Cheshire Forest School

A woodland day with hammocks, a fairy garden and room for ambitious building projects gives Cheshire Forest School its character. At its February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged behaviour and routines, welfare and wellbeing, inclusion, and leadership and governance to meet the expected standard, with safeguarding standards met.

The setting has capacity for 40 children at Dalefords Wood in Marton. Children attending in February 2026 were aged 4 to 10: this is an account of woodland provision for that inspection-age group, rather than baby-room care.

In February 2026, children could choose between the mud kitchen, fairy garden and hammocks. Natural materials became art and models, while a log see-saw encouraged children to work together. The physical setting gave them practical reasons to experiment, cooperate and persist.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its learning-through-play dimension was visible in February 2026 through construction and exploration: older children tested a ball run made with guttering, supported by staff questions that encouraged problem-solving.

Children's interests also shaped activities that month. Building a bug hotel helped staff explore children's unease about spiders, while books supported the identification of fungi. A rope between trees offered a balancing challenge. These were concrete opportunities to investigate and practise.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that key persons built secure relationships, staff responded sensitively to children's emotions, and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities involved close work with parents and carers.

In February 2026, a tired child could rest on a beanbag with a book. Staff helped children change into warmer or dry clothing respectfully and supported private use of the composting toilet. Handwashing followed toilet use and preceded eating, giving practical care a place within the outdoor day.

Family information informed care that month, including children's preferences and individual needs. Leaders also sought feedback, although their review of practice was not sufficiently established to pinpoint improvements precisely. That limits how confidently families can expect weaknesses to be identified through those systems alone.

The address is Dalefords Wood, Novia Scotia Lane, Marton, CW8 2BZ. There are 40 places in total.

In February 2026, opening hours were 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Those hours describe the inspection-time operating window.

• Joining a group. In February 2026, initial routines emphasised safety but did not consistently help children learn names or understand sharing expectations, leaving quieter children at risk of playing alone. Social introductions matter alongside freedom to explore.
• Healthy habits. In February 2026, staff did not consistently explain healthy food choices or encourage drinking water despite children's physical activity. These were explicit priorities for improvement.
• Planning attendance. For a family considering this woodland setting, what ages and attendance arrangements can it accommodate now?

Cheshire Forest School suits families drawn to woodland exploration, practical construction and child-chosen play. Its February 2026 strengths lay in responsive relationships and an environment children could use imaginatively. The balance is clear: freedom to explore needs more consistent support for social participation and healthy habits.