Forest Kindergarten
Leicestershire's First Fully 'OUTSTANDING' Outdoor Preschool
Nature's Way Forest Kindergarten is an OFSTED OUTSTANDING, inspiring outdoor nursery based in our beautiful, purpose developed and private woodland. Set within the National Forest our 30 acre site at Cattows Farm offers a unique and engaging learning environment.
Ofsted says we're "OUTSTANDING"
"Children thrive at this inspirational setting, created by dedicated staff. Staff deliver a curriculum that has independence and life-skills at its core and which supports all children develop an eagerness to try things for themselves. Children radiate confidence and determination throughout the day and develop the skills needed to be completely self-sufficient during routines. All staff have consistently high aspirations for all children and know their individual needs incredibly well. Staff work together as a close-knit team to monitor children's learning."
-Ofsted Inspector, December 2023
Our Vision
Our vision is to facilitate hands on and sensory rich experiences for every child, ensuring that they reach their full potential in learning and development. We aim to inspire and nurture each individual, promoting their wellbeing and enabling them to be truly ‘at one with nature.'
key worker
Whilst at Nature’s Way Forest Kindergarten your child will be designated a key worker; we have limited spaces and a high level of staff to child ratios, so we are able to ensure the utmost care and safety for your child. We are fully committed to true partnerships with families by engaging and involving them at every step in their child’s learning and well-being. Furthermore, you will be able to track and record your child’s development through our Babydays App, and invite you to attend our termly family events.
Our Fees
To ensure that all children get the best out of our ethos, and we get to know your child well enough to fully support their learning and wellbeing. We require children to attend a minimum of 2 days per week, 9am-3pm
Fees are £49.50 per day 9am – 3pm
We have a limited amount of funded places up to 15 or 30 hours per week for children that are 3 and 4 years old. This is available in the term after the child’s 3rd birthday and must be applied for.
You can use your funding with us in the following way: we claim a maximum of 5 hours per day and one hour a day is chargeable (this additional charge will cover the extra costs associated with our high staff ratios of 1:4 adults for all age phases, additional insurance costs associated with our adventurous activities, snacks and social training such as trips to the farm and café, growing vegetables and creating a sustainable setting.)
Invoices are expected to be paid monthly in advance. All non-attended sessions are payable as above.
If you are on a low income, please don’t hesitate to contact us as we may be able to access additional funding or discuss other ways you may be able to help us.
How we calculate funded fees
We take the number of funded hours (5 hours per day) and charge for the additional hour, as each session is 6 hours.
For children who are eligible for up to 30 hours’ funding you will just be charged £24.50 per day, for each day your child attends.
Please note you must reapply for funding every term
Our setting is fully inclusive; we offer each and every child and their family, equality and fairness at all times. The team’s wealth of experience, coupled with their positive attitudes, allows us to offer a caring, supportive and loving community. We look forward to welcoming you to our Forest Kindergarten family!