Born To

Hammocks, tree climbing and a mud kitchen gave Born To's woodland setting its character at the May 2023 inspection. At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, finding that its outdoor curriculum developed children's practical skills, confidence and independence.

Born To is based at Dekkers Wood in Rayleigh, with 16 places in total. The woodland approach is the central consideration for families: in May 2023, nature supplied both the space for play and the materials for learning.

In May 2023, children used sticks and stones to construct hexagons, compared stick lengths with tape measures and made patterns in soil. These were concrete ways to explore shape, measurement and creativity. Adults also explained unfamiliar vocabulary through things children could examine, including hollow tree stumps and burrows.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care. Here, the May 2023 examples show how woodland play brought those elements together: forest walks combined conversation, counting and discovery, while painting with sticks gave children another way to make marks.

Physical challenges had a practical purpose. In May 2023, children practised producing sparks with flint and stone, persisted through unsuccessful attempts and climbed trees while judging risks. Hammocks and shared stories offered a quieter counterpoint. After a nearby bee swarm appeared, children made bee bombs to support plants for bees, connecting an immediate discovery with care for their surroundings.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and described secure relationships with adults, with camp safety rules, risk assessments and staff understanding of how to act on child-protection concerns.

In May 2023, adults helped children name their feelings, and children sometimes chose a quiet woodland spot to settle themselves. Yoga sessions included breathing activities based on bees. Older children demonstrated expected behaviour to younger children, giving cooperation a practical role in the day.

Health routines also involved independence in May 2023. Children washed their hands, recognised when they needed drinks after exercise and chose when to have snacks. They learnt to respond to outdoor conditions by putting on coats and using bug spray.

The address is Dekkers Wood, Rear of 60, Hambro Hill, Rayleigh, SS6 8BW.

In May 2023, opening hours were 9am to 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during school terms. A holiday club operated for two weeks in the summer school holidays. At that time, children attending were aged 3 to 10, and the nursery provided funded early education for three- and four-year-olds. These are dated arrangements rather than a description of today's booking options.

• Woodland challenges. Tree climbing and fire-lighting formed part of the May 2023 experience. On a visit, ask how adults introduce these activities and help children understand the safety rules.
• Attendance fit. The May 2023 timetable covered three weekdays in term time, alongside a summer holiday club. What attendance patterns and age range does Born To offer now?

Born To suits families drawn to woodland learning and practical independence. The May 2023 account gives that approach substance: measuring natural materials, managing outdoor challenges and finding quiet space all had a place in children's day. Its Outstanding judgement is dated, but the concrete examples make the nursery's inspected character clear.