Opening hours
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, 50 weeks a year
The Forest of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre
Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2023)
Number of places
55 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Gloucestershire
About this day nursery
The Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre is a charitable organisation in Coleford, GL16 8DU, dedicated to providing inclusive childcare and support for children from 3 months to preschool age, including those with additional needs. The centre aims to create an environment where all children can grow and learn together, emphasising a strong start in their early years by ensuring their safety and happiness.
They offer a comprehensive early years programme with a focus on individualised support, recognising the unique needs of every child and family. The centre operates 50 weeks a year, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm, closing only for bank holidays and five annual training days.
Their team includes highly experienced childcare practitioners, with expertise in supporting children with additional and complex needs, alongside dedicated fundraising and finance staff, and trustees. The centre also provides Special Educational Needs (SEN) support, guided by a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to assist families throughout their journey.
They encourage families to inquire about year-round early years care and learning opportunities.
What it's like
Staff at this setting value each child as unique, with a high proportion of children having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Targeted support ensures children make excellent progress, and staff use effective teaching strategies to support learning and development. Children enjoy well-planned outdoor sessions that foster a love of stories and books, and their self-esteem and emotional security are key strengths.
Charity-runSEN supportAll-year round childcareForest School
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged at an hourly rate, which varies depending on the nursery group or room. Up to 45 hours of childcare can be booked each week.
Funding accepted
15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-oldsTax-Free Childcare
Good to know
- Hourly rates apply from September 2025.
- The Sunshine and Rainbows rate is charged for hours exceeding funded hours.
- Childcare is offered for up to 45 hours per week.
Key facts
Age range
3 months to preschool
Term time / All Year
All Year
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for The Forest of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre
Last inspected 3 February 2023 · Gwyneth Keen
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Staff at this setting value each child as unique, with a high proportion of children having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Targeted support ensures children make excellent progress, and staff use effective teaching strategies to support learning and development. Children enjoy well-planned outdoor sessions that foster a love of stories and books, and their self-esteem and emotional security are key strengths.
Inspector highlights
- Leaders have considered their curriculum well and tailor it to support children to make good progress, helping to close any gaps in their learning.
- Mealtimes are sociable, with staff and children sitting together and talking about their day, and staff encourage healthy eating and emerging independence.
- Children are physically active throughout the day, encouraged to take and manage risk in a safe environment, developing core muscle strength.
- Staff capture children's curiosity and imagination, responding quickly to their interests and extending learning through observation and exploration.
- Children with SEND have their needs met exceptionally well, with leaders working closely with external agencies and parents to support vulnerable children.
- Staff provide effective targeted support for children who need to develop communication and language skills, entering children's worlds by following their communication style.
- Children learn about similarities and differences, and staff are clear about varying learning needs and physical abilities, fostering acceptance of diversity.
Areas to develop
- 1explore ways to maintain and build on good practice by focusing professional development on opportunities to further enhance teaching skills
- 2support staff who work with younger children to manage behaviour in a consistent way so that expectations are clear and managed effectively
Inspection #10263509 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents are complimentary about the warm and friendly approach they receive from staff.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
There are a high proportion of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Targeted support is swiftly put in place to ensure children make the best possible progress. Children with SEND have their needs met exceptionally well. Leaders work extremely well with external agencies and parents to ensure the most vulnerable children are well supported.
Outdoor space
Children enjoy well-planned outside sessions in the nature area. For example, an excellent storytelling session enthrals children, and they listen avidly. Children are physically active throughout the day. They receive encouragement to take and manage risk in a safe environment, for example clambering over banks and weaving in and out of large rocks.
Parent Reviews of The Forest of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre
4.6
(9)
Anne Lamacraft
3 years ago
Lovely nursery. They are caring and thoughtful and work hard to ensure the children get the best from their day. Great for children who need a little more individual help as it's a small nursery with a good staff ratio. It's also a charity. It would be good to get an understanding of my child's accomplishments and enjoyments during the day so maybe I need to ask a few questions at handover.
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Michelle Roberts
8 years ago
What a fabulous place. Intergrating disabled children with mainstream so the all grow up as equals. Amazingly hard working staff and volunteers, definately let your kids go here for fun and a bright start.
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Grahame Smith
8 years ago
Wonderful charity for helping children and there parents. Staff are wonderful and so helpful.
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Caroline Jones
9 years ago
Great place run by a charity caring for disabled young kids
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Phil Didcote
9 years ago
Warm friendly atmosphere wonderful professional staff..
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for The Forest of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: August 2007
- March 2023Good
- February 2023Good
- May 2017Good
- May 2017Good
- July 2015Good
- June 2015Good
- April 2011Outstanding
- August 2007Good
Frequently asked about The Forest of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre
About the setting
The Forest of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre registered in 2009. The centre is located within the grounds of the local school in Coleford, Gloucestershire. The setting is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, all year round except for bank holidays and the Christmas period. There are 10 staff who work directly with the children, with three holding early years professional status and three holding an appropriate level 3 qualification. The manager holds early years professional status. The setting receives funding to provide early education for children aged two, three and four years old.
- URN
- 101592
- Registered person
- Forest Of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre Committee
- 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
- Good
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