Compass Forest School Reviews 

Compass Forest School has profoundly changed our lives for the better, and I am so glad we found them. I don't even think I have the right words to express my gratitude and heartfelt thanks to this amazing place and group of wonderful humans.
Our daughter attends weekly and she feels safe, seen and heard. Is there anything more? YES! So much F.U.N!!!!!! And .. expert practice.
The staff are warm, friendly and fun. They teach skills and genuinely care about the kids. They are also expert co-regulators and guides to the children in their care.
Set in Tandle Hill woods in Oldham, the adventure begins... loads of different camps, places to see, walk, hike and rest and play. They move around and protect the environment and learn forest skills as they go (if they want). It's child led and low demand.
There's such a wonderful community aspect too, they host socials for the kids and their families that are always so much fun. It's so nice to be a part of the tribe, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Our child has built trusting relationships with other adults outside of the home after chronic unmet need in a mainstream school and resulting school based trauma. She's healing, one visit at a time. I know she's safe here. It just knocks me sideways sometimes that this has been possible. You are in good hands with Compass.

I can't even put into words how amazing this provision is for my child. My daughter age 7 is deregistered from the UK school system due to multiple failings. She is Autistic, ADHD, she has multiple sensory needs and emotional dysregulation is her day to day struggle. Mark - Director, Claire- and the rest of the compass team, took our girl (and her good pal too) under their wing this summer.

She thrives outdoors and their low demand child-led environment is everything a forest school should be and more, the nature connection, the creativity, the raising of her confidence & self esteem, she did 4 weeks over the summer and is like a different child.

Mark - has all the time in the world for all the kids and it's not an easy job holding space every day for those big emotions but he does it with pride.

Animal therapy via the therapy dogs here too was so important and vital to the progress our girl has made.

Seeing her muddy face every day I picked her up was just magical, our drive home was full of conversations about her adventures of the day, from making her own zip lines, to creating dens and role play with other children. I have NEVER in the last 3 years had my child so calm and content, thank you SO much from a very burnt out mama to now one who has taken a deep breath and managed to change my outlook on so many things, thanks for giving our girl the chance to be the wild nature spirit she is.

Mark and his team took the time to get to know the pupils who accessed Forest School and built strong and trusting relationships with them in a short space of time. They responded well to the pupils different needs and devised bespoke packages to engage them and motivate them.
Whenever and issues occurred, they were communicated effectively and promptly allowing school and home to address them and move forwards. Mark and his team were committed to our pupils and became strong positive role models for them.
This alternative provision was a much needed and well received addition to the pupils education package and we would definitely consider using them again if the need arises.

Two of our boys attend Compass Forest school. They have been going for 12months and have loved it whatever the weather.

Compass is an amazing environment for children. It’s filled with staff that genuinely care and love the children and do everything they can to help them grow and be the best version of themselves. The icing on the cake is that they care about the parents as well. I will always be eternally grateful for all the love and support they have shown us as a family.
It’s an amazing thing that’s growing in the forest and Mark and his crew should be very proud.
❤️
The Hall family

What an amazing place..such a warm welcoming team!
Always supporting home life also which is amazing
Made a real difference in our little girls life 😁

Since my son started here two days a week we are astonished at the changes in him. The confidence and bonds he is making with staff is helping not only his talking but emotional and social behaviour. Couldn’t be happier

I have been part of The Tribe for 4 years and Mark and Compass have been there for every step of my mothering journey. They’ve supported us as a family in every way under the sun and always with a gracious smile. The crew are hard working and attentive and the kids absolutely love their time in the forest.

A nurturing, adventurous, fun environment.Ran by skilled, compassionate,real people. My son is a regular attender and we have found the whole experience has been amazing. It has given our son a whole new prospective, a zest for life and opened the world of adventure.
I would highly recommend compass to anyone considering a forest school.

My son has been attending Compass Forest School for a while now and it has been a life changing experience for him and in turn for me!

There’s so much about this place which is good for children, from the staff Mark and Laura, to the beautiful woodland environment. My son has learned so much through the patient input from Mark initially and ultimately Laura too.

The age ranges are so natural in terms of what our kids will experience as adults too! I love this alternative to traditional school environments and genuinely feel that it has been a period of tremendous growth for my child, in a gently encouraging place.

My son is the oldest child there at 14 with the youngest being a toddler. The way the children interact with one another and take care of each other is so uplifting.

Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. He’s made some wonderful friends there as have I, very glad to have found this organisation.

Compass Forest School has been a real find for us. Ernie attends Forest school in the holidays and he always looks forward to it. Ernie never stops talking about mark this, mark that and it’s evident just how positive the effect Marks approach has on Ernie. ‘Child led learning’ is at the heart of Compass Forest Schools culture. It’s so refreshing and to see our son so enthusiastic and engaged with the Forest school says everything. Ernie has had me take him to where Forest school is located so he can give a ‘tour’ of his adventures. It’s so healthy in so many ways and a unique approach to childrens development. Highly recommended!

My little boy of 5 absolutely loves Forest school and Mark. He is constantly asking to go. My son has developed a love for the outdoors and is building valuable life skills. I could not recommend it enough.

My son attends Compass Forest School in the half term and other school holidays. To say he loves it would not really cover it! It's everything he wants and more. And in turn, I love it too :) Mark is exceptional at his job and the kids get to learn at their natural pace. My son looks forward to his time at Forest school from the moment he leaves it, what more can I say!

Great place for children to get back to roots playtime in the great outdoors! Just like we did as kids! Mark is great and builds up a caring relationship with each of the kids personally. A wonder to behold!!

I signed my 7 year old son and 9 year old daughter up to Forest school and it was money very well spent! They loved every minute of the sessions, growing in confidence with each new challenge and developing new friendships. They came home happy and exhausted every day and not a screen in sight! Highly recommended!