Opening hours
Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions run from 8am until 4.30pm. A holiday club operates during every holiday apart from Christmas and runs from 8am until 3pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Dandelion Education in Aylsham
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Mar 2022)
Number of places
41 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Mar 2022
Local authority
Norfolk
About this day nursery
Dandelion Education Ltd offers a unique, philosophy-led Forest School Nursery experience, emphasising natural exploration and child-led learning. Founded by Hayley Room and Emma Harwood in 2013, the day nursery aims to provide an environment where children universally grow and flourish.
With multiple locations, including Aylsham, Wymondham, and Eaton, the day nursery is rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in all areas. They strongly advocate for deferred school entry, allowing children to remain in their play-based, child-led curriculum for their reception year and beyond, believing that formal education begins too early at ages 4-5.
Dandelion Education is also a specialist in 'Philosophy for Children' (P4C), an approach that teaches children how to think critically and communicate effectively, fostering independent thought about themselves, others, and the world.
Our ethos
Dandelion Education Ltd offers a unique, philosophy-led Forest School Nursery experience, emphasising natural exploration and child-led learning. They are a specialist in 'Philosophy for Children' (P4C), fostering critical thinking and effective communication, and advocate for deferred school entry, believing that formal education begins too early.
What it's like
Children thrive and make rapid progress at this unique outdoor nursery. They are warmly welcomed by friendly and caring staff and explore the spacious, natural environment with high levels of confidence and independence. Children are highly active and make full use of carefully thought-out opportunities for physical play, resulting in high levels of physical proficiency across all ages.
Forest School NurseryPhilosophy for Children SpecialistsOfsted OutstandingTeacher-ledUnbeatable Ratios
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
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
Session types
Nursery, Stay & Play, The Patch (specialist provision), Reception Year, The Den (flexi-ed/home-educators), Holiday Club
Age range
2-8 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Registered with Ofsted
2019
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Dandelion Education
Last inspected 22 March 2022 · Helen Oakden
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 and make rapid progress at this unique outdoor nursery. They are warmly welcomed by friendly and caring staff and explore the spacious, natural environment with high levels of confidence and independence. Children are highly active and make full use of carefully thought-out opportunities for physical play, resulting in high levels of physical proficiency across all ages.
Inspector highlights
- Children thrive and make rapid progress in a unique outdoor nursery.
- Children's behaviour is exemplary, showing care and consideration for others.
- Staff consistently build on children's communication and language, using challenging vocabulary.
- Staff are wonderful role models, treating all children with respect, care and kindness.
- Staff minimise hazards extremely well, including children in daily risk assessment activities.
Inspection #10207348 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
come on in leaps and bounds
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
Outdoor space
Children explore the spacious, natural environment and show high levels of confidence and independence. They are highly active around the site and make full use of the carefully thought-out opportunities to dig, climb, slide, swing, run and balance.
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
22 March 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 Dandelion Education
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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