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The Wood Shed Forest School and Nursery, located in Croydon, CR0 9AA, is a unique childcare provider that distinguishes itself through its complete embrace of a forest school philosophy. This nursery champions an outdoor-centric approach to early years education, offering children an immersive experience in nature.
The curriculum is deeply rooted in fostering a connection with the natural world, promoting hands-on learning, and encouraging exploration and discovery within a woodland environment. This setting allows children to develop a wide range of skills, from problem-solving and resilience to creativity and social interaction, all while surrounded by the benefits of outdoor play.
The Wood Shed prioritises child-led learning, where the children's interests guide activities and their natural curiosity is nurtured. This approach cultivates independence and confidence, preparing them for future educational journeys.
The nursery’s commitment to an entirely outdoor experience means that children are engaged in activities that continually adapt to the seasons and natural changes, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving learning landscape. The Wood Shed Forest School and Nursery not only provides childcare but also aims to instil a deep appreciation and understanding of the natural environment in every child.
Our ethos
The Wood Shed Forest School and Nursery offers an outdoor-centric, forest school philosophy where children's interests guide child-led learning. They foster a connection with the natural world, promoting hands-on exploration and discovery in a woodland environment, aiming to instil a deep appreciation for nature.
What it's like
Leaders have an exemplary vision for all children to succeed in this unique setting. They empower children to become independent, resilient and respectful learners, resulting in children thriving in the forest environment and developing a solid foundation of skills for future learning.
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
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Last inspected 9 September 2025 · Eleeza Byer
What it's like to attend
Leaders have an exemplary vision for all children to succeed in this unique setting. They empower children to become independent, resilient and respectful learners, resulting in children thriving in the forest environment and developing a solid foundation of skills for future learning.
Inspector highlights
Inclusion & environment
Staff swiftly identify barriers to children's learning, including those with emerging needs. They create support plans for children and offer parents advice on sleep and nutrition at home. Proactive engagement with local authority agencies and ongoing partnerships with parents lead to excellent outcomes for children.
Children thrive in the forest environment. Staff continually encourage children to keep themselves safe in the forest environment, teaching them about poisonous mushrooms and plants so they can play and learn safely. Children are encouraged to problem-solve and think independently, such as when they work out how to remove a conker safely from the shell.
My daughter started her adventure with The Woodshed Forest School Nursery in March 2019. In few months she become fearless learner. She is very confident and independent. Her vocabulary is amazing. All thanks to amazing staff. My daughter is really happy there, she loves picnics in woods and singing by fire. Forest school is unique nursery and it’s the best place for children to thrive.
Read on GoogleMy son loves it here - so much that he now tells me “no go home, stay forest school”. The staff are extremely motivated to give each child the best learning and play experiences, and they are also very caring. They teach respect and emotional resilience incredibly well. Activities include walks looking for forest treasures, bug hunts, mud play, rolling down grassy (or muddy!) slopes, crafts, woodwork, campfire singing, games, cosy story-times under canvas, and picnics.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for The Wood Shed Forest School and Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Date: November 2019
The Wood Shed Forest School and Nursery registered in 2018 and operates from the Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre, in the London Borough of Croydon. The setting is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, 38 weeks of the year. There are five staff, with four qualified at level 3 and one unqualified. The setting provides government-funded childcare places and receives specific funding for disadvantaged children.
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Wood Shed Forest School and Nursery.
Croydon · CR0 9BG
South Croydon · CR0 9BG
Croydon · CR0 9JE
Croydon · CR0 9DX
South Croydon · CR2 8PR
Selsdon · CR2 8PR
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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