Millfields Park

General information

Free Range Urban Kids offers London’s inner city children the opportunity to explore the natural world as the seasons change. Providing a holistic child led learning through play early years experience come rain or shine.

As founders of Hackney's first outdoor provision, (Elizabeth Hassay and Hayley Mitchell), we believe nature is an important place for children to discover a wide range of activities to engage all their senses. Children learn best through first hand experiences.

Nature Kindergartens were a part of our own childhood’s in Denmark and Germany and we wish to offer this style of pedagogy for the local community. The Forest School movement has gained momentum in the UK since it began here in 1995 and is becoming increasingly popular.

Forest Schools and nature nurseries have been an integral part of the Scandinavian education system since the 1950s. They provide children with the opportunity to appreciate the natural world and thus ensure a love and respect for nature through out their life. Wald kindergartens in Germany follow this ethos too. We also draw upon the teachings of Froebel, Montessori and Steiner. Free Range Urban Kids is an alternative approach to childcare and provides children with a 'forest education’ which is a nationally accredited teaching philosophy in the UK.

In Hackney, East London we have Lea Valley, Walthamstow and Hackney Marshes plus Wick Woodland all just minutes away. We find our children are happiest in this environment with the freedom to run through puddles, collect sticks and climb trees or just be.

Lea Valley is London's largest rural space with 330 acres of protected commons. It is a major migration route for birds such as the cuckoo, swift and house martin. The marshes are home to cows, horses and many wild animals. Wick Wood is only 12 yrs old and features mature planes, ash and poplar trees. What is more astonishing is that all this beautiful countryside is a mere 10 minute walk from the high street. It literally is right on our doorstep. Our launch sessions will take place in Millfields park, near the community orchard with walks to the wider area.

In this wilder landscape, away from the traffic and the hustle and bustle of city life we notice the children play more cooperatively as their social skills improve, confidence grows and new adventures are had. Studies have shown that children who attend an outdoor childcare facility have improved health, falling sick far fewer days, good gross motor skills and less allergies and stress levels.

It became apparent when talking to friends, family and local parents there was a demand for more outdoor play and Free Range Urban Kids was born.

At Free Range Urban Kids we believe that children need the freedom to express themselves through a choice of open ended play and planned activities that utilise the natural landscape whilst being sensitive to their impact on the area.

We want our children to be happy, confident and to love and respect all living things. We think you do too!