Opening hours
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30am - 3:30pm
Conkers Life Kindergarten
Ofsted: Outstanding
(May 2022)
Number of places
16 places
Age range
3–5 yrs
Last inspected
May 2022
Local authority
Durham
About this day nursery
Conkers Life Kindergarten provides a nature-immersed early years experience in Rowlands Gill, focusing on outdoor learning and child-led exploration. Founded in 2018 by Christina Quigley, an experienced primary school teacher, the kindergarten is situated on a fifty-acre farm, 'The Hagg,' bordering the River Derwent in County Durham.
Inspired by the founder's own upbringing on a farm and further enriched by Rudolf Steiner principles, the ethos encourages children to delve into their surroundings, fostering curiosity and healthy relationships within small group settings. This approach extends beyond the kindergarten to include forest school sessions and parent and child groups, all designed to connect children with nature and promote a holistic development.
Conkers Life aims to offer an alternative childcare option that builds confidence and a love for the outdoors, providing a unique educational environment where children can thrive.
Our ethos
Conkers Life Kindergarten is inspired by Rudolf Steiner principles and focuses on nature-immersed, child-led outdoor exploration. Their ethos encourages children to explore their surroundings, fostering curiosity and holistic development in a unique educational environment connected with nature.
What it's like
Conkers Life Kindergarten offers an outstanding environment where children flourish through excellent education and nurturing. Children eagerly engage in independent exploration and problem-solving, whether designing a beach in a sand tray, cooking in a mud kitchen, or navigating a slope with a rope. They also connect with the natural world, showing awe as they observe snails and creatively making pizzas from natural materials in the mud kitchen.
Outdoor KindergartenForest SchoolParent and Child GroupsNature-based Learning
Pricing & funding
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
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Established
2018
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Conkers Life Kindergarten
Last inspected 25 May 2022 · Janet Fairhurst
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
What it's like to attend
Conkers Life Kindergarten offers an outstanding environment where children flourish through excellent education and nurturing. Children eagerly engage in independent exploration and problem-solving, whether designing a beach in a sand tray, cooking in a mud kitchen, or navigating a slope with a rope. They also connect with the natural world, showing awe as they observe snails and creatively making pizzas from natural materials in the mud kitchen.
Inspector highlights
- The manager and staff's passion for giving every child an exciting education is notable, with clear and ambitious plans.
- Children have an extremely positive attitude to learning because they are inspired by the curriculum, which is appropriately demanding.
- Staff are skilful at observing and adjusting their interventions, readily re-wording questions and offering suggestions so all children can achieve.
- Children's communication and language skills flourish as staff introduce new vocabulary and ask questions that encourage detailed replies.
- Staff provide an excellent outdoor learning environment and a wealth of opportunities to develop children's physical skills.
Inspection #10191025 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
'an amazingly special place for children to learn'
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
Outdoor space
Staff provide an excellent outdoor learning environment for children and a wealth of opportunities to develop children's physical skills. Children learn to confidently navigate the woodland and meadow area, enthusiastically climbing up slopes and clambering along logs under discreet supervision, and learn to cope with eating packed lunches and hot food outdoors.
Parent Reviews of Conkers Life Kindergarten
5.0
(4)
Hutch980
3 years ago
My daughters have been coming to Conkers for the past 3 years. All 3 have done parent and child forest school sessions in all seasons from my wife being pregnant, baby in sling and toddlers/pre-schoolers. It is a fantastic site with caring, knowledgeable and lovely practitioners. My eldest daughter has done holiday clubs in the half terms from school this year and has thoroughly enjoyed each one. The activities are varied and she loves bringing home things she's made or telling us about adventures she's been up to. We would definitely recommend conkers to anyone who is interested in forest school!
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A Church
5 years ago
As a family we have been going to Conkers for over 18 months now, both to Forest School and Kindergarten. Christina provides an excellent facility to enjoy and learn in the great outdoors. Although education is at the heart of everything here it is served with large dose of tranquility and above all welcoming friendship.
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Georgia Villalobos
5 years ago
This is an incredibly special place that I have been taking my family to for a few years now. Christina is an incredible practitioner who sees the amazing in every child and the setting is absolutely magical.
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Michelle Pearson
5 years ago
My son and I have the most wonderful time during our sessions and especially during these difficult times it's a great place for him to be around others, learn and explore. I'd highly reccomend. M
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Conkers Life Kindergarten. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
25 May 2022
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 Conkers Life Kindergarten
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