Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school

Hawkwood Lodge, Yardley Lane, London E4 7RS
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8.5 42 Reviews
  • Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school, London
Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Preschool, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted (August 2022), offers an exceptional Early Years education with a Forest School ethos.

Set in a historic lodge house on the edge of Epping Forest, children enjoy daily Forest School in a dedicated log cabin, three spacious gardens, and engaging nature-based activities. Their curriculum includes programmes like Sow & Grow, Make & Bake, and Move & Groove, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

The nursery features a sensory room, cooking classes, and a nurturing environment led by experienced, long-standing staff. Parents stay updated via the Famly App, and the nursery is conveniently located near Chingford Station with excellent transport links.

With a focus on curiosity, exploration, and holistic development, Chingford Forest provides a truly unique learning experience for young children.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Shamima Ahmed (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 16

Total Places for Children

  • 42

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Email or phone nursery for full fees

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

Parking

  • There is parking onsite at Yardley Forest Nursery

Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school Reviews (42)

8.5

Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school has a Review Score of 8.5 (8.493) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school has 42 reviews.

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Review from Harshini P (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my son started attending in March of this year we have seen such amazing growth in him. The staff are amazing and have supported my son so well. Initially a very clingy baby, he has grown to love the staff there and has such a great time. The kids spend so much time outdoors and have such a variation
in their play that I know my little one will continue to flourish there.
As time goes on, we see such great improvements in the nursery and I have no doubt that they will continue growing from strength to strength.
Reply from Laura Millward, Parent Liaison Officer at Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your wonderful review of our Chingford Forest Nursery and Preschool. We are so pleased to hear how happy and settled your little one has become. The manager and the team go above and…read more
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Review from Z A (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A brilliant nursery! The outdoor space is just perfect for kids who want to be kids and enjoy their time at nursery. I have a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, both boys who absolutely love the nursery and the staff. Most days I can’t drag my kids away from the nursery and they are excited to go there in
the morning. The staff are wonderful and friendly and are able to communicate and relate to the children on their level. My 4-year-old's communication skills have vastly improved due to the time and effort the staff have put in and their potty training was exceptional, considering my child has difficulty communicating. Since the new management team has taken over I have observed a big difference in the staff morale and the aesthetics of the nursery. It’s comforting that their staff retention is so high. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone looking for a fun, stimulating and friendly place to send their child! I am looking forward to sending my third child there.
Reply from Laura Millward, Parent Liaison Officer at Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation of our Chingford Forest Nursery. We love to hear how happy your boys are and how excited they are to come to nursery. The team at our Chingford…read more
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Review from Hayley R (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the moment we wandered around we fell in love with this nursery. Set in a surrounding forest we are regularly greeted by squirrels, muntjacs and a variety of birds with amazing greenery all around us.
Our little girl loves it here and is extremely well looked after and loved by the staff who are
easy to relate to and very welcoming to both students and parents. We are regularly updated about her progress and milestones (and behaviour!)
Since the introduction of its new manager, the nursery has gone from strength to strength with lots of outdoor play, learning activities and even baby yoga!
Reply from Laura Millward, Parent Liaison Officer at Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your lovely review of our Chingford Forest Day Nursery. We are delighted to hear how happy you and your little one are at our nursery. The manager and the team believe in the children…read more
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Review from G M (Father of Child) published on 18 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We felt so welcome by all the staff as soon as we walked in, everybody was so friendly in greeting us and our daughter. The manager gave my wife a thorough tour and was able to accommodate our child's needs. Considering our daughter is very attached to us she settled so quickly with hardly any tears
and will now wave goodbye at drop-off times which is absolutely amazing! Thank you to the team at Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school!
Reply from Laura Millward, Parent Liaison Officer at Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your lovely review of our Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school. We are really pleased to hear that you and your little one have settled well and quickly into our nursery. It is…read more
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Review from Juliet R (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at Yardley Forest is amazing. We have had children here for the last few years and have always felt our children and ourselves to be supported by every member of staff. The outdoor spaces are brilliant, and the children have great access to them. There is always plenty for them to do, and we
get good information about what they have been up to.
