Opening hours
Monday – Friday: 7:30 – 18:00
Astley Nature Kindergarten
Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2023)
Number of places
100 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Wigan
About this day nursery
Astley Nature Kindergarten, part of the Thrive Childcare group, offers an all-inclusive educational environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Located in Astley, Greater Manchester, the nursery is housed in a beautifully refurbished detached house that retains its original charm while providing spacious and bright learning areas.
A key feature is the extensive outdoor provision, set within over an acre of land, which includes a dedicated forest school, encouraging outdoor exploration and nature-based learning. The nursery focuses on fostering a nurturing atmosphere where children can develop and grow, with a commitment to professional, diligent, and dedicated care from its staff.
The curriculum emphasises interactive activities and ample outdoor time, ensuring a holistic approach to early childhood development. The setting aims to provide a welcoming, family-like environment where every child is known and supported.
Conveniently located near New Manchester, Tyldesley, and Atherton, the nursery also provides a car park for easy drop-off and collection.
Our ethos
Astley Nature Kindergarten's educational approach is centred around nature-based learning and outdoor exploration, utilising over an acre of land including a dedicated forest school. They emphasise a holistic approach to development through interactive activities and ample outdoor time, aiming to foster a nurturing, family-like environment.
What it's like
Children enjoy attending this welcoming nursery. Staff work hard to ensure children feel safe and secure. Children quickly establish warm and trusting relationships with staff, and are engaged and motivated in their chosen activities.
Forest SchoolExtensive Outdoor AreaAll-inclusive Education
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)
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Request pricing →Key facts
Age range
6 weeks to 5 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Astley Nature Kindergarten
Last inspected 22 February 2023
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 enjoy attending this welcoming nursery. Staff work hard to ensure children feel safe and secure. Children quickly establish warm and trusting relationships with staff, and are engaged and motivated in their chosen activities.
Inspector highlights
- Children benefit from a range of activities and experiences that reflect their interests and what they need to learn next.
- Children's outdoor learning is a key feature of this nursery, with activities encouraging them to explore nature and the natural world.
- Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well.
- Parents are complimentary about the nursery and staff team.
- Staff have a good understanding of their role in protecting children from harm.
Areas to develop
- 1support staff to understand children's communication and language development, with particular regard to the use of dummies and how these can impact on children's speech
- 2consider the dedicated book areas within the nursery and ensure that these areas are inviting and books are in a good state of repair, to establish a love of literacy among children
- 3continue to foster the skills of staff who are new or less confident so that they develop their confidence, knowledge and skills.
Inspection #10277468 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well. The dedicated special educational needs coordinator has completed relevant training that enables her to assist and advise families and staff. Strong partnership working with other professionals helps to ensure that children quickly receive any additional support they might need.
Outdoor space
Children's outdoor learning is a key feature of this nursery. Staff plan activities that encourage children to spend lots of time in the fresh air, exploring nature and the natural world around them. Children develop skills such as climbing, balancing and hand-eye coordination.
Parent Reviews of Astley Nature Kindergarten
5.0
(37)
Laura Kane
a year ago
Fantastic nursery, with fantastic staff. My little boy has been going since he was 11 months, he has come on so much and is now so confident in group situations. I feel super content every day knowing he’s in safe hands.
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Emma Hathaway
2 years ago
My son is currently in pre school 1 and he Ioves going to nursery. All of the staff are excellent and everything is well taken care of. I couldn’t recommend them enough!
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Melissa Thomason
6 years ago
My son has attended forest school at holy food with Pete and Jessica and to say he loved it is an understatement! He still talks about it now and he learnt so much that day! Pete and Jessica were very warming and looked after my little boy like he was their own so thankyou very much! He can’t wait to come back again! Xx
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Claire Coulson
6 years ago
Excellent nursery my son attended this nursery loved every minute of being her great staff fantastic outdoor area plenty of space for the children. To run there energy off
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Sarah Booth
6 years ago
Fantastic nursery lots of natural play and exploring for the children to use their imagination. I would recommend this nursery to any parent or guardian you will not be disappointed
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Astley Nature Kindergarten. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: October 2008
- February 2023Good
- November 2017Good
- March 2014Good
- January 2013Outstanding
- October 2008Good
Frequently asked about Astley Nature Kindergarten
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