The Old Forge Nursery

The Old Forge, The Green, Findern, Derby DE65 6AA
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8.3 13 Reviews
  • The Old Forge Nursery, Derby
The Old Forge Nursery offers high-quality childcare and early years education in a 19th-century half-timbered building.

Staff are fun-loving, enthusiastic, and highly qualified professionals who share owner Abby’s passion for excellence in early years education. Each member of the team builds close, caring relationships with the children in their care, creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, loved, and encouraged to grow.

Parents receive daily updates, photos, and videos of their child learning, playing, and thriving — so you never miss a moment of their development.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Louise Monange (Director of Nursery Operations)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 35

Total Places for Children

  • 72

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Full day 7:30am - 6pm £82
    AM Session 7:30am - 1pm £47
    PM Session 1pm - 6pm £45

  • Full day 7:30am - 6pm £82
    AM Session 7:30am - 1pm £47
    PM Session 1pm - 6pm £45

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • Plenty of visitor parking can be found to the front of the premises in designated spaces. Please park courteously in the village and respect the neighbours.

The Old Forge Nursery Reviews (13)

8.3

The Old Forge Nursery has a Review Score of 8.3 (8.264) out of 10, based on 2 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Old Forge Nursery has 13 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to The Old Forge Nursery
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Total of 13, showing 1-13
Review from C C (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy started at Old Forge in May 2025 in the baby bears room. One staff member in particular and the team helped him to settle in quickly and reassured him throughout. They were really flexible around his needs and routine to make the transition as easy as possible e.g. offering him his food
on a separated plate when he refused to eat at nursery for the first few weeks. They gave us lots of updates and photos through the app which meant we could relax at work knowing he was having lots of fun! Couldn't recommend Old Forge and the baby bears team enough!
Reply from Helen White, Marketing Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We're thrilled to hear that your little boy has settled so well into the Baby Bears room since joining us. The team will be over the moon to know their…read more
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Review from H T (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We cannot rate the nursery high enough - our daughter started full time when she was 8 months old and the teams have supported so much of her development. Our daughter has also built strong bonds with many members of staff which is so special to see, especially given how much time she spends there.
One of our favourite parts about the nursery is the menu they offer - they really helped our weaning journey and our daughter has such a diverse palette all thanks to the meals the nursery provide.
Reply from Helen White, Marketing Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, it means the world to our team to know how much you value the care and support we provide. It's lovely to hear how strong the bonds are between your…read more
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Review from Amanda C (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely, friendly staff who really go above and beyond to give the children a fantastic experience. Both my boys have always been so eager to spend time there. They are very well looked after, good meals and lots of fun.
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. We are always happy that the children are having fun.
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Review from R J (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I just love the way the staff build a relationship with my daughter and also help settle any anxiety when my little girl started. As my daughter was a lockdown baby, they really helped me to get my daughter settled in. I love the homely and friendly environment they have created. Love the way they nurture
my daughter's development and build new skills.
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We love working with the children and parents and makes everything worthwhile to see that parents and children are happy.
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Review from Suzanne H (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery. Staff are fantastic and very nurturing. My child has settled in really well and due to the sensitivity and care the staff provide. The outdoor area is fantastic and provides lots of learning opportunities. The food is exceptional and the nursery is just all round fabulous!
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you very much for your lovely review. When we have such lovely parents and children it makes everyday fun.
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Review from Tanya W (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children attend and love The Old Forge, the staff are enthusiastic and fantastic. The food is incredible and makes us jealous on a regular basis and our favourite aspect of the nursery is their incredible forest school. Our children return home so happy with stories of their forest adventures.
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you for your lovely comments. Our cook is passionate about providing the best for the children and we are glad everyone enjoys it.
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Review from E C (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fabulous nursery that does so much for our child's education and they genuinely care. The food is excellent, they do so many activities and all the staff we have come across have been amazing. The forest school is a fantastic facility that our child loves.
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you for the lovely comments. We love forest school and are always so happy to run the sessions.
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Review from Sophie W (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Every member of staff is so friendly, helpful, and comforting. My daughter thoroughly enjoys her time there. As parents, we feel reassured sending her and look forward to receiving pictures of what she’s been up to.
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review - we are lucky to have amazing parents and children.
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a fantastic nursery. The staff members are amazing and have a real passion for the job. They have helped my son adjust to many things and he continues to grow from strength to strength with their help and support. I can not speak highly enough about this nursery and wish every other nursery was
the same.
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you so much for a lovely review we are very lucky to have such wonderful parents and children.
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Review from Natasha T (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had viewed a number of nurseries for my daughter and I’m so glad I chose the old forge nursery. The staff are brilliant and helped my daughter settle in and even when she gets as not her self after her vaccinations. The food and the activities they do there are really good. I recommended to anyone
I know who is needing a nursery.
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you, we are equally glad you chose us and it is a pleasure to look after your daughter.
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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fabulous early years setting. Our son attended for 2.5 years and we were so happy with the care he received that we had no hesitation in deciding where our daughter would go upon return to work. Activities are well supported, time outside is ample and nutrition is a major focus. Private nursery is costly
but we feel every penny spent is completely worth it, we have well-rounded children as a result and fully recommend it to anyone who asks!
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review it has been a pleasure to look after both children. We love to see the children blossom and grow.
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Review from M S (Father of Child) published on 28 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child really enjoys the nursery. The nursery is a great place for my child to develop. The food is excellent and which my child fully eats. The staff are very nice and show that they care for all the children.
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you so much for the lovely review, we are lucky to have such wonderful parents and children.
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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery which my child thoroughly enjoys. My child is always learning and engaging in new activities and benefits from the forest school provision. The food provided is nutritional yet creative which my little one enjoys to eat.
Reply from Louise Monange, Manager at The Old Forge Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. It makes us very happy to see parents and children happy and our cook loves preparing the food when it is so enjoyed.
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Current Review Score: 8.3 (8.264)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.3 (8.264) out of 10 for The Old Forge Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 2 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.3 out of 5 from 2 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 5.000 for The Old Forge Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (24 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 24 Ratings = 5
  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 3.264 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Old Forge Nursery is based on 2 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 = 3.125
    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 72 number of registered child places is 14.4. 2 Positive Reviews ÷ 14.4 = 0.139
  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 (5)

