Sandy Bears Saughall Forest Pre school

Puddles become measuring tools, sticks prompt conversations about letters, and woodland play gives this Saughall preschool its character. At its February 2026 inspection, Ofsted judged all six assessed areas to be Strong standard and safeguarding standards to be met. These are separate judgements, rather than an overall grade.

Sandy Bears Saughall Forest Pre school has capacity for 48 children. In February 2026, the children attending were aged two to four; much of their day involved the outdoor spaces and nearby woods.

In February 2026, learning drew heavily on the natural surroundings. Children compared puddle depths with sticks, encountered letter shapes through play and developed tool skills through increasingly demanding wood-cutting tasks. Practical exploration gave early mathematics and language a concrete purpose.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2026 curriculum used play, conversation, books and physical activity to put that framework into practice. Staff assessed children's developing skills and planned what to introduce next.

A weekly library bus visit was part of the February 2026 routine, with children choosing books to bring back. In the forest garden, children balanced on logs and made marks using natural materials. Woodland discoveries also prompted lessons about treating living things gently, including a baby snail encountered during play.

At the February 2026 inspection, Ofsted found that children, including those with SEND or other barriers to learning, made excellent progress, with support adapted to individual needs. The practical mechanisms included referrals to outside professionals, staff training and close work with parents.

In February 2026, settling sessions gave children time with familiar adults before starting, and key-person relationships supported their daily care. Sensory activities around lunchtime helped children regulate their emotions; breathing and grounding exercises provided further opportunities for calm.

Children needing sleep could rest beneath cover in the garden during that February 2026 visit. Families supplied packed lunches, with staff sharing healthy-food guidance and eating alongside children. Staff also explained outdoor safety, including road crossing and behaviour around the fire.

Communication in February 2026 covered daily activities, development and ideas for learning at home. Staff followed up absences, while purposeful activities during clothing changes and lunch preparation reduced waiting between parts of the day.

The address is Vernon Institute, Church Road, Saughall, Chester, CH1 6EN. In February 2026, opening hours were Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm. That describes the opening window at the inspection date.

• Outdoor routines. In February 2026, children spent substantial time outside, including in nearby woods, and could sleep under garden cover. At a visit, ask how the day, clothing and rest arrangements would work for your child, alongside the attendance and funding terms for your intended pattern.
• Next stage of development. The February 2026 next steps called for leaders to sustain high standards and make a greater difference to children's experiences and outcomes. This was a forward-looking development priority, with no specific remedial action identified in those next steps.

For families seeking a preschool experience built around woodland exploration, physical activity and learning through play, the February 2026 picture is compelling. The library bus, practical mathematics and carefully managed transitions give substance to that picture. Families whose children enjoy active outdoor exploration have a clear reason to consider this setting, while its inspection-era routines provide useful points for a visit.