Barnkids Nursery and Forest School

We removed our child because of safety concerns, and following the recently published Ofsted report this definitely makes us feel like we made the right decision. Concerns include food and allergy safety, and unfenced areas in the forest school near open water when children are allowed to play out of sight and earshot. The key worker system doesn't work because of such high staff turnover and so many agency staff. Very infrequent observations, despite telling parents they'd reviewed this and would be sending them every week we'd be lucky to get one a fortnight. Extremely poor communication from management about issues. It used to be a lovely place when it was a family owned business but it's been sold to a chain and has gone further and further downhill since.

The setting remains lovely & there is a lot of potential but the recent management and communication are poor.

Me and my wife are incredibly happy with our child's current care at barn kids. She gets to scamper about the forest every day and play with all her friends. The key workers in her room are all exemplary and take the best care of her. We couldn't think of a better place for her to be right now.

Barnkids is an excellent nursery. Our son loves going there. The forest school is fantastic and so nice for the children to get to spend so much time outdoors exploring. The staff are fantastic. They really get to know the children, are enthusiastic and you can really tell they care which is so lovely. Our son has formed close bonds with many of them. They have helped our son learn and grow as an individual and incorporate and encourage his interests. We could not have picked a better nursery and would highly recommend it.

My son has been at Barnkids since he was just 1 year old he has loved his time at Barnkids, especially the forest school. He has built strong relationships with all staff and I'm sure has made life long friends.

My son started his journey at Barnkids Nursery and Forest School when he was 16 months old in the Hatchery and is now 3 years old in the Paddock. He absolutely loves his time at nursery. The nursery provides interesting and engaging learning with kind and attentive staff who nurture and care for him daily. The rooms and staff are inviting and cultivate a keen curiosity. Barnkids is unique and my son thrives being outdoors, particularly at Forest School.

An absolutely beautiful setting, where my child thoroughly enjoys spending time. The staff are warm and caring, and they support my child by cultivating her curiosity and helping her grow and flourish.

Both my daughter and son have attended Barnkids from 9 months. They have both loved and still love their time there. They thoroughly enjoy their trips to forest school and come home excited to tell me about their days. The staff across the nursery are extremely friendly, caring and knowledgeable. We have been extremely happy with our children's care and development over their last 3-4 years at Barnkids.

To be able to leave your child in the hands of people who feel like family is very special, and we’re lucky that our second daughter has been able to start in the Nest (under 2’s), so we can continue our time as part of the Barnkids family.

This summer will see our second child transition from Barnkids Nursery and Forest School to "big school", we are so lucky to have a nursery like this in our area. We love the "learn by play" ethos and especially the setting on the farm. The space available and the daily Forest School activities were a big draw for us. The owners have done some great work in developing the site further and bringing in some excellent caterers as well. We can't recommend them highly enough.

My three-year-old daughter has been having such a lovely time in the Badgers group. It is a warm and friendly learning environment and this past month particularly, my daughter has come out in such a happy mood. Thank you to Barnkids Nursery and Forest School for your dedication and caring for her.

The app is really useful, and I get regular updates of nappies, food, sleep and photos of what he's been up to during the week (usually getting very mucky both indoors and out!)

Our 3-year-old is a changed boy since starting at Barnkids. He is so excited to attend every morning and often talks about his teachers and friends. I’m so pleased with his development, not only educationally but emotionally too. It’s such a confusing time for him but Barnkids has been his escapism. I’m so confident every time I hand him into their care, they really know him and they make an effort to ensure he does things for himself and by himself too. It’s so encouraging and helpful. He loves Forest school and exploring outside. The facilities and service at Barnkids are just fantastic. Any query is promptly answered. Genuinely feels like one big family. Such a testament to the owners and staff, we never want him to leave!

A wonderful environment, which my eighteen month old absolutely adores. Beautiful outdoor space and you are kept up to date with what your child is up to in detail throughout the day. Couldn't recommend more.

Genuinely so happy with the whole team, and on a side note, their handling of COVID and lockdown was exceptional.

My daughter has been at Barn Kids since she was 9 months old (now 21 months) and during that time she has moved through the Hatchery, into the Nest and is about to move into the Chicken Run. We have had a wonderful experience from day one and my daughter has loved her days at Barn Kids. The staff have always been super helpful and communicative. I work full-time and their wrap-around care hours really work for us; I always feel that I can rely on Barn Kids to support us. I particularly like their use of the ParentZone app which means I get updates throughout the day of meals, sleep and sometimes lovely pictures of her day. She learnt to walk during lockdown and is now regularly spending her days in Junior Forest School, and she will do even more of this when she moves into the Chicken Run in November. The nursery has been brilliant in their communication during Covid. Their Forest School is amazing and has to be seen - the website only gives a taster!

All of the children have loved their time at Barnkids.

Our son has been at Barnkids for 18 months, since he was 1, and is super happy. The staff are lovely, look after the kids really well and give them plenty to do. Our son always looks forward to going, and loves being outdoors, going to Forest School and so on. We looked at a few nurseries before deciding on Barnkids, and I can't imagine sending him anywhere else now - what a lovely start in life for all the lucky kids who go there!

Barnkids has been a warm, welcoming experience for my son and for me. The staff are patient and friendly and make an effort to be available and update me even when they're clearly busy. A very positive place. One area for improvement is that I think there is a lot of emphasis on free play and more structured activities would be good. But we are very happy.

The staff at the Barn have taken good care of our little one from the age of 1 to now nearly 3. The forest school is great and our daughter has made good friends and loves her keyworker. The nursery have listened to any questions and tried hard to ensure we are all happy. Thank you.