Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school

Hawkwood Lodge, Yardley Lane, London E4 7RS
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9.8 57 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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Funding & Fees

Email or phone nursery for full fees

Contact Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school to get a personalised quote.

Contact Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school to get a personalised quote.

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

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 (57)

9.8

Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.754) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school has 57 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school
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Total of 57, showing 41-57
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 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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Review from Tristan O (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter, just turning 2, has been at Yardley Forest Nursery since 11 months old. First 4 days a week, now full time. Going back to work and leaving her in the hands of others was very emotional, and we visited many many nurseries ahead of our final decision. We acted on gut instinct, more taking
into account the behaviour and disposition of the children in the nurseries and we saw immediately how happy the children were at Yardley Forest and how close they were with the staff. This last year has proven our choice right. The staff are truly caring, interactive, attentive and fun. The facilities and location are wonderful. If it is outdoor weather they make the most of it in the huge garden and play area. The online diary gives us an overview of her day (meals, naps and nappy changes) which is very useful as it allows us to plan her supper and bedtime. Our daughter is flourishing and loves nursery. I can't recommend the nursery highly enough.
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Review from Sally F (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having tried a few other local nurseries I finally took my children out of a place I wasn't happy with (a large, expensive chain) and now they go to the magical Yardley Forest Nursery.


I'm so happy I found this place but slightly annoyed it took me so long! My children race from the car to get

to the front door and the staff and children all seem very happy to see them and to be there themselves.


They get to spend large chunks of time in the forest itself and are always happy, tired and nicely muddy/glittered when I pick them up. They love their key carers and it feels like an extended family setting.


If your child likes to be outside then it doesn't get any better than this.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.754)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.754) 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 4.8 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.779 for Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school is calculated as follows: ( (178 Excellents x 5) + (46 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 226 Ratings = 4.779
  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 4.975 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Chingford Forest Day Nursery and Pre-school is based on 19 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.975
    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, which has been reached with 19 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 (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.