Growing Wild Woodland Nursery

About this day nursery

Growing Wild Woodland Nursery, located in Sheffield, S35 2YH, is a childcare on non-domestic premises that was registered with Ofsted on 21/03/2024. The day nursery is praised for its exceptional standards, where children flourish in a well-organised and thoughtfully planned outdoor environment.

Children aged 2 to 4 years old arrive happy and confident, quickly settling into play and waving goodbye to their parents with a cheerful 'high five'. The staff are adept at fostering independence, resilience, and curiosity through unhurried exploration in the natural environment.

They also excel at helping children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to make significant progress in communication, confidence, and physical development. The curriculum goes beyond basic EYFS, focusing on rich outdoor experiences and activities that support physical development and problem-solving, such as collecting sticks and leaves for mathematical tasks and navigating challenging terrains like the 'big hill'.

The day nursery cultivates a strong sense of belonging, ensuring all children, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to a rich curriculum, even providing suitable clothing for all-weather activities. The setting operates Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:30, with a total capacity of 25 children.

However, leaders have identified an area for improvement in promoting regular punctuality to maximise children's learning hours and help them develop consistent habits for school.

Our ethos

Growing Wild Woodland Nursery is dedicated to fostering a deep connection with the natural world, enriching childhood with curiosity and exploration. Their nature-based learning approach aims to develop responsible, respectful, and resilient individuals, drawing on research in play and child development. They are committed to an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported, providing fundamental experiences and life skills in an outdoor setting year-round.

What it's like

Children flourish in this well-organised and carefully planned outdoor nursery. They arrive happy and confident and settle quickly into play, confident to wave their parents off with a cheery 'high five'. Children explore freely and show deep engagement as they follow their ideas with determination. They negotiate roles, share resources and solve problems with growing independence. Children confidently invite staff into their play and talk about their thinking. They use rich vocabulary that reflects the repeated stories, songs and conversations that staff weave through the day. Children describe feelings, predict story events and use complex language in their imaginative play. Children achieve well, supported by a curriculum that gives them meaningful experiences that help them to build knowledge, skills and confidence. They climb, balance and move across uneven ground with strength and control. They keep trying when challenges arise and show resilience and resourcefulness. Children understand how to manage risks and talk confidently about keeping themselves safe. Children show they feel secure, valued and included. They form warm relationships with staff and with one another. Mixed age groups help younger children to learn routines and expectations. Older children model language, confidence and independence. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are fully included. They join group times, explore the environment and take part in learning alongside their friends. They make rapid progress in communication, confidence and physical development. Children learn to recognise and celebrate their uniqueness. They learn about difference in a positive way and are proud of who they are and what they can do. They talk openly about their emotions and show a deep understanding of their feelings. For example, they explain how their bodies feel when they are worried or scared. They show empathy and support one another. Children feel safe and show positive attitudes to learning. Families feel welcome, for example when they join staff and children for woodland walks or a barbeque. Children enjoy their learning, develop strong social skills and grow into curious, capable and independent learners who are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning.