Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Manor Road, Ash, Aldershot GU12 6QH
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9.9 106 Reviews
  • Friends Forest Nursery - Ash, Aldershot
Friends Forest Nursery Ash is a nursery with a difference. Situated in the Surrey Hills, this Forest School Nursery inspires children with a hands-on approach to learning both indoors and out.

At Forest School, children will be encouraged to discover, explore, observe and question what they find in their outdoor environment by: making dens; exploring tracks; using simple hand tools to make wooden objects; creating art; playing and climbing; finding and identifying wildlife; creating and following maps; enjoying stories and songs… in all weather and in all seasons.

The staff team work with parents to ensure children develop socially, intellectually, culturally, physically and emotionally in a caring and secure environment.

Back in the classroom, the nursery's philosophy is that every child they care for deserves a calm, caring, safe and stimulating environment in which to learn.



The nursery offers children nutritionally-balanced, home-cooked meals.

Children also take part in a range of extra curricular activities which promote your child’s well-being and confidence.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Danielle Brennan (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 18

Total Places for Children

  • 45

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Friends Forest Nursery - Ash Reviews (106)

9.9

Friends Forest Nursery - Ash has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Friends Forest Nursery - Ash has 106 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
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Total of 106, showing 41-60
Review from Tunde C (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I feel that the nursery has had a big part in the development of my child. Loved going to the nursery and all the activities that were aimed at learning, experiencing and having fun. The confidence and knowledge gained has equipped my child to be ready for school!
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear what a positive journey you and your child are having with us.
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Review from Helen E (Mother of Child) published on 13 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son was at Friends for 4 years, and he absolutely loved it. The staff are amazing, always there to have a personal chat at the beginning and end of the day to discuss your child's wants and needs. The outside space is great, and the ability to take the children out in groups was always a hit. My
son would always come home super excited to tell me where they had been.
I highly recommend this nursery - so much so, my daughter has now just started. Great small nursery with a warm and friendly feel, where you know your child is safe, well looked after and loved, and most importantly, gets to experience so many new things at such an important age.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your great review and kind words, we are delighted to hear what a positive journey you are having with us.
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Review from Christian D (Father of Child) published on 4 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I didn't think it would be possible for our daughter (almost 3, attending for 10 weeks twice a week) to run towards her Key Person at drop-off and give them a big hug (without even looking back at her parents!) but now she does that every time. Knowing that she's happy and wants to be with the team
and her friends is such a relief for us as first-time parents. The staff are receptive to our priorities (e.g. she is starting to eat more independently) and they genuinely care (e.g. called us/waited when we were running late so she didn't miss out on a day trip). Our daughter does like things to be a certain way so it's equally reassuring when she's happy, invigorated and chatty at home time. She loves the outdoors and Friends Forest Nursery seems to be a perfect fit for her. A big thank you to the team for helping our daughter to make this important transition.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear how much your daughter enjoyed her time with us.
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Review from D H (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Friends Forest Nursery - Ash for the past four months and we couldn't be happier with how he has settled in. During his time at the nursery, we have noticed huge progress in his development, particularly with his speech and engagement with others. At the end of the day, he
is always super chatty and happy to tell us what he has been doing. Our son is very active and loves the outdoor activities offered. The staff have been very attentive and our little one seems very at ease in their company. The nursery have also been very accommodating of our son's dietary requirements and continue to work closely with us to ensure his needs are met. The communication from the nursery has also been excellent, we receive a weekly newsletter providing an overview of what the children have been doing each week with suggestions of home activities to continue the fun and learning. The nursery group also facilitate workshops for the parents to attend virtually. Highly recommended.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear how much your son has developed with us.
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Review from Frank D (Father of Child) published on 26 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter joined in September this year and we couldn’t be happier with her transition to Friends Forest Nursery from her old one after moving into the area ourselves.
We knew straight away after being shown around and her settling in periods this was the nursery for us!
Couldn’t recommend it
more highly!
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear how much your daughter enjoys her time with us.
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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An excellent nursery - would highly recommend! My daughter has been attending since she was a baby and loves going there. She particularly enjoys all the outdoor activities. The staff are excellent, and the food is also very good.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear how much your daughter loves her time at nursery, especially with our great outdoor space.
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Review from Martina W (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended since January 2020 and absolutely loves coming to nursery. He has such great relationships with the staff and has made his own little friends too. My husband and I love how much he gets to explore the outside and feel very lucky that he gets to go to Forest School.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review; it is great to hear how much your son enjoys nursery and has such a great relationship with the team.
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Review from Lauren R (Mother of Child) published on 6 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little lady has just started at Friends Forest Nursery as we have moved to the local area. The settling in process has been seamless and it already feels like she has been going there for ages! During the registration process, I felt I could ask whatever questions I needed to and get them answered
quickly by the team. All the ladies who work there that we have met so far have made us feel so welcome and given us confidence in moving our little lady to their setting. Can't wait for her to make new friends and memories. Thank you!
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review, it is fantastic to hear how much your daughter is enjoying her time with us.
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Review from Jade H (Mother of Child) published on 6 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can not recommend this nursery enough! All of the incredible staff members that work here put all of their heart and soul into the care of the children. My child has progressed so much with the years of being here and that’s all thanks to the wonderful staff who put all of their effort in creating
