Totstars Nursery & Forest School

Outdoor learning is the defining thread at this sessional nursery in Selsdon Recreation Ground. Here, Forest School means frequent investigation of nature and physical challenge among low-level trees alongside the statutory early-years curriculum. Children aged two to five use low-level trees for climbing and jumping, investigate the natural world and return indoors to an environment that Ofsted found attractive and welcoming. This is a compact, term-time setting rather than a long-day nursery.

Ofsted judged the nursery Good in June 2024 across education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Close staff-child relationships were a clear strength. The registration is for 30 children, with five childcare staff recorded in the provider data.

The Early Years Foundation Stage gives the day its framework. In parent terms, adults use play, routines and guided activities to build language, physical confidence, relationships, early literacy and mathematics, curiosity and creativity rather than teaching a school-style timetable. Here, the inspection evidence makes that approach tangible. Children explored an indoor sand pit, shared resources and took turns, while staff joined block play and helped them build towers.

Forest activity is more than a name on the sign. Children climbed and jumped from low-level trees safely and had frequent opportunities to investigate nature. Staff expected energetic physical play and helped children become more confident outdoors. Indoors, a butterfly story held children's attention; songs, retold stories and conversation extended language.

Cultural curiosity also appeared in everyday exchanges. Children greeted people in French, German and Japanese. Staff encouraged them to put on coats and shoes before outdoor play, turning routine moments into practice in independence.

Relationships were a clear strength in June 2024. Staff knew children well and formed close, responsive relationships, helping children feel secure while settling. Parents praised staff observations and assessments, with online and verbal updates helping families understand the next steps in learning.

Support for additional needs was purposeful at the inspection. The manager acted promptly when a child might need other professionals, including children with special educational needs or disabilities and disadvantaged children. Specific funding was used to help children catch up. Families should still discuss their child's current plan, named contacts and any outside-agency involvement before joining.

Safeguarding arrangements were effective at the June 2024 inspection, with an open culture focused on children's interests. Two development points matter. Leadership was asked to strengthen supervision and training so that staff confidence, knowledge and skills improve further. Staff taught handwashing and encouraged eating, drinking and exercise, but did not consistently explain how those choices affect healthy development.

Sessions and Attendance

The provider is registered as sessional day care for children aged 24 to 60 months. A term-time day runs from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, with closure during school holidays. The recorded booking model is a term-time day; the written offer should specify any alternative combinations and minimum attendance.

Getting There

The registered address is Selsdon Recreation Ground, Woodland Gardens, South Croydon, CR2 8AU. Travel and access arrangements are important practical points for the nursery to set out before a family chooses the setting.

Funding and Paid Extras

The current written terms should state charges and funded-entitlement participation, setting out the hours being purchased and any extra categories clearly.

• Session choice. The structured opening window is 9am to 3pm in term time, and the recorded product is a term-time day. Confirm whether other combinations are sold and whether a minimum attendance pattern applies.
• Leadership follow-through. Ofsted's June 2024 improvement point concerned stronger supervision and training for staff. Ask what professional development has followed and how its impact is checked.
• Healthy-lifestyle teaching. Children were encouraged to wash hands, eat, drink and exercise, but clearer explanations of why these habits matter were needed. Families can ask how this is now built into routines.
• Costs and practicalities. Obtain the current written terms for funding and charges, and test the journey at the time you would normally travel.

Totstars Nursery & Forest School has a clear identity: a small, sessional setting where forest exploration, physical confidence, language and independence shape the day. The June 2024 Good judgement rests on warm relationships, responsive teaching and effective safeguarding, not glossy website detail.

It should suit families seeking term-time care within a 9am-to-3pm weekday window and parents who value outdoor learning. Families needing a different pattern will need the nursery to state whether mornings, afternoons or other combinations are currently sold.