esteem through small achievable tasks and encourages independence.

What if the weather is really bad?

We will be outside in all weathers apart from high winds/ thunderstorms which would be deemed unsafe.

What do we need to wear ?

When you book you will receive a kit list, which will be for your child and the adult that accompanies them. Good quality waterproofs are advised, trousers and jacket. Please put the trousers over your boots to minimise water getting into footwear. Extra thick socks, and layers of clothes are advised in cold weather. In hot weather please ensure long sleeved tops and long trousers are worn.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Becca on b.abery@littleashespreschool.co.uk

Becca Abery (Leader)- I am a Montessori teacher and Forest School leader, passionate about Early Years and allowing children to learn through child led experiences, exploration and play. I am a mum to 2 grown up children and live locally.

Before joining Little Ashes in September 2020, I ran my own early years setting with a Forest School, based in a similar small rural village, having completed my Forest School training in 2015. I took a trip to Copenhagen in 2019 to observe several Forest Schools in action, and then the opportunity to join the fabulous team at Little Ashes presented itself. It has been so much fun bringing the Forest School ethos to life and having the opportunity to work outdoors daily. The children and team have all made me feel so welcome and I love that every day holds a new adventure.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family both here and in Ireland, do long dog walks with my boxer dog and meet up with friends. To keep fit I like to do yoga and cold water swimming.

Julia Jack- I have had 30 years’ experience working with children in education and childcare, having trained as a Montessori Teacher. I went on to work as a Headteacher in the Nursery department of a Pre-Prep school in London. I have a BA in Education and the Early Years and have also gained my Early Years Professional Status. In 2002, I set up my own Montessori Nursery School in Nash near Milton Keynes and also opened another one in 2010, both of which got Outstanding ratings in their last Ofsted reports. Due to changing family commitments a few years ago, I went on to sell these settings.

I am married to Douglas and we have two grown- up children. I am also a part time Royal Academy of Dance ballet teacher and have been teaching students from 3 to 18 years at the Bedfordshire School of Dance and Drama in Flitwick for over 20 years.

I am really excited to be part of the Forest School Team at Little Ashes and Tiny Ashes. I have been studying for my Level 3 Forest School Leadership course for the past 10 months and I have almost completed my training. I have always wanted to achieve this goal as I know from all my previous experience how beneficial it is for all ages to connect with Nature. The outdoors environment is the perfect setting to develop resilient, confident, independent, creative learners whilst also improving their health and well-being. The woodland is an open-ended resource and never fails to offer awe and wonder.