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Sheffield Woodland Kindergarten

Ofsted: Good
(Aug 2023)
·
5.0(5 parent reviews) ·Behind Frances Newton Lynwood Gardens, 7 Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield, S10 2LA · Sheffield
Number of places
34 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Aug 2023
Local authority
Sheffield

About this day nursery

Sheffield Woodland Kindergarten offers a unique, fully outdoors educational experience for young children, providing an opportunity for them to engage directly with the natural world. Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian and German forest kindergartens, the setting encourages exploration, creativity, and learning through play in outdoor environments, regardless of the season or weather conditions.

Children participate in activities led by their innate curiosity, guided by experienced practitioners. The Kindergarten integrates the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum by exploring learning areas in creative ways, such as using story stones, natural materials for literacy, and mapping adventures with journey sticks.

The philosophy emphasizes the developmental benefits of outdoor learning, fostering joyful memories and a sense of freedom, exploration, and adventure that resonates with traditional childhood experiences. The kindergarten also prioritizes sustainability, teaching children about environmental care through dedicated learning areas and activities like litter picking, aiming to instill good practices from an early age.

Our ethos

Sheffield Woodland Kindergarten's philosophy is rooted in the forest kindergarten tradition, drawing inspiration from Scandinavian and German approaches. They offer a fully outdoor, play-based educational experience that encourages children's innate curiosity and exploration of the natural world in all seasons. The kindergarten integrates the EYFS curriculum through creative, nature-based activities and emphasizes sustainability and environmental care.

What it's like

Children and babies are warmly welcomed by a friendly and nurturing staff team. Staff support children to understand their emotions exceptionally well and benefit from a much-improved curriculum. Staff provide stimulating activities and experiences in the outdoor environment, helping to provide children with an understanding and value of nature.

Fully outdoor childcareForest Kindergarten philosophyChild-led playSustainability focusEarly Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Sheffield Woodland Kindergarten

Last inspected 22 August 2023

Safeguarding effective
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 and babies are warmly welcomed by a friendly and nurturing staff team. Staff support children to understand their emotions exceptionally well and benefit from a much-improved curriculum. Staff provide stimulating activities and experiences in the outdoor environment, helping to provide children with an understanding and value of nature.

Inspector highlights

  • Children use the environment to recall stories that they have learned and enjoyed, helping to instil within children a love of books and stories.
  • Babies develop good physical skills and have a wealth of sensory experiences to explore.
  • Children learn to manage their own risks and make calculated decisions.
  • Children enjoy mealtimes, which are social events, and staff promote healthy eating and support independence.
  • There are effective procedures in place for children starting at the kindergarten, enabling them to settle quickly and make positive relationships with their key person.

Areas to develop

  • 1continue to implement the new procedures for information sharing between staff, with regards to children's next step in learning and any interventions that may be required to ensure that children make even better progress.
Inspection #10259390 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The special educational needs coordinator is knowledgeable about the children in attendance who require additional support. She works closely with each child's key person, family and agencies to ensure that children receive timely interventions and targeted support to meet their development needs.

Outdoor space

Children benefit from stimulating activities and experiences in the outdoor environment. They freely explore their natural environment, gaining confidence as they climb trees and transport logs and branches, using them to create bridges for storytelling and make dens. This helps children to develop good physical skills and demonstrate a strong belief in their abilities.

Parent Reviews of Sheffield Woodland Kindergarten

5.0
(5)
Matthew Ferrier
5 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about this nursery. We originally chose the woodland kindergarten because it is a forest school (should children that age be confined to a classroom? I know what my vote is for). The staff excel in delivering the unconventional activities that come with a forest setting. However, we have also been impressed with how well the staff deliver the regular nursery tasks, for example, the last progress report we received was a detailed, personalised report, not just the anonymous tick-box exercise we have seen other centers provide. At drop off / pick up times, children are obviously enjoying their time there, and key workers seem genuinely interested in the children under their care. I don't have any hesitation in recommending the center to friends looking for a nursery, and we certainly have no regrets in our choice.

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Lucy Mennear
7 months ago

The most wonderful nursery - child led, caring and nurturing. The children are always engaged and entertained with a huge range of creative activities. The staff are so kind and enthusiastic, and never tire of helping the children explore their environment and make their next creation. It is amazing how they manage to keep small children happy and comfortable outside all year round but they absolutely do. If you are considering an outdoor/forest based setting for you little one you absolutely must visit.

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Hannah M
10 months ago

Without a doubt the best nursery setting I could imagine. My daughter was here for a year until we relocated. All the staff, Vicky, Millie, Chris, Emma, Alex and Katie are the most caring lovely individuals and they create the most stimulating and fun outdoor activities for the children. The setting is calm and children are able to throw themselves into nature with such confidence. They share food around the fire, make friends and have the best time.

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Art Gower
a month ago

Our child went to this nursery from 18 months until school (and always back for holiday camps). He has loved it, and it has helped him develop into a strong, curious, social boy he is. The staff have been loving, but also there is a lot of Independence for the children, which we liked. Couldn't have asked for a better kindergarten.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Sheffield Woodland Kindergarten. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2023

Date: February 2016

  • August 2023Good
  • September 2022Requires improvement
  • May 2022Inadequate
  • February 2022Inadequate
  • February 2019Good
  • February 2016Good

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