Dunblane Nature Kindergarten

My wee boy attends the out of school care facility at Dunblane Nature Kindergarten. He is collected by taxi. The staff are fun and friendly whilst professional in their role. Lots to keep the kids busy, they are outside as much as possible. My wee one is always happy after a day there.

Sadly not the nursery for us after an initial positive start it became apparent the staff did not have the children’s happiness at the forefront of their minds. Ratios appeared not to be met and as such, the care of the children was sacrificed. Such a shame as if the staff were more competent they certainly have the facilities to make it an impressive nursery.

Dunblane Nature Kindergarten is a wonderful environment with a welcoming, nurturing, happy and caring atmosphere. The staff facilitate every child’s development and maintain a child-centred approach. I highly recommend this nursery!

Our little one has thrived since she started Dunblane Nature Kindergarten. We both love the fact that they encourage the children to explore and appreciate the outdoors. The staff are fantastic and keep us updated on her weekly goings on both when we pick her up and with the learning journals which are a great way to track her progress along the way. They obviously really care about the children in their charge and you can see the excitement in their faces when one of the children does something for the first time. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dunblane Nature Kindergarten to other parents.

When our little one first started Dunblane Nature Kindergarten we had the usual tears and separation fears but the staff made this so much easier for us all and she settled there very quickly. Now I have trouble getting her to leave of an evening.

Our three children attend Dunblane Nature Kindergarten, starting in 2015. I cannot commend the team highly enough. A fantastic bunch of early years educators who value the development and wellbeing of the children in their care.

My child, who is in the oldest nursery group, is always happy to be dropped off and, when I pick her up, excitedly shows me everything she’s done that day! The staff seem happy and well-versed in early years curriculum and nursery policy. The children are given choices with food and everything is cooked fresh and on-site, although there could be more variation. Emails are answered promptly and professionally. My child’s ideas and opinions are listened to and acted on.

I would like to see more theme-based weeks, such as space, animals, music, but that’s about my only criticism. That said, they did a Burns week and have a vegetable allotment space, where children are encouraged to help and watch plants grow.

Overall a great outdoor-focused nursery! Very nice, caring staff and a good variety of activities for the kids to participate in.

Myself and my husband and 2 children relocated to Scotland in February. When we moved we reviewed a few kindergartens in the area and found that Dunblane Nature Kindergarten ticked all of our requirements and more.

Our 2 children settled in fantastically and the staff are more than welcoming and our children have really taken to their care workers.

Our oldest is 2 and has never been in a kindergarten environment before and within 1 week of settling in and some tears (which the staff dealt with amazingly) he skips into his class which we love to see.

We especially love Dunblane Nature Kindergarten's approach to the outdoor environment and their motto that there is no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing and therefore our children get loads of safe and healthy outdoor time, regardless of the weather.

We are absolutely delighted with Dunblane Nature Kindergarten and look forward to our children's years of growth and learning with the kindergarten.

Our son changed nursery to attend Dunblane Nature Kindergarten and has never been happier. I love the range of activities he participates in and that outdoor play is a key strength of the nursery. The staff are fantastic, our son is thriving in this environment and we couldn’t be happier with Dunblane Nature Kindergarten.

Great facility and staff, kids are loving going there. Alternative teaching involving nature and outdoors whenever the weather allows, and also applied indoors too.

My son is really happy at the nursery and has developed great relationships with the staff. I love the outside ethos and think it’s great how the children go outside in all weathers. I strongly recommend Dunblane Nature Kindergarten.

My daughter absolutely loves this nursery. Every day is a new adventure. The staff are wonderful and go above and beyond. From the moment you step through the door, you can tell from the warm welcome that you are somewhere special. You can drop your child off safe in the knowledge that they will be extremely well looked after whilst having oodles of fun and enjoying creative learning experiences. Our car journeys home are often filled with tales from the day’s adventures such as exploring outside and enjoying hot chocolate and marshmallows around the campfire. What more could you wish for?

Kids are given a variety of different activities, food and experiences. Staff are wonderful!

Absolutely amazing nursery, couldn’t imagine sending my child to a better place. Love all the toys and the kids are outside all the time exploring nature. Staff are always friendly and happy to see your children. Great choices for lunch. Love it!

Fantastic nursery! Staff are so helpful and so caring with the children. My daughter has developed so much with their support. Very nurturing team.

I have been really impressed by how the staff have helped my daughter to settle into nursery. She found it really hard initially to be away from family but they have been really gentle and flexible to her needs and willing to move at her pace which has helped the transition immensely. She is now really excited about going to nursery and is always buzzing at the end of the day. I love how much time they spend outside and all the high quality, open-ended play opportunities the children have. I also love the freedom the children have to move between the rooms which gives the feeling of an extended family or village.

Not as outdoorsy as it used to be and doesn’t seem as structured. I feel perhaps it has been lacking leadership in the last few years.

Friendly, caring, smiling staff who take great care in ensuring each child is a valued part of the nursery family.

My older child also goes to after school and she loves it just as much as her little sister. I honestly cannot praise the staff enough - best nursery in Scotland as far as I am concerned!