Monday's session is a safe and relaxing space for babies and toddlers and their parents.

We meet around the fire at 9.30am, and sing our opening song.

A gentle meander through woodland follows, where toddlers can practise their new found walking and clambering skills. Babies carried in slings* will enjoy the smells, sounds, light and air and ever-changing trees and skyline. Sometimes a little song, or a pause to breathe and be still.
Around half an hour later, we return - past the pond where we might see the moorhen with her little ones, the heron, or even the kingfisher!

Back at our heated, covered base, Granny Oaks will have hot drinks waiting for us. Freshly home-baked bread and quality organic food will be set out at the table, as we gather to eat, singing our blessings and thanks together.

Afterwards, the little ones have the opportunity to explore the area immediately outside, where there are logs for climbing, a sand pit, and all sorts of woodland materials to gather and play with. The blanket-covered 'stage' area will also have wooden blocks and other items to play with.

During this time the parents can often learn new skills by participating in the creative project if they wish - or use the time to connect with other parents.
Our creative projects thus far have included needle and wet-felting, spinning wool and knitting, creating little characters from seeds and flowers and paper and whatever else we can find, making wooden blocks and wooden jewellery, sewing and embroidery, baking bread and biscuits, making a rag rug. Many parents have been surprised to discover hidden creative talents and passions waiting to be expressed!

Forty minutes or so later, we sing the tidy time song as we clear up, ready to come together again around the fire.

Circle time around the fire for under-threes is a gentle gathering where we sit and sing songs with simple hand gestures. We mostly sing the same songs every time which helps build their confidence and comfort in knowing what comes next.

At 11.30am, it's time to sing goodbye.

Monday's Mighty Oaks is a peaceful session aimed at younger children, giving parents the opportunity to unwind and perhaps enjoy doing a little something for themselves.

There is an upper age limit of three years and three months for Monday's group, which helps to preserve the gentleness of the space, so that very young children can feel free to explore in safety.

If your child is approaching three, and you feel they already might enjoy something a little more active and tailored towards them, then ask about the possibility of joining the Thursday session for age 3 to 7.

*Please note: the woodland walk is not suitable for pushchairs.