Nature Garden Nursery & Forest School

Worms, growing potatoes and a run around expansive grounds give Nature Garden Nursery & Forest School its outdoor character. At its September 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated it Outstanding and found that thoughtful curriculum planning and skilful teaching supported children's learning.

The Pepper Street setting in Lymm serves children aged two to five and has capacity for 45 children. Its strongest practical appeal is the connection between ordinary experiences and learning: growing food, sharing stories and exploring the village gave children opportunities to investigate and discuss in September 2024.

In September 2024, children investigated how worms helped their potatoes grow, with staff introducing vocabulary about nutrients. Mathematics also emerged through practical experiences: collecting apples prompted counting, while play dough encouraged comparisons of length and shape. These examples connect abstract ideas to things children can handle and discuss.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the September 2024 examples show learning through conversation, stories and practical play.

Books connected learning with children's experiences. In September 2024, Owl Babies accompanied the approach of autumn, while The Colour Monster helped newer children identify emotions as they settled. Stories gave children language for both the changing seasons and their feelings.

Outdoor activity extended beyond the grounds. In September 2024, the day began with a daily mile run; walks included visiting hens, feeding village ducks and buying ingredients from shops and a bakery. Children also spotted numerals on road signs, taking their number learning into everyday surroundings.

At the September 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and judged that tailored staff training helped children with special educational needs and/or disabilities participate fully and make excellent progress.

In September 2024, independence was practised through personal care and shared meals. Children served themselves, passed dishes to friends and poured water from lidded jugs. These were concrete opportunities to practise coordination and take responsibility for manageable tasks.

Staff development was also targeted to practitioners' needs in September 2024. Links with the on-site primary school included teacher visits and discussions about children, supporting preparation for the next stage. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

The address is Pepper Street, Lymm, WA13 0JT. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, across the year, with closures for bank holidays and Christmas. That opening window gives families a clear starting point for considering how childcare fits their working day.

In September 2024, the nursery received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. This is a dated account of its funding provision.

• Outdoor participation. The September 2024 routine included a daily mile run and village walks. How would these experiences be adapted for your child's mobility, confidence and needs?
• Attendance arrangements. The nursery opens across the year between 7.30am and 6pm on weekdays. Which booking pattern and funded-hours arrangement would fit your family, including meals and consumables?
• Moving to school. Teacher visits and joint discussions featured in September 2024. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

This setting suits families seeking childcare for children aged two to five, with outdoor exploration and practical learning central to its September 2024 account. The Outstanding judgement gives that account weight. Its appeal lies in specific experiences: investigating growing food, recognising emotions through books and building independence around the meal table.