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Cobnuts Woodland Nursery And Forest School

Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2023)
·
5.0(2 Google reviews) ·Cobnuts Woodland Nursery Unit 13, Wealden Forest Park, HERNE BAY, CT6 7LQ · Kent
Number of places
40 places
Age range
1–5 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Kent

About this day nursery

Cobnuts Woodland Nursery And Forest School is in Herne Bay, Kent, providing care for children aged from one to five years. It is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 3:45pm all year round and accepts government funding for three and four-year-olds. At its inspection in February 2023, Ofsted rated the provision 'Good'. Its previous overall judgement was 'Outstanding'. The special educational needs coordinator works with staff to provide small group or one-to-one support for children who require it.

According to the Ofsted report, children develop an appreciation for the natural world through a curriculum that balances risky play with safety. The outdoor environment and local woodland provide opportunities for problem-solving, building constructions, and watching wildlife via a camera in a bird house. The inspector noted that mathematics is woven into daily activities and that children’s independence is fostered by helping to prepare healthy meals. Parents reported that they are happy with the day nursery and receive lots of support.

Our ethos

Cobnuts Woodland Nursery, recognised for its "Outstanding" Ofsted rating, offers an outdoor-focused learning experience nestled within Wealden Forest Park. The nursery's approach is rooted in experiential learning through nature-based activities, fostering an understanding of the natural world, problem-solving skills, risk assessment, and tool safety. They are committed to sustainability and encourage parental involvement through an online learning journey system.

What it's like

Children receive a friendly welcome and are keen to engage with the natural environment. The setting encourages independence, resilience, and a 'can-do' attitude through accessible resources and engaging activities. Children are social, confident, and learn about democracy and diverse cultures.

Forest SchoolOutstanding Ofsted ratingOutdoor Learning Alliance memberExperiential LearningStrong parental involvement

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 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.

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Key facts

Food

Our mealtime approach follows the ethos of our setting, reducing waste and plastics wherever possible. We use proper plates and cutlery, glasses for milk and water, small shot glasses to serve dips, paper straws and bottles for smoothies. Wooden children’s chopsticks are a fantastic addition to snack time as we work on our fine motor skills while slurping noodles from a bowl! We explore our environment in tune with the seasons, making elderflower cordial, dandelion honey in Spring and learn how to tap the Beech tree for sap in May. Summer sees us visiting our local farm to pick strawberries for our smoothies and sloes for hot berry juice in the Winter.

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 3:45pm, all year round

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Cobnuts Woodland Nursery And Forest School

Last inspected 10 February 2023

Safeguarding effective
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 receive a friendly welcome and are keen to engage with the natural environment. The setting encourages independence, resilience, and a 'can-do' attitude through accessible resources and engaging activities. Children are social, confident, and learn about democracy and diverse cultures.

Inspector highlights

  • Children develop awe and wonder for the natural world, using their imagination to create artwork.
  • A well-sequenced curriculum allows children to explore what they know and can do, with challenging tasks as they progress.
  • There is a good balance between risky play and allowing children to explore safely in the outdoor environment.
  • Meals are healthy and nutritious, with children helping to prepare snacks and lunches, fostering independence.
  • Mathematics is skilfully woven into daily activities, developing an early awareness of mathematical concepts.

Areas to develop

  • 1further improve teaching to make sure staff use consistent strategies to promote children's communication and language skills.
Inspection #10264709 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents feed back that they are happy and receive lots of support.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The special educational needs coordinator works closely with staff and refers children who need support quickly to relevant professionals. Children work in small groups and receive one-to-one support if needed. This means that all children make good progress from their starting points.

Outdoor space

Children are keen to look at images from the camera inside the bird house in the garden and spot wool in nesting boxes hung on trees outside for birds to collect. The outdoor environment provides opportunities for children to solve problems, build constructions and draw on a large scale. Staff members use written risk assessments and constant dialogue effectively to keep children safe when using the local woodland.

Google Reviews of Cobnuts Woodland Nursery And Forest School

5.0
(2 Google reviews)
Courtney Richards
3 years ago

Absolutely amazing nursery, my children adore it, they go on loads of little adventures to Wildwood, the woods, they do painting and reading, and the staff are so incredible with the children. The first nursery my kids have gone to where I genuinely think they're almost as invested in their future as we are. The staff really have a fantastic understanding of social, physical, and emotional needs and wellbeing, and if you need more assistance (speech and language therapy, etc) they're happy to help you with it. Could not recommend more completely. 💜

Read on Google
B L
4 months ago

Great nursery, supportive staff , children are happy here. What more could you ask for.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Cobnuts Woodland Nursery And Forest School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: June 2017

  • February 2023Good
  • June 2017Outstanding

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more