Nest In The Woods

In July 2022, tree climbing, woodland exploration and preparing apples for snack shaped children's experience at Nest In The Woods. At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding, finding exceptional teaching and strong support for children's language development. Those experiences centred on practical learning outdoors, with children taking an active part rather than simply watching.

Based at Grappenhall 25th Scout Hut in Warrington, the nursery has capacity for 15 children. That is whole-setting capacity, rather than a group size or a measure of attendance on any particular day.

In July 2022, the forest school environment made woodland activity central to children's learning: climbing trees developed physical skills, while balancing on a beam between trees prompted encouragement from other children. Outdoor exploration also involved recognising hazards, including a damaged fence spotted during a walk.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the July 2022 examples connected those strands through practical tasks: peeling and coring apples brought conversation about varieties, colours and origins into snack preparation. Discussions about conkers and horse chestnut trees introduced new vocabulary through objects children could explore.

Children also learnt to leave outdoor spaces clear of traces of their play. This gave environmental responsibility a concrete expression alongside exercise and exploration.

At the July 2022 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, with outdoor risk assessments and checks on children's emotional and developmental readiness for activities. Adventurous play therefore sat alongside deliberate decisions about what each child could undertake.

In July 2022, children spoke openly about feelings and bodily needs, including hunger, while staff responded gently. Independence included wiping noses and washing hands; cooperation included sharing and praising one another's efforts. Parents used online communication to follow children's learning, linking home with the nursery day.

Lunches at that time were balanced packed meals prepared at home. Staff also received training tailored to children's needs, and leaders had adjusted working hours to support staff wellbeing.

The address is Grappenhall 25th Scout Hut, Church Lane, Warrington, WA4 3EP.

In July 2022, the setting operated Monday to Friday during term time, with sessions running from 8am until 5pm. It provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four at that time. These attendance and funding details describe that dated arrangement.

• Woodland activity. In July 2022, children climbed trees and balanced between them. A visit is a useful opportunity to discuss how today's outdoor routine would suit your child.
• Term-time routine. The July 2022 arrangement combined term-time attendance with an 8am to 5pm session window. How do current sessions, funded hours and packed-lunch arrangements fit your family's week?

The July 2022 account of Nest In The Woods merits attention from families drawn to woodland learning and practical independence. Food preparation, physical challenges and conversations rooted in nature gave that inspection-era experience substance. The term-time arrangement then would have suited families organising care around that calendar; outdoor learning was central to its appeal at the time.