Session types
Early (1 hour), Morning (4 hours), Afternoon (4 hours), Late (1 hour)
Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School
Ofsted: Good
(Aug 2025)
Number of places
49 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Aug 2025
Local authority
Suffolk
About this day nursery
Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School, situated in Ipswich, provides high-quality early years education for children aged 3 months to 4 years. The nursery embraces a strong outdoor learning philosophy, offering extensive outdoor spaces for exploration and discovery.
Its Forest School, located in the woodland at the back of the nursery, allows children to engage with nature, develop resilience, independence, teamwork, and practical skills like growing food and using tools. The nursery prioritises strong relationships with families, aiming to foster confident and independent individuals.
The dedicated team includes educators with SENDCo qualifications and multiple qualified Forest School Leaders, all passionate about enhancing children's understanding of the natural world. Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School is committed to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where nature is central to the learning experience.
Our ethos
Our approach is rooted in a deep passion for outdoor learning, with extensive outdoor spaces designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love for nature. At our Forest School, children have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature developing resilience, independence, and teamwork. We work closely with parents and carers to ensure each child thrives, helping children become strong, confident, and independent individuals ready for their next steps.
What it's like
Children at Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School develop strong friendships with peers and staff, benefiting from a calm and nurturing environment where they are eager to learn and explore. The indoor and outdoor spaces are well-organised for self-selection, and children, including babies with their own outdoor area, behave well due to high staff expectations.
Forest SchoolOutdoor LearningCharity-run
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged at a simple hourly rate across all age groups and sessions, with extra hours outside of funding invoiced accordingly. An additional provisions fee is charged per hour to cover consumables and snacks. A deposit is required for children under two.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Good to know
- A deposit is required for children registered under the age of two.
- Hours not covered by funding are invoiced at the standard hourly rate.
- An additional provisions fee is charged to cover snacks, consumables, and extra services.
- An admin fee is charged for making permanent changes to bookings.
- Late collection fees are charged per instance plus the relevant hourly rate in 30-minute blocks.
Key facts
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, from 8am until 6pm
Age range
3 months to 4 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2025
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School
Last inspected 4 August 2025
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children at Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School develop strong friendships with peers and staff, benefiting from a calm and nurturing environment where they are eager to learn and explore. The indoor and outdoor spaces are well-organised for self-selection, and children, including babies with their own outdoor area, behave well due to high staff expectations.
Inspector highlights
- Children develop lovely friendships with each other and staff.
- The outdoor area is a significant strength.
- Staff place great importance on listening to children, giving them all a voice.
- Staff plan an exciting curriculum with a focus on promoting independence, building resilience and developing language and communication.
- Leaders implement rigorous systems to monitor and support staff's ongoing professional development.
Areas to develop
- 1minimise noise levels when interacting with children so they can fully focus on their learning
- 2support staff to consistently make the most of every opportunity to extend children's language.
Inspection #10412337 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress.
Outdoor space
The outdoor area is a significant strength. Children demonstrate high levels of engagement in their learning, eager to explore the natural environment. The outdoor areas are set up to offer children a huge array of learning and play opportunities, which enable children to develop a good range of physical skills and be active.
Parent Reviews of Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School
5.0
(2)
Amy
2 months ago
This is a gem of a nursery / forest school depending on the age of your child. The staff are all so caring, kind & supportive. There is a lovely atmosphere every time you walk into the nursery. Would highly recommend this setting for your little one.
Read on Google
Klaudia Bana
4 weeks ago
A lovely nursery/forest school. Amazing spaces indoors and out to explore. Lots of lovely activities for the children and real life skills learned throughout play. The staff is always happy to see us and make sure to check how my little one is doing each morning we arrive. They are tentative, upbeat and welcoming. My little one’s interest in outdoors and learning about nature around her has soared. She can now identify plants, flowers, all her fruits and veggies and knows all the stages of plant life and so much more. Very happy with her development in the setting and sad to know she’ll be leaving soon for School.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Most recent inspection
4 August 2025
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 Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School
About the setting
Oak Wood Nursery registered in 2025 and operates from a purpose-built building in Ipswich, Suffolk. It is one of seven nurseries managed by Bows and Arrows, a charitable, not-for-profit limited company. The nursery employs 13 members of childcare staff, with varying qualifications. The nursery opens Monday to Friday, from 8am until 6pm, all year round, with the exception of bank holidays, a week in July, a week at Christmas and three professional development days. The nursery provides funded education for all eligible children.
- URN
- 2844144
- Registered person
- Bows and Arrows
- Day care type
- Full day care
- Register
- Early Years Register
- Establishment type
- Childcare on non-domestic premises
Nearby day nurseries in Ipswich
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Oak Wood Nursery and Forest School.
-
0.2 miOfsted: Outstanding
Little Learners Nursery
Ipswich · IP3 0EY
4.3(7 reviews) -
0.2 miOfsted: Outstanding
Forest Learners Nursery
Ipswich · IP3 0EY
4.3(7 reviews) -
0.8 miAwaiting first inspection
Play Out Ipswich
Ipswich · IP3 9BU
4.3(6 reviews) -
1.2 miAwaiting first inspection
Little Leaders Ransomes
Ipswich · IP3 9FG
-
1.3 miOfsted: Good
Twizzle Tops Day Nursery
Ipswich · IP3 8AX
4.1(9 reviews) -
1.3 miOfsted: Good
ABC Childcare (Ipswich)
Ipswich · IP3 8LR
Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.
Claim listingShare this nursery
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