beautiful activities to support my child’s learning. They do an excellent job of making the setting a home from home environment where my child feels safe and secure. Staff support children's emotional development exceptionally well. All staff know their children in their care very well, and always take their own time to go above and beyond for my child. The staff work together as a very efficient team to support children's learning to the highest levels. The manager is exceptionally enthusiastic and inspirational.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your amazing review, it is fantastic to hear how much your child is enjoying her time with us.
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Review from Carol C (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely blown away! Wonderful setting with fabulous provisions the staff are on hand, supportive, understanding and keen to ensure my child is made to feel welcome and safe at all times. Would highly recommend this setting to other parents. Very friendly atmosphere with all key areas of learning
achieved on a daily basis. Amazing.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review, it is fantastic to hear your lovely feedback.
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Review from Freya W (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The personalised support offered by the staff at Friends Forest is outstanding. Every effort is made to ensure that the children love their experience. The activities are varied, and a great proportion of time is spent outdoors. Our daughter enjoys every meal, and we appreciate the care taken to ensure
the nutritional content is suitable for her age.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your lovely review, it is lovely to hear how much your daughter enjoys her time with us, especially the fantastic meals and outdoor time we have.
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Review from Michelle S (Aunt of Child) published on 29 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My nephew currently attends Friends Forest Nursery and absolutely loves it. I would highly recommend the nursery. They go out in all weather and he enjoys going to forest school exploring new environments, especially to see the diggers. The food there is excellent, all fresh and homemade. I know that
my nephew feels comfortable and enjoys being there. The staff are very friendly.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your lovely review, we are delighted to hear how much your nephew has enjoyed nursery. Especially the nutritional fresh meals we provide and the fantastic forest school we have.
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Review from Jessica R (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has come on so much in his development since joining Friends Forest in January 2020 after he turned one. He settled in so quickly and loves nursery days. I love hearing about all of the activities he gets up to at the nursery and forest school. The staff couldn't be any friendlier, they feel
like a second family to us all now.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted how much your son enjoys nursery with us and is developing well.
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Review from Nidhi N (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Friends Forest Nursery have been extremely kind, patient and helpful with us. They have been very accommodating with all our requests. Our little girl has settled in really well and can’t wait to go in every time. Her vocabulary has expanded since she started nursery, and we appreciate
how the staff makes every day learning fun for the little ones.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear how your daughter enjoyed her time with us and has developed well with her vocabulary.
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Review from Gillian M (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has recently joined Friends Forest Nursery, all the team have been so caring and welcoming. They have settled him in extremely quickly. He’s always smiling and happy when we pick him up.
Nothing is too much trouble, the staff are very helpful, we are pleased to have found such a great nursery.
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Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 4 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friends Forest Nursery in Ash is a beautiful place and their teaching and learning approach is amazing to get the children ready for the next chapter of their lives. The staff members are all friendly and approachable, it is like a lovely family unit run by their manager who is always on hand to help
out with anything. The food is amazing cooked by a wonderful chef on-site and children help her make it as well. They have a lovely Forest a School garden where they have learnt basic life skills like whittling and den making. But the best thing is making fires where they make s’mores! I would highly recommend Friends Forest Nursery in Ash to anyone looking to send their children into nursery.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your fantastic review, we are delighted to hear how much your child enjoys nursery, especially with our yummy fresh meals and Forest School sessions.
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Review from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Really friendly nursery, my daughter has settled in nicely and seems content. The manager showed us around and is very welcoming. Our daughter comes home full of excitement and stories from her day. I would recommend it to others.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear how much your daughter enjoyed nursery and settled in with us.
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Review from Olivia H (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
A lovely small intimate nursery. I moved my two-year-old from his previous nursery as he just wasn't settling and there were too many days I picked him up and they hadn't been outside. He has taken a while to settle and still gets very upset at drop off but the staff have done a lot to try to put my
mind at ease and update me on how he's been. The staff are all really friendly and I trust them. I know he will love the forest school part once he moves up to preschool and there just wasn't this type of activity available with any other nurseries I looked at.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review. It is great to hear how much your son enjoys nursery with us.
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Review from Rachel L (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is new to the nursery during COVID so it is an unsettling time, however, staff are working with him to make him feel settled and happy at the nursery. We get updates from the nursery on his progress and the staff are always friendly and welcoming.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear how much your son has settled into nursery with us and the communication has been appreciated we have in place.
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Review from Sally M (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has just started at Friends Forest and I’m so glad we chose this nursery. The staff are amazing, helpful and engaging. We got photos and updates during his settling week and beyond. He hasn’t even shed one tear when I drop him off - the best review I think! Thank you so much FF Team.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash
Thank you for your lovely review. We are thrilled to hear how much your son enjoys his time with us.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.892)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) out of 10 for Friends Forest Nursery - Ash is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.892 for Friends Forest Nursery - Ash is calculated as follows: ( (107 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.892
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Friends Forest Nursery - Ash is based on 10 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 45 number of registered child places is 9, which has been reached with 10 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (2)

Danielle

Danielle Brennan

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2022

Danielle has been the manager of Friends since 2024, she has a level 3 in childcare.

Jaycee

Jaycee Taylor

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2022

Jaycee has been the deputy manager since June 2024, she has been at friends since 2022.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Friends Forest Nursery - Ash to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Friends Forest Nursery - Ash has an Enhanced Service - more info.