Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Tompsons Lane, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JY
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8.4 32 Reviews
  • Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo, Winchester
A nursery in a zoo? That is right! Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo is situated next to the penguin and giraffe enclosures within Marwell Zoo.

This wonderful, friendly and loving space has everything you would expect for an outstanding kindergarten. It even overlooks the penguin and giraffe enclosures! Accessed through a private entrance via the overflow car park which makes pick up easy, it features large classrooms for children from 9 months to five years, with children’s kitchens, a sleep room, art studio and sensory room, as well as a mud kitchen and fire pit.

Groups of children head into the zoo for mini-zoologist sessions led by a zoologist, where they learn all about the animals, their habitats and the importance of the conservation projects undertaken by Marwell Wildlife.

At the same time, nature school sessions are also taking place in the nearby forest involving den building, mini-beast hunting and fire building to name but a few woodland activities.

What more could a child want? Come and visit and join the adventure!
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Michelle Hibberd (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 28

Total Places for Children

  • 85

Age Range

  • from 0 years 9 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:45-18:00
    Tuesday 07:45-18:00
    Wednesday 07:45-18:00
    Thursday 07:45-18:00
    Friday 07:45-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo Reviews (32)

8.4

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.426) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo has 32 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
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Total of 32, showing 21-32
Review from Mandrina C (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended Marwell nature nursery for 2 years and she absolutely loved it. The setting was an ideal way for her to spend her toddler and preschooler years. She came home full of wonderful stories about stomping in the forest or learning about animals in the zoo. The staff are all lovely and
helpful. Settling in was hard and there were tears (mine and my daughter’s) and they couldn’t have been more caring during those first sessions. It was hard to say goodbye when she went off to school but we’re happy to be returning to Marwell during school holidays!
Reply from Hayley Doncon at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Thank you so much for your review. We are delighted to read such lovely comments and will miss you and your family lots. Best Wishes.
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Review from Hayley F (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are extremely happy with the care and support this nursery has provided our child. We found the approach and ethos this nursery has is different from the norm, however, exceeds every expectation! We were quickly confident in their approach to nurturing and developing children and we believe this
approach gave our child the most solid platform to excel at school.


The recent introduction of additional sporting opportunities has been fantastic and helps to develop the physical capabilities of the children. Our only suggestion would be to greater enhance opportunities for children such as music or drama sessions to help build confidence.

Reply from Hayley Doncon at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Many thanks, Hayley, for your review. We are thrilled with your comments and ongoing support for our setting.
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Review from Zoe V (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful setting and a fantastic team - my son had brilliant times exploring the forest and the zoo - and is a wealth of information about nature and the environment when I am out and about with him. At the age of 4, he knows more than I do!
Reply from Hayley Doncon at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Thank you, Zoe. It has been an absolute pleasure to read your comments and know we will see you soon for the holiday club. Best Wishes.
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Review from Annie H (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A first class caring Nursery with superb opportunities for such young children. A fantastic outdoor space with regular trips to the zoo and the forest. Staff are professional and very caring. Our child is very happy there.
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Review from Lydia C (Mother of Child) published on 2 December 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been so impressed by how well the staff have helped my son to settle at this nursery. After 18 months he was still having difficulty settling at previous setting and it has been very different this time. I believe this is down to the welcoming atmosphere, the nurturing, experienced staff and
the exciting activities. It was important for us that he is somewhere that promotes independence, confidence and a love of exploring the outdoors. He comes home muddy and tired out but extremely happy and eager to tell us all about his day learning about giraffes, picking lettuces and building dens. He is always excited to go back. We can't wait for his little brother to start next year. What a fantastic way for them both to spend their pre-school years.
Reply from Hayley Doncom, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for taking the time to write such a glowing review.
Best Wishes
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Review from Helen S (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at the Nursery when it opened in September and we both struggled with separation anxiety which was very distressing for both of us. Very quickly I was invited to a meeting to discuss how we could move forward to make drop offs easier for us both and I can honestly say with their
help, two drop offs later my daughter was waving goodbye, barely glancing back, skipping in with her key person.


My daughter loves this nursery and talks about her day with such enthusiasm. We can't wait to hear about her trips to the zoo, or building dens in the woods, picking salad and preparing it for dinner, or having a quiet story with her friends.


Their methods, facilities and staff are outstanding and I would highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Hayley Doncom, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Thank you for taking the time to put together this glowing review. We are so pleased that drop offs have become easier and your experiences so far has been wonderful.
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Review from Charlotte W (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy missed going to school by 3 weeks and was very ready to go. We chose Children's Nature Nursery at Marwell Zoo for him to have lots of fun and enjoy being outside and learning. He has settled amazingly well and has loved learning about nature and the animals at the zoo. I can't compliment
the management and the staff enough for the dedicated time they give my little boy and he's having an amazing time.
Reply from Hayley Doncom, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Thank you for taking the time to put this review together. We are so glad your experience has been so positive.
Thanks again
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Review from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Children's Nature Nursery at Marwell Zoo a few weeks ago (October 2016) having attended another local setting previously. I wanted to do dual setting with this nursery and the old setting but he loves Kids Love Nature so much he is now only attending this setting. My son has settled
in brilliantly and after over 18 months of clinging to my leg at the previous setting he has happily gone in with little problem.
On the few occasions, he showed signs of a wobble at drop off time the staff were over and distracting him immediately. My son has really enjoyed his trips to the zoo and walks in the woods and the outdoor space is amazing. Likewise, there is lots of space indoors and bigger rooms than I've seen in any other setting. The staff seem very well trained, friendly and all connect well with the children. The manager also addressed a few concerns promptly and effectively. I am very positive about this nursery and would not hesitate to recommend it.
Reply from Hayley Doncom, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Thank you for taking the time to write such a glowing review. We are extremely happy to hear your experience with us has been so positive.
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Review from Kelly M (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff create a positive atmosphere at the nature's nursery, my daughter's vocabulary has expanded greatly since she has been spending time with them and her interest in mindfulness particularly relating to the environment is much greater. She very much enjoys being outside and is loving attending
the zoo.
Reply from Hayley Doncom, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. It's great to read such positive feedback.
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Review from Lyndsey S (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic setting with wonderful staff. I chose this nursery based on its location and facilities, but have also been beyond impressed with both its methods for helping my young daughter grow and develop and the experienced and caring staff. Couldn't recommend highly enough.
Reply from Hayley Doncom, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Thank you for taking the time to write such a glowing review.
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Review from Kelly B (Mother of Child) published on 31 October 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended the Marwell Zoo Nature Nursery/Preschool since it opened in September 2016.
During this time, we have seen his confidence, language skills, behavior and interest in the outside world improve beyond belief!
The manager and her team of handpicked key workers are friendly, dedicated
to their roles and to the children, and always have time to talk to anxious parents.
I would recommend this preschool to any parent - your child will thrive there.
Reply from Hayley Doncom, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Thank you for your wonderful review.
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Review from Kat E (Mother of Child) published on 31 October 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children's Nature Nursery at Marwell is wonderful! My son is very much an outside boy and this is the perfect place for him to get his needs met. He has learnt so much already and all staff are enthusiastic and friendly!
I would definitely recommend to anyone that is looking for something different
for their children.
Reply from Hayley Doncom, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo
Thank you for the fantastic review.
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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.426)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.426) out of 10 for Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo 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 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.4 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 5.000 for Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo is calculated as follows: ( (36 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 36 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 3.426 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo 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 85 number of registered child places is 17. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 17 = 0.176
  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.

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