Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 51 weeks of the year. Sessions are from 7.30am to 7pm.
Ashdown Day Nursery
Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2024)
Number of places
56 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2024
Local authority
East Sussex
About this day nursery
Ashdown Day Nursery, situated on the edge of the scenic Ashdown Forest in Forest Row, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 0-5 years. This family-owned nursery integrates various educational philosophies, including the Curiosity Approach, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf Steiner, and Montessori methods, to create a unique learning experience.
The curriculum is designed to foster natural curiosity, creativity, and individual growth, promoting a deep connection to nature through extensive outdoor learning opportunities, including forest school sessions twice a week in their private woodland. The nursery prioritises holistic development, encouraging children to explore their surroundings and engage in child-initiated play within a secure and loving atmosphere.
Ashdown Day Nursery is dedicated to instilling a lifelong love of learning and supporting each child's unique journey, ensuring a comprehensive care experience with inclusive fees covering meals, snacks, milk, wipes, and nappies.
Our ethos
Ashdown Day Nursery integrates multiple educational philosophies, including the Curiosity Approach, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf Steiner, and Montessori methods, to foster natural curiosity, creativity, and individual growth. They are committed to holistic development, extensive outdoor learning, and child-initiated play in a secure and loving atmosphere, aiming to instil a lifelong love of learning.
What it's like
Children arrive happily, settle quickly in their age-group rooms and follow a consistent daily rhythm that helps them feel safe and secure. They enjoy extensive outdoor experiences in woodland, countryside walks and the garden, and staff support their independence and learning through effective interactions.
Reggio Emilia ApproachWaldorf Steiner InspiredMontessori InspiredForest SchoolFamily-Owned
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
- registration deposit£100
Key facts
Age range
0-5
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2019
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Ashdown Day Nursery
Last inspected 17 April 2024 · Helen Penticost
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children arrive happily, settle quickly in their age-group rooms and follow a consistent daily rhythm that helps them feel safe and secure. They enjoy extensive outdoor experiences in woodland, countryside walks and the garden, and staff support their independence and learning through effective interactions.
Inspector highlights
- Children arrive happily and settle quickly with effective key-person support.
- Staff provide an effective rhythm and use repetition to support children's learning and security.
- Children benefit from extensive outdoor learning in woodland, countryside walks and the garden.
- Staff support children's independence and manage behaviour calmly and effectively.
- Partnerships with parents are good and staff receive effective professional development and well-being support.
Areas to develop
- 1revise times of the day when there is a changeover of activities, specifically to further improve the experience for the youngest children
- 2explore more ways to further embrace children's home cultures and heritages to strengthen their sense of belonging.
Inspection #10337853 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The provider has a secure grasp of the planning of learning for all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She understands the importance of young children developing at their own rates and that they all have unique ways of learning.
Outdoor space
Children relish being in the woodland areas, on walks in the countryside and playing in the garden. Parents report that they love the ability for children to spend plenty of time in the outdoor area and surrounding countryside.
EAL / language support
Children learning more than one language receive good levels of support; staff use words in their home language to aid this.
Parent Reviews of Ashdown Day Nursery
4.8
(17)
Isidora Gharbawi
8 months ago
The best nursery ever. My daughter has just graduated after attending since she was 1. The staff are so caring and wonderful. So much outdoor play and beautiful activities. She has left a confident, caring, mindful and smart little lady and fully prepared for school. I highly recommend them! X
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Prudent Haughton
a year ago
We couldn't be happier with our choice of nursery for our little boy. It has definitely become a home away from home for him! The staff are incredibly patient and kind, always taking the time to create genuine bonds with each child. They foster a warm, nurturing environment where our son feels safe and loved. We're constantly impressed by the level of care and attention they provide, ensuring that every child thrives both emotionally and academically. Highly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a supportive and loving place for their child.
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Tasha Ingino-Jupp
a year ago
We're absolutely thrilled with our son's experience at this nursery. The growth and learning we've seen in him has been remarkable. The emphasis on outdoor play is fantastic - he gets plenty of time exploring in the forest and going on walks in all weather, which we love. The variety of activities really stands out, from interacting with the chickens to creative projects indoors. What really makes this place special is the staff. Their dedication, care and expertise shine through in everything they do. We're so appreciative of how they've nurtured our son's development and given him a second home where he feels safe and happy. We couldn't be more pleased with our choice of nursery. Our son is flourishing here and we're grateful for the wonderful environment they've created.
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Zaynab Araim Ali
a year ago
My daughter absolutely loves attending nursery here, she started just before she was one and has spent 2 years now and loves every session she attends , she is very well looked after by all the staff. They have great outdoor activities and forest walks. The new nursey building is great ! The staff are all lovely and management are caring and understanding and you can tell they absolutely love what they do. Thank you all for your hard work!
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Jaz Cummins
a year ago
Such a lovely family run, caring and fun nursery, our son had a fantastic year and I wish we’d been local and able to use sooner. A gorgeous setting, genuinely interested team, creative details and ideas, inspiration from nature around the nursery and their woodland space, art, science, fun and storytelling, as part of the children’s week. Our son made great friendships, grew in confidence, learned lots and we’d recommend to anyone.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Ashdown Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: October 2021
- April 2024Good
- October 2021Good
Frequently asked about Ashdown Day Nursery
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