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Nest In The Woods

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2022)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews)
·Grappenhall 25th Scout Hut, Church Lane, Warrington, WA4 3EP · Warrington
Number of places
15 places
Age range
5–2 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2022
Local authority
Warrington

About this day nursery

Nest in the Woods is an outdoor pre-school in Grappenhall, Warrington, catering to children aged 2-5 years old. Their philosophy is rooted in the Forest School approach, placing the child at the core of the learning experience.

The pre-school fosters independence, resilience, communication skills, imagination, critical thinking, and teamwork through daily adventures in local outdoor spaces. Children are encouraged to be natural explorers and scientists, discovering the world around them with the guidance of experienced adults.

The team believes the outdoors is the optimal environment for children to connect with nature, understand themselves, and interact with others in a profound way. They experience seasonal changes firsthand, learn about nature, and develop self-care skills.

Each day begins at the 25th Grappenhall Scout Hut base, where children prepare for their outdoor excursions. They then walk to various local sites, engaging in activities such as games, den building, environmental studies, nature-based crafts, and ample free play.

The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with progress monitored through observations and recorded on the Tapestry online app. Nest in the Woods also offers a holiday club, Den in the Woods, for children aged 3-12.

Our ethos

Our philosophy is based on the Forest School approach, which puts the child at the centre. Children will develop their independence and resilience, communication skills, their imagination and thinking, teamwork, and of course have loads of fun in the process. The outdoors is the absolute best place for children to be. They are natural explorers and little scientists finding out about the world for themselves with the support of experienced and caring adults.

What it's like

Children relish having access to a natural outdoor learning environment within the forest school. Expert staff deliver exciting experiences that some children may not experience anywhere else. Children show high levels of confidence and resilience, with a motivation to learn new skills. They truly thrive in this highly inspirational and safe learning environment.

Forest School ApproachOutdoor LearningEYFS CurriculumCommunity Interest CompanyOfsted Outstanding

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged at a flat daily rate, with an additional daily charge to cover snacks and consumables. An hourly rate is applied if funding arrangements are not completed on time.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds

Good to know

  • Additional daily charge applies to cover snacks and consumables.
  • An hourly charge is applied if funding does not start in time.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday, 8:45 am – 2:45 pm, term-time only

Age range

2-5 years old

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Session types

day

Staff

Higher staff to child ratio

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Nest In The Woods

Last inspected 26 July 2022 · Jason Holmes

Safeguarding effective
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 relish having access to a natural outdoor learning environment within the forest school. Expert staff deliver exciting experiences that some children may not experience anywhere else. Children show high levels of confidence and resilience, with a motivation to learn new skills. They truly thrive in this highly inspirational and safe learning environment.

Inspector highlights

  • Children relish having access to a natural outdoor learning environment within the forest school.
  • Staff provide outstanding teaching through a detailed understanding of children's progress.
  • Children have unlimited opportunities to access fresh air, green spaces and exercise.
  • Leadership and management are exceptional, with precisely targeted support for staff and investment in their well-being.
  • Staff provide excellent support for children's developing communication and language skills.
Inspection #10236680 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment on the clear online communication systems in place to ensure they are part of their children's learning journey.

Parents comment on the special ethos of the nursery.

They find all of the staff approachable and appreciate the hard work the team puts in to create outstanding opportunities for children.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Children relish having access to a natural outdoor learning environment within the forest school. Staff skilfully consider how the use of the environment and resources makes a powerful contribution to children's independence, well-being and learning, and children immerse themselves in their play, exploring and experimenting with enthusiasm.

Parent Reviews of Nest In The Woods

5.0
(2)
Lu Wright
4 months ago

Nest In The Woods is honestly just excellent. My daughter has been attending since she was three (I wish I had found it earlier) and I've been incredibly impressed with the care provided by Sam and the entire team. The teachers are warm, down-to-earth and inventive. My daughter first started attending in the summer, which was idyllic, but actually I've been most impressed with the staff's ability to keep the kids happy in freezing temperatures and all-day rain - I have no idea how they do it but she always has a great time. The kids learn a lot about local nature and do some really creative activities but they also just get to be free, with lots of imaginative play, tree climbing etc. Attending has done a lot for my daughter's confidence and it's noticeable that the kids are generally extremely friendly and respectful to each other. Couldn't recommend it more highly.

Read on Google
S Davies
3 years ago

Such an amazing preschool, Gemma, Sam and Leslie take such good care of the children. All children are so nice, polite and friendly. And most importantly all kids are so happy there

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Nest In The Woods. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: September 2016

  • July 2022Outstanding
  • September 2016Outstanding

Frequently asked about Nest In The Woods

About the setting

Nest In The Woods was registered in 2015 and is in the Grappenhall area of Warrington. The setting employs three members of childcare staff, one holding a forest school qualification at level 3 and qualified teacher status, and the remaining two qualified at level 3. The setting provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

URN
EY490665
Registered person
Nest In The Woods Community Interest Company
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Outstanding

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