A MUM is giving foster children and children with special educational needs the opportunity to learn outdoors.

Kirsty Bartle, from Lexden, has run forest schools for five years but launched Muddy Boots Forest Adventures in April 2016.

She is now looking to offer classes to SEN children and foster children.

Mrs Bartle, 40, said: "I've worked in Early Years for 15 years. At the time I was a deputy manager at a local Montessori nursery.

"I used to take classes for forest school each week and although I loved my job, bringing up three young children as well I was struggling with the work-life balance.

"I had a lot of parents asking if they could attend with their child but as they were nursery sessions this was not possible.

"Then I saw there was a gap in the market for a new style of toddler group."

She quickly realised the sessions were popular and she now runs classes every weekday, as well as Saturday sessions, home educated family sessions and even birthday parties.

The sessions are held on Mondays at Highwoods Country Park, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Abberton Manor, and the remaining days in Weeley.

She said: "Every forest school is different, and every session is 100 per cent child led.

"I pride myself on allowing children to follow what interests them. I have things set up around the woodland such as mud kitchens, hammocks, swings, climbing ropes, digging equipment and more.

"I also have adult-led nature craft or activities for those who want to take part.

"Its always very relaxed and gives families a chance to step back from their busy lives and enjoy being outdoors. Each month at the Abberton Manor sessions we all go across to have tea and biscuits with the residents which everyone thoroughly enjoys."

She will now look to support children with special educational needs.

She added: "I’ve always been interested in SEN and looked after children during my time working at the nursery. I've attended courses to incorporate therapeutic skills to Muddy Boots sessions so with this knowledge I hope to offer something different.

"There just doesn’t seem to be any forest school groups on offer locally for these children. I think its really important my groups also bring parents and carers together to support each other. These sessions will begin this autumn."

These sessions are £6.95 per child.

To book visit https://bookeo.com/muddybootscolchester/signup.