Meet the Team (2)

Rachael

Rachael Emery

Job Title: Acting Nursery Manager Joined: 2015

Rachael has worked with The DEN Nursery Group for over 10 years. Rachael's journey began her journey as a Nursery Practitioner at The Old Forge Day Nursery and steadily progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, including Acting Manager and Implementation Lead across The DEN Nursery Group.


Her deep-rooted commitment to early years education is matched by a genuine passion for outdoor learning and forest school principles, which she integrates into everyday nursery life to spark curiosity, confidence, and a love of nature in children.


As a strong advocate for professional development, she takes pride in mentoring her team and supporting staff progression, helping practitioners grow in skill and confidence. Her leadership style is nurturing yet driven, always aiming to create a supportive, inspiring environment where both children and staff can thrive.

Danielle

Danielle Dennis

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2016

Danielle is one of our many qualified teachers here at The Old Forge, with nearly 10 years of experience at The DEN Nursery Group. Our Deputy Manager brings a strong foundation in early years education and a deep commitment to supporting both children and staff. As our previous Pre-School Room Leader, she has grown within the organisation through her dedication, experience, and passion for delivering high-quality care.


Outside of work, Danielle is a busy mum to two sporty boys aged 12 and 14, whose weekend matches and activities keep her on her toes! Her understanding of family life and child development shines through in her nurturing approach, and she is equally passionate about supporting staff in their professional growth, fostering a warm, motivated, and collaborative team culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Forge Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that The Old Forge Nursery accepts?

The Old Forge Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Old Forge Nursery Open?

The Old Forge Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does The Old Forge Nursery have capacity for?

The Old Forge Nursery has capacity for a total of 72 Children.

How far is The Old Forge Nursery to the centre of Derby?

4.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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