Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

The Wondergarden

Ofsted: Good
(Jul 2022)
·
5.0(18 parent reviews) ·Memorial Hall, Main Street, Bulwick, NN17 3DY · North Northamptonshire
Number of places
31 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2022
Local authority
North Northamptonshire

About this day nursery

The Wondergarden, located in Bulwick amidst the picturesque Northamptonshire woodland, offers a distinctive learning experience inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, integrating aspects of Montessori education and Forest School principles. This nursery, formerly known as Simba's Den, prioritises outdoor learning and encourages children to explore, discover, and develop into confident, independent, and inquisitive individuals.

The curriculum is designed to build resilience and confidence through playful challenges, fostering a deep connection with nature. Expert educators guide self-directed learning, focusing on individual needs and documenting children's activities to inform future experiences.

The Wondergarden actively involves parents in their child's educational journey, promoting communication and shared family experiences. The nursery aims to prepare children for lifelong success by nurturing their holistic development within a vibrant, nature-rich environment.

Our ethos

The Wondergarden's distinct learning experience is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, with elements of Montessori and Forest School principles. It prioritises outdoor learning, encouraging children to become confident, independent, and inquisitive through nature-based play and self-directed activities, preparing them for lifelong learning.

What it's like

Children thoroughly enjoy their time at Simba's Den. The environment is well resourced and children, including young babies, make their own choices about their play. Staff know the children very well and are attentive to their needs, which helps children to form strong relationships and feel safe, happy and secure.

Reggio Emilia approachOutdoor learningForest School approachMontessori inspired education

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
Pricing on request

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

Request pricing →

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 8am until 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am until 1pm on Friday.

Session types

Full Days (8am - 5.45pm), School Days (9am - 3pm), Mornings (8am - 1pm), Afternoons (8am - 5.45pm)

Age range

2 to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2019

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Wondergarden

Last inspected 27 July 2022 · Karen Siddons

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 thoroughly enjoy their time at Simba's Den. The environment is well resourced and children, including young babies, make their own choices about their play. Staff know the children very well and are attentive to their needs, which helps children to form strong relationships and feel safe, happy and secure.

Inspector highlights

  • Children thoroughly enjoy their time at Simba's Den.
  • The environment is well resourced and children, including young babies, make their own choices about their play.
  • Staff know the children very well and are attentive to their needs.
  • All children benefit from lots of fresh air and activities outdoors.
  • Children are taught to be kind to the pet rabbits that live at the setting.

Areas to develop

  • 1further develop children's independence skills by consistently allowing them to carry out tasks by themselves
  • 2support all children to share, take turns and develop respectful relationships with one another.
Inspection #10233501 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Babies have lots of opportunities to explore, both indoors and outdoors. Older children share large spaces, indoors and outdoors, where they can choose from a wide range of activities. They enjoy travelling in the cargo bike when they visit the forest school, where they have created a bug hotel and have the opportunity to cook on the campfire. All children benefit from lots of fresh air and activities outdoors.

Parent Reviews of The Wondergarden

5.0
(18)
Rachel Farrer
8 months ago

We couldn’t be happier with The Wondergarden. It’s such a nurturing, child-centred place that feels completely in tune with our values at home – truly a home from home. The staff’s approach to empowering the children, encouraging creativity, play and open-mindedness shines through in everything they do. There’s a wonderful sense of team and community among the staff, which creates such a positive and supportive atmosphere. And all in a beautiful setting — it really is a brilliant place for children to grow and thrive.

Read on Google
LUCY M
8 months ago

We highly recommend The Wondergarden to all local parents looking for a nurturing, creative and child-centred learning environment. The location is perfect and the grounds are just beautiful. We couldn’t be more delighted with the nursery set up.

Read on Google
Sophie Clulow
a year ago

To say I’m impressed with The Wondergarden would be an understatement. Our son has now attended this nursery for the past 6 months and I know I made the right decision in choosing this place above anywhere else. My child’s progression in all areas has come on leaps and bounds thanks to the wonderful care he’s received from all members of staff at this nursery. We receive regular updates and observations which as a parent is so important when trusting someone else to care for your whole world. They often host events which are engaging for both parents and children. Im already dreading the day we have to leave and go to school, if only we could stay forever! Thank you for all you do for us. Sophie x

Read on Google
Hannah Amy Herbert
2 years ago

I have recently enrolled my son at The Wondergarden, he can be unsure around new people, but he's settled in so quickly and he loves all of the staff who are fantastic with him which is so reassuring as a parent. The app is brilliant for hearing feedback about his day/development and seeing lots of lovely photos of him having fun. The setting itself is beautiful too, especially with the addition of the wonderful forest school. The management are lovely too, and you can tell they really care about the children. I would definitely recommend!

Read on Google
Dan Walker
2 years ago

The care my daughter has received at the Wondergarden has been absolutely fantastic. My daughter is excited to go in every day and the staff genuinely care about the children and their welfare. The variety of activities, themes and menus is great. I have peace of mind knowing that the care my daughter receives is second to none. I would highly recommend the Wondergarden to prospective parents wanting the very best care for their child/children.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for The Wondergarden. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: July 2022

  • October 2022Good
  • July 2022Good

Frequently asked about The Wondergarden

Nearby day nurseries in Bulwick

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Wondergarden.

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share 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