Opening hours
Monday to Friday 7.30am - 6.30pm, 48 weeks of the year (closed over Christmas, Easter and Bank Holidays)
Squirrel Lodge Nursery, situated in Sittingbourne, ME10 5JL, offers childcare and a Forest School programme for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Operating Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, the nursery is open for 48 weeks of the year, closing for Christmas, Easter, and Bank Holidays.
The facility is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, fostering exploration, discovery, respect, responsibility, and community within an enriching environment. This child-led curriculum is driven by the children's interests.
On-site Forest School sessions are a key part of their offering. The nursery provides various session options, including full days and half-day sessions, and accommodates government-funded early education places.
They aim to provide engaging and exciting experiences for every child, emphasising a supportive and stimulating atmosphere. For those interested, an information pack can be requested via their contact page.
They are committed to transparency in their fee structure, clearly outlining funded and paid hours, and optional extras on invoices. The nursery maintains an Ofsted registration number EY499277 and was rated 'GOOD' at its most recent inspection.
Our ethos
At Squirrel Lodge we are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach which is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment based on the interests of the children through a self-guided curriculum.
What it's like
Staff provide a stimulating environment for children to learn in, delivering a curriculum centred on exploration and discovery through play. They focus heavily on encouraging children to be independent and confident, while placing a high importance on children's well-being. Staff develop a strong key-person system, which supports children to safely feel able to express their wants and needs.
Fees are determined by age groups, covering under twos, two-year-olds, and three to four-year-olds. The nursery offers hourly rates, half-day sessions, and full day rates. Additional fees are charged for early drop-off or late pick-up times, meals, and optional activities like Forest School.
Funding accepted
Good to know
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 7.30am - 6.30pm, 48 weeks of the year (closed over Christmas, Easter and Bank Holidays)
Age range
3 months to 5 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
2016
Last inspected 31 July 2024 · Nina Harvey
What it's like to attend
Staff provide a stimulating environment for children to learn in, delivering a curriculum centred on exploration and discovery through play. They focus heavily on encouraging children to be independent and confident, while placing a high importance on children's well-being. Staff develop a strong key-person system, which supports children to safely feel able to express their wants and needs.
Inspector highlights
Areas to develop
Inclusion & environment
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. Staff are quick to identify emerging needs in children. They are good at working alongside parents and professionals to seek and implement strategies to close the gaps in children's learning. Staff are sensitive to children's needs and carefully consider how to use funding to ensure children make good progress and support their emotional regulation.
Children eagerly run to the water tray and outdoor potion-making station ready to explore textures and colours. Staff expertly use forest school activities to support children to explore risk in a safe way and to be inquisitive learners.
My son had a great time at Squirrel Lodge. The staff are so caring and approachable. The Forest School is a bonus, he enjoyed the outdoor activities. Their communication is so effective, as our questions are always answered swiftly, and their daily feedback is great! We saw amazing improvement in his language skills and personal development. He was always happy and safe. As a parent I could not ask for more. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone looking for a nursery in the area. Thank you and all the very best!
Read on GoogleThis is a lovely nursery in the heart of Sittingbourne. I have been their artist in residence for the past three years and it has been the most enjoyable time for me. They run the so called Reggio Emilia approach, an art based educational approach supporting creativity and child led activities. The practitioners are all qualified and full of enthusiasm. Children are always fully involved and they easily reach their full potential by the time they leave for school.
Read on GoogleMy son had a wonderful time at squirrel lodge. He loves being outside so having the outdoor space and the Forrest school was perfect for him. The staff are friendly and welcoming and they really helped him settle in quickly. They always have lots of time to talk to parents at pick up to tell you about your child’s day at nursery and answer any questions which was all reassuring. My son is now at school but he still talks fondly of his time at Squirrel Lodge.
Read on GoogleSquirrel Lodge is a wonderful nursery! My four year old daughter has been attending for two years and loves her time there. The nursery itself is so inviting for children as it is one main room with little areas for art, exploration, role play, rest, reading, sensory activities, etc. These areas are handmade by the staff with a lot of thought and enthusiasm. They are also changed regularly to match any particular interests of the children or to create a suitable space for children with additional needs. They can play outside in the garden any time during the day and regardless of the weather - it has a mud kitchen, bug house, art installations made by the children, etc. The Forest School is a brilliant addition to the nursery's ethos of learning through free play and child-led exploration. My daughter has loved being entrusted with open fires, building dens/swings/balance beams, digging for treasure with metal detectors and trowels, etc. All the staff members are clearly very passionate about their roles and enjoy working at Squirrel Lodge. Their enthusiasm is reflected by the children who are always happily engaged with their chosen activities or being read to when I arrive to drop off/collect my daughter. My younger daughter will be starting in January despite me being at home, as we know how much she will benefit from some time there. She is not yet two but already wanders off to play and doesn't want to leave(!) which is testament to the nursery's homely and happy environment.
Read on GoogleFab nursery. My daughter has progressed so much since starting and is always excited to attend aswell as letting me know how much she enjoys it! Friendly and helpful staff who take pride in the setting aswell as keeping the children safe and happy.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Squirrel Lodge Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Most recent inspection
31 July 2024
Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.
View full Ofsted reportSquirrel Lodge Nursery registered in 2016 and is located in Sittingbourne, Kent. The nursery is open from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. It employs 10 members of staff, with seven qualified at level 3 or above, and two as forest school leaders. The nursery receives funding for free early years education for two-, three- and four-year-old children and uses the forest school and Reggio Emilia educational philosophies.
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Squirrel Lodge Nursery.
Sittingbourne · ME10 1NS
Milton Regis · ME10 2AB
Sittingbourne · ME10 2EE
Sittingbourne · ME10 1JL
Sittingbourne · ME10 1AN
Sittingbourne · ME10 1AR
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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