Escola Lá fora Almada

Escola Lá Fora Almada

Location: Lisbon, Almada, and Ericeira, Portugal
Type: Preschool/Daycare (Forest School model)
Ownership Type: Non-profit organization (Associação Viver a Infância)
Established: 2019

Mission and Vision

Mission: To enable children to develop in a natural context of respect and harmony.
Vision: To help create autonomous children with adequate physical, cognitive, and emotional development, promoting practices that favor contact with nature and free play.

Educational Approach

Escola Lá Fora Almada follows the Forest School model, which emphasizes outdoor learning, free play, and a strong connection with nature. This approach promotes autonomy, creativity, and problem-solving skills through nature-based learning and play.

Core Values

• Respect for others and nature
• Promotion of friendship, partnership, and cooperation
• Inclusion and solidarity

Team

The school has a dedicated team of more than 15 professionals, including:

• Ana Galvão - Executive and Pedagogical Director
• Ana Passos e Sousa - Executive Director
• Nádia Morais - Communication Director
• Fátima Silva - Leader of Forest School and Team Coordinator
• Madalena Cancela - Educator and Pedagogical Coordinator
• Joana Martins - Leader of Forest School
• Other educators and assistants across Lisbon, Almada, and Ericeira.

Programs Offered

• Escola Lá Fora
• Vamos Brincar na Rua (initiative for community engagement and free play)
• Tardes Lá Fora (Afternoon activities for ages 6 to 10)
• Explorar Lá Fora (2-hour Forest School activities for ages 3 to 12)
• Férias Lá Fora (Support for families during non-school periods)
• Aprender Lá Fora (Full-time activities for ages 3 to 6)
• Bebés Lá Fora (2-hour Forest School sessions for ages 0 to 3)
• Festas Lá Fora (Outdoor birthday parties)
• Sábados Lá Fora (Saturday morning Forest School activities for children up to 8 years)

Daily Schedule

• Full-time Hours:
  • Lisbon and Almada: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Ericeira: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Extension: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Lisbon and Almada)

Typical Daily Schedule:

• 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Welcome and free play
• 10:00 AM: Group meeting, day planning, and morning snack
• 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Activities
• 12:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Rest/activities for those who don't sleep
• 3:00 PM: Afternoon snack
• 4:00 PM: Return

Activities

Activities include outdoor play, learning, eating, and napping in nature. Naps are taken outdoors, and children are encouraged to bring their own sleeping bags. Indoor napping occurs only in adverse weather conditions.

Community Engagement

The school hosts monthly meetings in designated play-friendly locations in Alvalade, Lisbon, to promote community interaction and physical activity.

Enrollment

Enrollment is open for the 2024/2025 school year for children aged 3 to 6 years for full-time Forest School activities. Pre-registration is available, and a waiting list is maintained if no vacancies are available.

Pricing

Pricing details can be found in information leaflets for Lisbon, Almada, and Ericeira. Additional costs apply for meals ordered from partners.

• Registration Fee: €50
• Monthly Fees:
  • 1 session: €50
  • 2 sessions: €100
  • 3 sessions: €140
  • 4 sessions: €185
  • 5 sessions: €230

Contact Information

For more information and to register, visit the school’s website: www.escolalafora.pt

Social Media

Follow Escola Lá Fora Almada on social media for the latest news and updates.