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Review from Gemma B (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend this nursery enough. I sent my daughter here when she turned three and decided to send my son here from when he was 10-months. My daughter is now in year-2 at school and still talks about how much she loved nursery. My son currently comes out of the nursery so happy and is so excited
to go in when he is dropped off. We are always informed of milestones and kept up to date on any progression. There is a lot of outdoor space, which the kids love and lots of fun activities.
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Review from Chris L (Father of Child) published on 2 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 1-year-old daughter has recently started here, coming into her second month now at 4-full days a week. It's a credit to the team and her lovely key worker that the transition has been so smooth. She really enjoys arriving at nursery now, and it's clear she has a real affection for her key worker.
She
is coming on leaps and bounds in development, and it's clear skills she starts at home, she gets a chance to develop at nursery.
I'm looking forward to seeing her flourish over the next few years.
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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a warm and friendly nursery with brilliant, caring staff in a great setting with plenty of outdoor space. Our son started at Yardley in February 2020 at 12 months old and settled very quickly. We can't speak highly enough of the ladies who care for him in the toddler room. It's a really loving
environment and he clearly has a lot of fun and is excited to get there in the mornings. There are always different activities that he is taking part in, different learning themes and lots of outdoor play, when the weather permits. They've also been really flexible in accommodating any special care he has needed in his routine. The app keeps us updated day to day on what he has eaten and how long he has napped etc and there are lovely photo updates too. We visited quite a few nurseries before we came across Yardley and I'm so happy that we found it. It's allowed me to go back to work feeling completely assured that he is happy and well cared for.
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Review from Mel G (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started here in October 2020 and goes in two days a week. From day 1, the staff have shown him nothing but love. The way they greet him every morning is so loving and welcoming. They have accommodated every request we have and their communication is consistent and comprehensive. He is always
bringing his art work home and they have such a variety of activities for him, that his vocabulary has advanced to way more words than we use at home. Cannot recommend this nursery enough.
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Review from Lucy L (Mother of Child) published on 19 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started here in March 2021 when he was 21 months. We've been extremely happy with the care that has been provided and the provision that has been put in place for him. He's absolutely thriving at the nursery and we've noticed some really significant developments in his speech and language, confidence
to try new things and his social interactions with the other children and key workers. We love receiving updates and photo observations on the Early Years App. All of the staff are incredibly attentive to his needs, nurturing and passionate about what they do. We feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful nursery for him.
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Review from Nancy E (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 19-month daughter has been in the nursery for the past 4 months. I can not fault their care and compassion for my daughter. She is very settled and really enjoys herself there. I have really noticed development in her speech and independent play. The outdoor space is fantastic! Loads of space, different
activities, the children go out to play twice a day (whatever the weather - which I think it’s great for them!). The communication is really good too. Staff also give you time and respond to any concerns you may have, for example, “please change nappy more frequently because of nappy rash”. I have also found management has been responsive and approachable when I have been in contact with them. Overall, highly recommended by us as a family.
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Review from Wendy W (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 4-year-old left Yardley last September to start reception and she had the best time. My now 2-year-old is there now and absolutely loves it. Both started from 1 year old. My son is always excited to go and always ends his day with a smile. The Yardley team are fantastic and incredibly attentive and
personable. Very long-standing staff and they really do get to know your child and watch them progress. My daughter loves telling the team about her day at school when she comes with me to pick up her little brother. Would highly recommend Yardley Forest Nursery.
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Review from Paloma F (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3-year-old son started in January, and he couldn’t be happier. He can’t wait to say goodbye to me when I drop him off in the mornings.
The nursery appealed to me as it is right next to the forest and also has a huge garden for the children. I wanted him to spend as much time outside as possible,
which he definitely does.
The staff are all so lovely and caring. They have excelled with his potty training and eating habits.
He loves going to nursery, and I would recommend Yardley without any hesitation.
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Review from Paige J (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I currently have a two-year-old daughter in the toddler room and I can not praise the nursery enough, from the day she started she loved it and settled in great. The staff are all soo lovely and friendly, they keep me up to date with everything she is getting up to and also upload activities she’s doing
on EyLog. It has a great outdoor play area and beautiful surroundings.
