St Monica's Nursery and Forest School

Caterpillars becoming butterflies and tadpoles becoming frogs gave children something real to investigate at St Monica's Nursery and Forest School in May 2025. Nature was part of the learning, alongside encounters with people working in the local community.

At its 7 May 2025 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good overall. This Appleton setting has capacity for 28 children; those attending in May 2025 were aged two to four.

In May 2025, forest school activities involved exploring wildlife and the natural world. Visits from police and the fire service brought community roles into children's learning. Caring for developing caterpillars and tadpoles made change something children could follow, rather than simply hear about.

The early years foundation stage brings learning, development and care together through everyday experiences. In May 2025, children investigated life cycles, discussed families and cultures, learnt to share and practised looking after their health through handwashing and toothbrushing. In May 2025, staff used a curriculum shaped around the children attending, with observations and assessments helping them identify what children needed to learn next.

Celebrations introduced different cultures, while conversations about homes and families helped children consider how their lives compared with their friends'. Staff encouraged experimentation and supported children to tackle problems themselves. However, the intended learning was sometimes insufficiently clear, leaving teaching less precise than it needed to be.

At the May 2025 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, positive relationships through the key-person system and good support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including work with occupational therapists and speech and language therapists.

In May 2025, leaders had revised arrangements for children coming and going and reassessed risks after identifying breaches of requirements. This was substantive safety work, rather than simply a policy on paper.

Children practised sharing, taking turns and working through disagreements. Staff helped them understand emotions and taught handwashing, toothbrushing and how germs spread. These were practical steps towards managing themselves and getting along with others.

Communication in May 2025 included app updates about care and activities, monthly newsletters, reports and progress checks. Families could connect learning at nursery with activities at home. Staff development also had a structure: supervision and appraisals informed training, with coaching and demonstrations supporting practice.

The address is St Monica's Close, Appleton, Warrington, WA4 3AW.

In May 2025, opening hours were 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. The nursery received early-education funding at that date. For families weighing childcare around work, the term-time calendar is as significant as the daily opening window.

• Teaching precision. In May 2025, staff needed a clearer understanding of what each activity should teach. On a visit, ask how practitioners now identify the learning they intend and adapt activities accordingly.
• Attendance and funding. The May 2025 arrangement was term-time opening, with early-education funding. What are the current booking patterns and funded-hours terms, including meals and consumables?

St Monica's suits families drawn to learning through nature, community encounters and practical independence. Its May 2025 account combines these experiences with established parent communication and personalised support. The central reservation is teaching precision: engaging activities need a clear learning purpose. Families seeking a term-time arrangement have a useful starting point in its May 2025 operating pattern.