Opening hours
Monday to Thursday, 8:45 am – 2:45 pm, term-time only
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.
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
Good to know
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
Last inspected 26 July 2022 · Jason Holmes
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
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
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.
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 GoogleSuch 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 GoogleReviews from Google for Nest In The Woods. See all on Google Maps
Date: September 2016
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.
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Nest In The Woods.
Warrington · WA4 2XT
Warrington · WA4 2LY
Warrington · WA4 1LQ
Warrington · WA4 1JN
Warrington · WA4 1JN
Warrington · WA4 1LN
Send to a partner, friend or family member.
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