Opening hours
weekdays between 8.30am and 3.30pm. Holiday clubs operate during the school holidays.
Bee In The Woods Kindergarten
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Nov 2021)
Number of places
20 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2021
Local authority
Brighton and Hove
About this early years setting
Bee in the Woods Kindergarten is an outdoor nursery in Brighton, offering a unique approach to early childhood education. They emphasise the importance of nature and community in a child's development, believing that early experiences in these areas lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and well-being.
The kindergarten, along with their holiday clubs and playgroups, fosters curiosity and connection to the natural world through play-based and experiential learning. Children are encouraged to learn by doing, with responsive and playful educators providing a supportive environment rich in opportunities for exploration.
The philosophy centres on the outdoors as the ideal learning space, where children can embrace their innate scientific instincts, investigate, and make sense of their surroundings. This approach nurtures resilience, independence, emotional intelligence, and early academic skills while immersing children in the changing seasons and natural resources.
They operate from two woodland locations, Portslade and Stanmer, with a commitment to a child-led curriculum and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Our ethos
Bee in the Woods Kindergarten's philosophy centres on the outdoors as an ideal learning space, fostering a child-led, play-based, and experiential approach. They believe nature and community are crucial for development, nurturing curiosity, resilience, independence, and emotional intelligence through exploration and connection to the natural world.
What it's like
Children thrive in this incredibly inspiring and nurturing kindergarten, which is set completely outdoors in a woodland. Their love and curiosity of nature are ignited, sparking an enormous amount of learning, investigation and discovery. Children develop a great thirst for learning and are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education.
Forest SchoolOutdoor LearningChild-led PlayReggio Emilia InspiredOfsted Outstanding
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (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
3-7 years (Kindergarten), 4-8 years (Holiday Clubs)
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Bee In The Woods Kindergarten
Last inspected 16 November 2021 · Ben Parsons
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
What it's like to attend
Children thrive in this incredibly inspiring and nurturing kindergarten, which is set completely outdoors in a woodland. Their love and curiosity of nature are ignited, sparking an enormous amount of learning, investigation and discovery. Children develop a great thirst for learning and are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education.
Inspector highlights
- Children thrive in an incredibly inspiring and nurturing kindergarten set completely outdoors.
- Children develop a vast knowledge of nature, safety and risks through exploration.
- The inspirational manager and her highly qualified, experienced, and passionate staff work together seamlessly to provide a diverse and challenging curriculum.
- The kindergarten fosters a strong sense of community, where children feel cherished and their ideas valued.
- Children develop excellent physical skills and are highly imaginative in their play.
Inspection #10175231 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
Outdoor space
The kindergarten is set completely outdoors in an adventurous woodland site, where children explore their surroundings and learn about nature, safety, and risks. They develop excellent physical skills by climbing trees and using rope ladders.
Google Reviews of Bee In The Woods Kindergarten
5.0
(23 Google reviews)
Charlotte Fuller
7 months ago
My daughter leaves her days in the woods so happy - singing the songs she's learnt and telling me about all the fun she's had. The staff are all wonderful, and interact with the children in real alignment with my own values. She adores Robyn, her keyworker. Both of my children have attended BITW at Portslade and I can wholeheartedly say its one of the best decisions I've made for them both.
Read on Google
Liza
9 months ago
“Bee in the Woods” provides wonderful learning experiences and first-class provision for all children. We are so grateful our son was able to join the Bee in the Woods community. It gave him everything he needed—and so much more—before starting school. The staff were incredibly attentive and nurturing, taking the time to really understand him and bringing out the very best in his character. He formed such positive relationships and loved his key worker so much, that he cried for hours on his last day! In such a short space of time, he formed deep connections and a real sense of belonging. He thrived! Bee in the Woods gave him not only confidence and joy, but also precious memories that we know will stay with him for years to come. Thank you!!
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Emily Boulding
10 months ago
We enrolled our 4 year old little boy for the summer term before he starts reception and wish we’d done it sooner! He has thrived in the woods and talks so enthusiastically about what’s he’s learnt and his adventures there with his friends. He attached really well to his key worker as well as the other staff. They are all so kind and nurturing, very patient and child led and we cannot thank them enough. I would recommend Bee in the Woods to anyone and we can’t wait to sign our other son up when he is old enough!
Read on Google
jude Bolton Millins
9 months ago
Such an amazing set up. Staff are excellent and really experienced/highly trained in early years education. In my child's last year of nursery I split his time between his original setting and Bee in the Woods. He gained so much from being here. There is so much attention to detail and care given from each educator to the wonderful founder and office staff.
Read on Google
Sophie Kemp
10 months ago
We are so grateful to Bees in the woods. It has been a magical place for our daughter over the last 2 years. She comes out beaming everyday and has developed such an interest and love for nature. The staff are incredible and go above and beyond what is expected. Bees will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Bee In The Woods Kindergarten. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
16 November 2021
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
View full Ofsted reportFrequently asked about Bee In The Woods Kindergarten
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