Everything you need to know
Wald, located in Murtal, Cascais, is a bi-lingual (English-Portuguese) forest playgroup dedicated to children aged 1-5*. Our ethos revolves around a nature-focused curriculum, ensuring that the majority of the day is spent outdoors, allowing young minds to flourish. With a strict teacher-student ratio, each child receives personalized attention and care, fostering a sense of belonging.
At Wald we embrace mixed-age learning, where older kids act as mentors to their younger peers. Activities are tailored to individual skills and ages, fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Our flexible nap schedule allows older children quiet time for reflection and reconnection. We are also offering extended hours (from 08:00-17:00) for an additional fee and subject to availability.
Wald accepts Coverflex payments, a Portuguese compensation platform issued by companies.
You can also explore our Frequently Asked Questions - of course, if we missed anything, just contact us!
*Please note, that the child must be able to walk
A Day at Wald
This is a sample schedule and will be adjusted according to the time of year and age of your child.
Please note that in July we do not follow a strict schedule and our life revolves around sunshine and water play!
Our Team
Meet the Team
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Margarida
Lead Teacher
For almost nine years, I have dedicated my career to Early Years education. I hold a degree in Education and a Master’s in Preschool Education. My journey has taken me from teaching in two international schools to working as a nanny, allowing me to work with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.Discovering forest schools transformed the way I see education, and I can’t imagine teaching within four walls again. I am inspired by how children learn and grow through meaningful experiences in nature. Seeing them develop confidence, curiosity and joy outdoors is what I find most rewarding as an educator.
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Joana
Teacher
Nature has always been a special part of my life, ever since my years as a Girl Scout. It was through working at KidZania and as a babysitter that I discovered my passion for working with children, leading me to complete a degree in Basic Education and later a Master’s in Preschool Education.
My passion for art, music, movement, and the outdoors shapes my approach to working with children. I am also part of Bombrando, a percussion and bagpipe band, and have a background in Personal Training. At Wald Portugal, I am inspired by creating meaningful experiences that encourage children to explore, develop independence, and grow in confidence through their connection with nature.
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Wilma
Teacher Assistant
I have over ten years of experience working with children, both in schools and as a babysitter, in Brazil and Portugal. My experience began naturally through growing up with younger siblings and cousins, and developed through working with families and children in different settings. I also hold a degree in Education from Brazil, which has strengthened my understanding of children’s development and learning.
At Wald Portugal, I value the opportunity to support children through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences in nature. I believe children learn best when they have the freedom to discover the world around them, develop independence, and follow their own interests and rhythm. I enjoy creating a safe and nurturing environment where children feel confident to explore, build relationships, and grow.
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Ana
Teacher Assistant
I have been working in Early Childhood Education since 2014 and am passionate about supporting young children through meaningful experiences, play, and connection. Throughout my career, I have worked on social projects with children aged 0–6, including supporting children with additional needs. These experiences have shaped my commitment to creating an inclusive, nurturing, and respectful environment where every child feels seen and valued.
At Wald Portugal, I am inspired by the opportunity to connect children with nature and give them the freedom to explore, create, and learn at their own pace. I love seeing children develop confidence, curiosity, independence, and joy through meaningful experiences outdoors. My goal is to create a safe and caring environment where every child can grow in their own unique way.
Wald Calendar
2025/2026
2026/2027
Frequently Asked Questions
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Drop-off is between 9:00 and 9:30 but understand that sometimes life gets in between! Pick-up between 15:30 and 16:00. For an additional fee, we are also offering extended hours from 08:00-17:00 (subject to availability)
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We have two educators on site - Margarida and Marta. Both are qualified in both preschool and primary school education with a masters degree in early childhood education and a passion for forest education. Both are trained in children first aid. In addition we have additional three assistants - Wilma, Ana and Nayara.
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Families must provide a morning snack and are welcome to pack a lunch from home. Alternatively, we also offer a daily catering option is for a monthly fee (most dietary issues can be considered - please consult us prior).
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All our teachers have completed a first-aid training and regularly attend refresher courses. In addition, each enrolled child is insured (this is part of the registration process). Should there be any health threats or safety concerns, families will be contacted immediately.
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In extreme weather conditions, we have the option of going indoors into our Toca (a indoor space). We do make an effort to stay outdoors as much as possible and believe that the right outdoor wear makes the true difference!
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For information on school fees, please contact us at wald.portugal@gmail.com or via the contact form on our website.
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Yes! Communication is very important to us, and every family will be invited to join a WhatsApp Chat, whereby ongoing communication will be shared.
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Children will be immersed in both English and Portuguese through a dynamic and natural learning environment. Each session will have two teachers—one English-speaking and one Portuguese-speaking—who are fluent in both languages, ensuring seamless communication and engagement. Every week, we will explore a new topic, often inspired by a carefully selected book, which may be in either English or Portuguese. Throughout the year, we will strive for an equal balance between the two languages. Activities related to the book’s theme will be conducted in both languages, allowing children to develop their bilingual skills organically while enjoying storytelling, play, and hands-on learning experiences.
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Yes. We offer extended hours from 08:00-17:00 - subject to an additional fee and availability.
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Wald is geared for children one and up (and walking) - we make sure that all parents have an adequate time acclimatizing to the space, but unfortunately we do not let parents stay for whole day.
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Once you are enrolled in Wald we will send you a detailed list of our suggested clothes. In the summer the key is sun cream and light clothes and as the rainier seasons approach we recommend rain boots and waterproof pants and jackets.
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For older children who no longer nap, quiet time is a chance to relax and recharge through calm, independent activities. They can enjoy reading, drawing, or engaging in other peaceful pursuits. This time encourages focus, creativity, and a moment of stillness in their busy day.
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You can download the school calendar on our Program page: https://www.waldportugal.com/ourprogram
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No. Although we include curriculum guidelines from the Ministry of Education's for preschool, we are not considered a formal preschool.
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Wald is inspired by a range of child-centred educational approaches, including elements commonly associated with Montessori and Waldorf philosophies, as well as forest school principles. However, we do not follow one single pedagogical framework rigidly. Instead, we draw on practices that best support children’s holistic development, curiosity, independence, creativity, and connection with nature. Our approach is play-based, relationship-centred, and guided by children’s developmental needs, with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, emotional wellbeing, and respect for each child’s individual pace.