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EYFS

Flexible and adaptable activities led by experienced, well qualified environmental education officers, offering outdoor fun and exploration, which can be tailored to meet your group’s needs. 

The following table visualises how the EYFS days offered by the Hive link to the Early Years Framework to help you select the right activity for your group. More information on each day can be found by following the links lower down on the page.

 Nature ExplorersBear Hunt Storybook DayStickman Storybook DaySuperworm Storybook DayGruffalo Storybook Day
Communication and Language 
ELG: Listening, Attention and Understanding
Listen attentively and respond to what they hear with relevant questions, comments and actions when being read to and during whole class discussions and small group interactions. XXXXX
Make comments about what they have heard and ask questions to clarify their understanding.  XXXX
ELG: Speaking
Participate in small group, class, and one-to-one discussions, offering their own ideas, using recently introduced vocabulary. XXXXX
Offer explanations for why things might happen, making use of recently introduced vocabulary from stories, non-fiction, rhymes, and poems when appropriate.  XXXXX
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
ELG: Managing Self
Be confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience, and perseverance in the face of challenge. XXXXX
ELG: Building Relationships
Work and play cooperatively and take turns with others. XXXXX
Show sensitivity to their own and to others’ needs. XXXXX
Physical Development 
ELG: Gross Motor Skills 
Negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others.XXXXX
Demonstrate strength, balance and coordination when playing. XXXXX
Move energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping, and climbing.  XXXXX
ELG: Fine Motor Skills 
Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paint brushes and cutlery. XXXXX
Literacy 
ELG: Comprehension
Demonstrate understanding of what has been read to them by retelling stories and narratives using their own words and recently introduced vocabulary.   X X
Anticipate – where appropriate – key events in stories.  XXXX
Use and understand recently introduced vocabulary during discussions about stories, non-fiction, rhymes, and poems and during role-play.  XXXX
ELG: Word Reading 
Read aloud simple sentences and books that are consistent with their phonic knowledge, including some common exception words.  XXXX
Mathematics
ELG: Number 
Have a deep understanding of numbers to 10, including the composition of each number.  X  
Subitise (recognise quantities without counting) up to 5.  X  
ELG: Numerical Patterns 
Verbally count beyond 20, recognising the pattern of the counting system.  X  
Explore and represent patterns within numbers up to 10, including evens and odds, double facts and how quantities can be distributed equally.   X  
Understanding the World 
ELG: The Natural World 
Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants.  XXXXX
Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class. XXXXX
Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter.XXXXX
Expressive Arts and Design
ELG: Creating with Materials
Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools, and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form, and function. X X X
Share their creations, explaining the process they have used.   X X
Make use of props and materials when role playing characters in narratives and stories.   X X
ELG: Being Imaginative and Expressive
Invent, adapt, and recount narratives and stories with peers and their teacher.  X X
Sing a range of well-known nursery rhymes and songs.  X   
Perform songs, rhymes, poems, and stories with others, and – when appropriate – try to move in time with music.  XX  

 

Choose one of the activities below for your group for a great day in the forest or we can design a bespoke day for your group.

  • We recommend that you schedule your arrival time between 9.30-10am and departure time between 2-2.30pm.
  • At lunchtime you will have access to toilets, a heated classroom and an outside area to play or have a picnic.

  • Animal Outreach Visit

    A visit to you with our animals

    Our giant snail, stick insects and snake can come and visit you!

    More information on Animal Outreach

  • Bear Hunt Storybook Day

    EYFS

    Follow the bear's footprints through the forest, with fun activities along the route, before making a mini den for the bear. You can meet our animals too, including salamanders and snakes.

    More information on Bear Hunt Storybook Day

  • Nature Explorers

    EYFS

    An adventure in the forest; climbing over logs, paddling in the stream or looking for small creatures under logs. You can meet our animals too, including salamanders and snakes.

    More information on Nature Explorers

  • Stickman Storybook Day

    EYFS

    Explore the magnificent Epping Forest with Stickman. Read the popular Julia Donaldson story in our beautiful grounds and then head into Epping Forest for stickman themed fun. 

    More information on Stickman Storybook Day

  • Superworm Storybook Day

    EYFS

    Introduce children to the wonderful and weird world of animal adaptions, through Superworm and his garden friends. Explore Epping Forest taking part in fun activities along the way. 

    More information on Superworm Storybook Day

  • The Gruffalo Storybook Day

    EYFS

    Follow a trail through the forest, meeting the animals from the story and taking part in fun activities along the route. Find out about nocturnal animals and use senses to explore the natural world. 

    More information on The Gruffalo Storybook Day