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Review from Danielle (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Yardley is an excellent nursery they really do focus on your child’s development, staff are really friendly and approachable. My 8-year-old attended from the age of 7 months and my 2-year-old has attended Yardley from 8 months. If you want your child to become more confident and want consistency in
their development I would highly recommend sending your child to Yardley Forest Nursery.
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Review from Katie (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My nearly 4 year old has been at the nursery since she was 13 months and will be leaving to start school in September. This was the first time we had to use a nursery for childcare full time (with early drop-offs and late pickups) and I was very nervous about leaving my little one but I have been delighted
with Yardley Forest.
The nursery was recommended to me by another parent and I am so relieved to have found it. The staff are all amazing and the care and obvious affection my little one has for them all is lovely to see. She goes in happy every time she is dropped off and always comes out smiling and we couldn't be happier.
You can see that the children are well cared for and I highly recommend Yardley Forest to other parents and I am very grateful that we found such a lovely setting with such caring and dedicated staff.
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Review from N D (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have one-year-old twins at the nursery, and whilst we were initially apprehensive about the thought of leaving them in the care of others, the staff were fantastically reassuring, and genuinely seem to love working with the kids of all ages. Ours love every day they spend there and are very fond
of their key workers.
The nursery seems to have adapted well to coronavirus protection procedures, drop off and pick up times are staggered to avoid overcrowding at the door, and different groups are being kept apart. Even with the additional difficulties and worries, the staff are all still their bubbly, happy selves and the kids all still seem to be enjoying being there. There is a happy playful buzz about the place all day.
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Review from Marsha (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We currently have an almost 3-year-old in toddler room and cannot praise the nursery enough; the caring nature and attitude of the staff, the setting (both indoors and outdoors), the variety of the activities and even the meals, but most importantly our son's well-being in their care. He is always
full of joy at pick up time whether he knows we are looking or not, and it's always a fun challenge to get him to stop his current activity to head home. We are kept in the loop on his progress verbally through daily updates and parent evenings also - milestone achievements with photos received via their app is a lovely bonus too!
We have two children and the eldest (now 7) also attended, so we didn't even consider an alternative setting the second time round, and continue to be delighted. Our son has wonderful relationships with his friends, and the staff too - many of whom are the same from our first experience, which is testament to the family environment and ethos of the nursery.
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Review from Elizabeth C (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is beautiful. It has high ceilings and large rooms, there is a feeling of space and room to roam. The outdoor space and forest setting is ideal, you don’t feel like you’re in an urban location.
The staff are wonderful. They are kind and caring. That’s all I was interested in as a parent.
My son is very happy to spend time at the nursery in the company of his carers and friends.
The variety of activities are vast and interesting for the children. My son's knowledge, behaviour and confidence have improved no end since attending Yardley Forest.
My son eats mainly vegan meals. The nursery provide him with delicious and inclusive meals, with more variety than I personally offer him at home. He loves all the meals and snacks. I know he eats very healthy and very well at nursery. It’s a wonderful food service that they offer.
We didn’t see anything better in the local area than Yardley Forest, and we are delighted to have our son attend, it’s been the perfect choice.
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Review from Matthew (Father of Child) published on 20 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely wonderful nursery. Our child happily goes through the door every day. All the staff are great, anytime she has been ill / under the weather they have been amazing with her. It's such a lovely atmosphere and the children get plenty of playing outside and fresh air anytime weather allows.
The huge outside space allows for lots of adventures. The kitchen is excellent and the menu is varied and healthy. The nursery's app lets us see what she has eaten each day. Highly recommended this nursery.
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Current Review Score: 8.5 (8.493)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.5 (8.493) out of 10 for Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school 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 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.6 out of 5 from 3 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 4.886 for Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school is calculated as follows: ( (32 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 35 Ratings = 4.886
  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 3.607 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school is based on 3 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 = 3.25
    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 42 number of registered child places is 8.4. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 8.4 = 0.357
  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 (12)

Meet the Team (1)

Shamima

Shamima Ahmed

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Shamima has over 27 years of experience in Early Years education, including 15 years in management, with a strong passion for supporting children and families to achieve the best start in life. She is a motivated and organised leader who strives to create nurturing learning environments and drive continuous improvement through professional development and collaboration. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures and ways of life.

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