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SWK Whiteley Woods

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2025)
·
4.9(23 parent reviews)
·Whiteley Wood Outdoor Activity Centre, Common Lane, Sheffield, S11 7TG · Sheffield
Number of places
64 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2025
Local authority
Sheffield

About this day nursery

Whiteley Woods Outdoor Activity Centre is nestled within charming woodlands on the fringes of the picturesque Peak District National Park, yet conveniently located just five miles from Sheffield city centre. This versatile centre offers a range of options for visitors, whether they seek a peaceful countryside retreat, an exhilarating adventure, or a city break experience.

The centre provides various facilities, including camping pitches across four distinct fields and residential accommodation within three well-equipped buildings. A diverse array of activities is available, which can be tailored for full stays or for shorter evening or day visits.

Whiteley Woods is committed to providing engaging experiences for various groups, including Girlguiding, Scouting, schools, and other community organisations. The centre is a charitable incorporated organisation, dedicated to offering accessible outdoor learning and recreational opportunities.

They encourage community involvement through volunteering and a "Friends of Whiteley Woods OAC" initiative. Contact is available via email and phone, and social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram keep the community updated on news and events.

What it's like

Children thrive and make excellent progress in this outdoor setting. There is a strong focus on building children's characters. Staff help children to think critically and to develop a wide range of vocabulary.

Outdoor Activity CentreCampingResidential StaysActivitiesGirlguiding and Scouting Focus

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured around the specific building or campsite booked, with rates varying by group category. Day and evening visitor costs are calculated in four-hour blocks. Additional flat cleaning fees apply to all building stays depending on the duration of the visit.

Good to know

  • Deposits are non-refundable.
  • Rates vary by group type, categorised into Girlguiding Sheffield, other Scouting/Girlguiding, and external groups.
  • Day and evening visitor rates are charged per person per four hours, and double for stays exceeding four hours.
  • Cleaning fees apply to all building stays.

Key facts

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for SWK Whiteley Woods

Last inspected 18 July 2025

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 thrive and make excellent progress in this outdoor setting. There is a strong focus on building children's characters. Staff help children to think critically and to develop a wide range of vocabulary.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff support children to develop a wide range of vocabulary.
  • Staff are skilled at introducing mathematics into the environment.
  • Children learn about how to keep themselves safe and healthy.
  • Staff promote children's independence in many ways.
  • Staff help children to learn about the recycling of plastics and food waste.
Inspection #10405861 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Key persons know the children well. They are sensitive to their needs. They ensure that intensive support plans are put in place for those children who need extra support. This ensures that all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make rapid progress from their starting points.

Outdoor space

Children thrive and make excellent progress in this outdoor setting. Children develop resilience and knowledge of the world that they live in by taking risks in the environment, while staff are nearby to keep them safe.

Parent Reviews of SWK Whiteley Woods

4.9
(23)
jonathan Shaw
4 years ago

Fantastic place for youngsters to stay over. It is set amongst 9 acres of woodland, on the outskirts of Sheffield. Whitely Woods OAC offers activities to suit all ages. Instructor led and run by group leaders. From Kayaking on pond, to crate stacking, tree climbing, purpose built adventure course, indoor traversing wall, archery, grass sledging. There are 4 camp sites all with wet weather shelters and access to toilets and showers all with disability access and 2 residential buildings.

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Jamie Brown
6 years ago

OAC is a peaceful tranquil location where young people and adults can experience the outdoors either through a residential experience or as an evening visit. The centre has loads to offer and there is always a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you drive through the gate. I have had the pleasure of many visits to OAC and met lots of great people.

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Eileen Topley
10 years ago

A wonderful place with wonderful memories in the 1940's and 1950's. As well as other organised occasions with other groups we used to go there sometimes on a summer evening instead of the usual guide meeting I have very clear memories of one occasion when there were thousands of newborn frogs hopping around near the stream.An amazing sight. We were always worried about the bats flying around near the stables in case they 'got in our hair' !

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Giulia Gigliobianco
3 years ago

Lovely place to bring your Guides Units to, always clean and well kept, plenty of amwnities and space to carry out your guiding activities.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for SWK Whiteley Woods. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: July 2025

  • August 2025Outstanding
  • July 2025Outstanding

Frequently asked about SWK Whiteley Woods

About the setting

SWK Whiteley Woods registered in 2023. The nursery employs eight members of childcare staff, seven of whom hold an appropriate early years qualification at level three or above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round, from 8am until 6pm. The provider offers government funded places for childcare and receives specific funding for disadvantaged children.

URN
2742774
Registered person
Sheffield Woodland Kindergarten Ltd
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
Not applicable

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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