Little Seedlings
Little Seedlings is our toddler group for those aged under 5.
Nature crafts, planting, story time, and more are all on offer at our under 5s stay and play!
How to access
Little Seedlings is for children aged under 5 and their parents. There is no need to be registered with Diverse Abilities other services in order to attend. This group is open to all, including those without additional needs.
What to expect
These sessions are designed to get your little one outside and exploring the world around them through sensory activities and nature-based loose parts play.
Our Nature Nook is full of opportunities to safely roll, dig, climb, and wander, featuring a grassy orchard and a wood-chipped play zone.
Alongside guided activities, the Nature Nook also offers plenty of free play areas, including a beautiful mud kitchen and a magical wishing tree.
Sessions take place every Thursday in (Dorset) term time from 10am until 11:30am.
Costs
These sessions are £7.50 per child and parking at The Treehouse is available free of charge.
Mutiple session discounts
When booking 6 or more sessions, enter the code SEEDSTERM at checkout for one session free.
High standards of care
Our Outdoor Learning Lead is highly experienced in supporting children with SEN, but this group is open to all, including those without additional needs. Young people must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
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• Supervision: A parent or carer must stay for the duration of each session. Adults attend free of charge. Siblings are welcome but must be booked in advance. Children under 1 year old can attend free of charge.
• If your child has any additional needs or medical issues, please let us know in advance so we can best support them.
• Weather & Clothing: Sessions take place in all weather conditions except in cases of unsafe high winds or thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately for the weather:
o Warm, waterproof clothing and wellies are recommended.
o In hot weather, please apply sun cream before arrival.
o Children are likely to get messy – bring a change of clothes!
o We recommend waterproof all-in-one suits or separate trousers and jackets (e.g., from Lidl), layered over warm clothing.
o Long sleeves and trousers are advised due to long grass and the possibility of ticks.
• Facilities: Toilets are available on site, including a Changing Places toilet equipped with a mobile hoist.
• Cancellations: In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a session, we will contact you as soon as possible and issue a full refund.
• Refunds: All bookings are final. We are unable to offer refunds once a session is booked unless we cancel the session ourselves.
• Risk & Challenge: The Nature Nook encourages children to explore risk in a safe, supported way. Exposure to 'risky' experiences helps build confidence, independence, and resilience. All sites are fully risk-assessed before sessions begin. We conduct:
o A daily site check
o Written risk assessments for tool use and fire procedures
• Session Style: Sessions are child-led. Children are free to explore and engage with activities as they choose. We offer a range of options, including a mud kitchen, loose parts play, and more structured activities (e.g., tool use).
Please supervise your child at all times, especially when they are using tools or engaging in higher-risk activities.
• Diverse Abilities is not liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by participants.
• Our staff will lead the scheduled activities but are not responsible for providing care or supervision. You are responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of all young people under your care.
Get in touch
Phone: 01202 518 635
Email: naturenook@diverseabilities.org.uk
Address: The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Hurn, BH23 6DT
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm
Useful links
Click here to find out more about Caterpillar Club, for children up to 5 years old
Click here to find out more about Baby Buddies, for newborns
Click here to find out more about the other Nature Nook services and Birthday Parties
Click here to listen to our podcast with Alex, Outdoor Learning Lead