Escola Lá Fora

Escola Lá Fora

Type: Preschool/Daycare
Ages Served: 3 to 6 years old
Locations: Lisbon, Almada, Ericeira
Ownership: Non-profit organization (Associação Viver a Infância)
Established: 2019

Educational Model

Escola Lá Fora follows the Forest School educational model, which emphasizes outdoor play and learning in a natural environment. The school aims to help children develop in a context of respect and harmony, promoting independence and holistic growth.

Daily Schedule

• Lisbon and Almada: Full-time from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Ericeira: Full-time from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Extension: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Lisbon and Almada)

Typical Day:

• 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

Meals

• Meals can be brought from home or ordered through partners.
• In Lisbon, meals are provided by Sem Espiga; in Almada and Ericeira, meals can be provided by Go Natural for an additional cost.

Registration Information

• Pre-registration for the 2024/2025 academic year is available.
• A waiting list will be established if there are no vacancies.

Individual Development Plans

• Plans are created with the family every six months to align with the child's needs.

Activities

Activities are designed to meet the individual needs and interests of each child, focusing on holistic development. Examples include:

• Climbing trees
• Motor challenges
• Mud cooking

Napping Arrangements

• Naps are taken outdoors with children bringing their own sleeping bags.
• Shelters are provided in case of rain, and indoor napping occurs only in severe weather conditions.

Teacher-Child Interaction

• Children are not grouped by age; learning is based on individual abilities and interests.
• Older children support younger ones, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Team

Escola Lá Fora has a dedicated team of over 15 professionals, including:

• Ana Galvão: Educational & Executive Director
• Ana Passos e Sousa: Executive Director
• Nádia Morais: Director of Communications
• Fátima Silva: Forest School Leader
• Madalena Cancela: Kindergarten Teacher and Educational Coordinator
• Joana Martins: Forest School Leader
• Other assistants and teachers.

Community Engagement

Escola Lá Fora also runs the Vamos Brincar na Rua initiative, promoting community living and outdoor play since September 2018.

Birthday Parties

• Location: Outdoor setting in Almada
• Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays at 10 AM - 12:30 PM and 3 PM - 5:30 PM
• Pricing:
  • Up to 12 children: €250
  • 12 to 22 children: €300
• Note: Food, birthday cakes, cutlery, dishes, and decoration are not included. Children must bring equipment for outdoor activities.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact via email or phone (910 688 168). Additional information and registration forms are available on the website.

Social Media

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