Opening hours
8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (Nest); Mornings: 9am - 12pm, Afternoons: 12pm - 3pm, Full Day: 9am - 3pm (Robins & Owls)
Hind Leys Pre-school and Natural Play Centre
Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2023)
Number of places
60 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2023
Local authority
Leicestershire
About this day nursery
Hind Leys Pre-school & Natural Play Centre, situated in Loughborough, provides exceptional early years care and education for children aged 3 months up to school age, with some flexibility for home-schooled children over five years old. The centre operates year-round, focusing on a robust curriculum inspired by several educational philosophies.
Central to their approach is the Forest School model, which emphasizes a deep connection between children and nature. They also integrate the Reggio Emilia Approach, valuing creativity and viewing the environment as a key teacher.
A mindful curriculum prioritises mental health and emotional development, fostering well-being with a focus on mind, body, and heart. Furthermore, the Louvain Institute in Belgium and Professor Ferrer Laevers’ experiential scaffolding contribute to developing children's social competencies.
Having been established for over 45 years, the pre-school has evolved significantly and maintains a "Good" Ofsted rating from 2023. They encourage prospective families to visit the unique setting to fully appreciate their approach and facilities.
Our ethos
Hind Leys Pre-school & Natural Play Centre's pedagogical approach is a blend of philosophies, centred around the Forest School model and the Reggio Emilia Approach. They prioritise children's connection with nature, creativity, and the environment as a teacher, while also focusing on mental health and social development through mindful curricula and the work of the Louvain Institute and Professor Ferrer Laevers.
What it's like
Children are happy and settled in this magical setting. They develop strong attachments with their key person, which helps children to feel safe, secure and ready to learn. Children have a voice in the setting.
Forest SchoolReggio Emilia ApproachMindful CurriculumCharity-run
Pricing & funding
This nursery charges hourly rates that vary across three age-banded rooms from birth to preschool. An enhanced provision daily charge is applied for funded children, subject to an opt-in policy discussed during induction.
Funding accepted
15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Good to know
- An opt-in/opt-out policy for the enhanced provision daily charge is discussed at induction.
- A late collection charge is applied for delays of 15 minutes or more.
Key facts
Age range
3 months to school age (with some spaces for children over 5 years if home-schooled)
Term time / All Year
All Year
Session types
Sessional, Full Day
Established
2002
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Hind Leys Pre-school and Natural Play Centre
Last inspected 5 January 2023 · Kelly Langley
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children are happy and settled in this magical setting. They develop strong attachments with their key person, which helps children to feel safe, secure and ready to learn. Children have a voice in the setting.
Inspector highlights
- The manager and staff have made improvements since the last inspection, particularly in safeguarding.
- Children show high levels of confidence in their independence skills and are proud to take part in daily routines.
- Children's communication and language development is well supported by staff who model and extend vocabulary.
- Staff have a clear curriculum intent based on children's interests, fostering small-muscle skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Management values staff well-being and professional development, leading to confident staff with manageable workloads.
Areas to develop
- 1strengthen systems already in place for establishing children's developmental starting points and learning from the outset
- 2improve strategies for sharing activity ideas with parents so that they can support children's learning at home even further.
Inspection #10249551 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
"Parents comment that they feel privileged for their children to attend."
"Parents appreciate the beneficial experiences their children receive through forest school activities and the outdoor learning approach."
"They share that staff keep them up to date with their child's progress and know their child's next steps."
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
Outdoor space
Outdoor play is an integral part of children's experiences. Pre-school children take part in regular forest school activities, learning about safety, risk-taking, and exploring nature. Younger children also benefit from the outdoor environment, with babies splashing in puddles and persevering in negotiating a bridge.
Parent Reviews of Hind Leys Pre-school and Natural Play Centre
3.7
(3)
Anthony Crowe
4 months ago
Our toddler has been at the setting for just over a year and we couldn’t be happier with the care and activities provided by Hind Leys Forest School. She has strong bonds with staff in the Nest and the freedom to explore and learn in the outdoor environment which has seen her flourish in all areas of her development. Thank you Hind Leys Forest School : )
Read on Google
Francesca Kent
a month ago
Edith Garcia Ruiz
7 months ago
Reviews from Google for Hind Leys Pre-school and Natural Play Centre. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2023
- January 2023Good
- July 2022Inadequate
- March 2022Inadequate
- September 2015Outstanding
- October 2008Good
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