Our Childcare students enjoyed a trip to Norway and gained invaluable hands‑on experience at Birkebeineren Friluftsbarnehage in Lillehammer, immersing themselves in the inspiring world of Forest School practice and truly seeing the powerful impact that outdoor learning has on children’s development. From exploring woodland environments and embracing all‑weather play, to supporting children as they climb, slide, run and investigate their snowy surroundings, our students have experienced first‑hand how outdoor education nurtures confidence, independence, resilience and well‑being. Beyond the nursery setting, the trip offered rich cultural learning opportunities. Students visited iconic local landmarks, including Lillehammer’s famous Olympic ski jump and exhibitions celebrating Norway’s sporting heritage, giving them a deeper understanding of the country’s values around outdoor life, community and achievement. Time spent exploring the beautiful forest landscapes — crossing streams, reflecting by woodland paths, and learning outdoors themselves — further reinforced the principles of nature‑based learning that sit at the heart of Forest School approaches. Throughout the placement, students have grown both personally and professionally, building employability skills such as adaptability, teamwork, communication and confidence, while embracing new ways of working within an international early‑years setting.
And as if the experience wasn’t unforgettable enough, the trip was crowned with a truly magical moment — witnessing the Northern Lights illuminate the night sky together, a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience that perfectly captured the wonder, connection and inspiration of learning beyond the classroom.
An incredible journey, filled with learning, growth and memories that will last a lifetime
