Surrey Hills Forest School

Birtley Estate, Birtley Road, Guildford GU5 0LB
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9.2 13 Reviews
  • Surrey Hills Forest School, Guildford
Surrey Hills Forest School is an outdoor pre-school that gives children the opportunity to switch their attention away from the digital world to more achievable, child-initiated tasks in a woodland environment. It allows children to not only learn new physical skills but help them work with others, problem-solve and manage their own risk.

The aim of the forest school is to inspire and motivate children through positive experiences that give them a hands-on opportunity to learn about their natural environment. The children are given the time to and space to play while giving them a platform to learn with planned activities tailored to each child's interests.

The outdoor pre-school takes place at Birtley Estate in Bramley, set within 48 acres of the beautiful countryside made up of a cider orchard, formal gardens and a lake. Here, children can explore the woodland, find bugs, build dens, use the mud kitchen, do some climbing, identify leaves and trees, and much more.
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Type of Service

  • Nursery School
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Surrey Hills Forest School
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Lee Davis (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 2

Total Places for Children

  • 24

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Price per day £65.00
    Price half day £36.00
    Government Funded Hours taken

  • Day is 9am -4pm,
    Half day - 9am-1pm

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00-16:00
    Wednesday 09:00-16:00
    Friday 09:00-16:00

When Closed

  • School holidays

Parking

  • Parking is located in the car park as you drive through the gate.

Surrey Hills Forest School Reviews (13)

9.2

Surrey Hills Forest School has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.164) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Surrey Hills Forest School has 13 reviews.

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Review from E E (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have now been going to Surrey Hills Forest School since September and the difference in them has been enormous. Their confidence, language and understanding have grown hugely and they love going. The staff are so kind, reassuring and patient and they think of the most creative things for
the children to do. What they have created is so unique and special and gives them a chance to experience things they wouldn't do in most other nurseries and pre-schools.
Reply from lee Davis, Nursery Owner at Surrey Hills Forest School
Thank you so much for your kind words. We really appreciate them.
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Review from W K (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Surrey Hills Forest School is an outstanding preschool that has undoubtedly become a cornerstone in the early education journey of our son. From the moment we enrolled him, we have been consistently impressed with the level of care and attention provided to every child within this nurturing environment.
One
of the standout features of Surrey Hills Forest School is its unique approach to early education, integrating the wonders of nature into the learning process. The school's location amid the serene Surrey Hills provides an idyllic backdrop for children to explore and discover the natural world around them. This innovative approach not only fosters a deep appreciation for nature, but also enhances various aspects of a child's development.
Thanks to the lovely staff our son, from day one, felt secure and nurtured.
Reply from Lee Davis, Nursery Owner at Surrey Hills Forest School
Thank you so much for your kind words. We really do appreciate it.
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Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 11 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a wonderful nursery with nurturing staff who you can feel confident will keep your child safe and happy. The outdoor environment is an absolute delight and my son adores being able to spend so much time outside. They are given so many opportunities that they would not otherwise experience and
independence and resilience are fostered.
Reply from lee Davis, Nursery Owner at Surrey Hills Forest School
Thank you so much for your kind words. It is very much appreciated.
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Review from R J (Mother of Child) published on 11 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing! My son has been attending since spring 2023 and he thoroughly enjoys himself each and every day he attends.
The staff are so kind and caring, I trust them wholeheartedly and feel they teach in a way that aligns with how we parent.
I’m very impressed with how they continually incorporate
learning into the children’s interests and follow their lead, allowing them to explore and express themselves.
Knowing my son is gaining not only knowledge, but skills and experience in the beautiful outdoors makes me so happy and seeing how much he’s grown in such a short time confirms we made the right choice in Surrey Hills Forest School.
Reply from Lee Davis, Nursery Owner at Surrey Hills Forest School
Thank you so much for your kind response. It is very much appreciated.
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Review from Chloe S (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Forest School about a month ago and has loved every minute of it. She spends all day outside and comes home with rosy cheeks, dirt on her jacket and a massive grin on her face. She is learning so much about nature and is incredibly confident, thanks to the encouraging team there.
What a lovely place!
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Review from Danielle H (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot praise the manager and his team enough! I have had two children go through so far, and our third will definitely be going too! They have been so approachable, kind and supportive to both my kids and us as a family.
To know our children get to spend a whole day outside, come rain or shine
with happy staff, muddy puddles, and a warming fire is just magic.
They are encouraged to be inquisitive about the world around them and taught to be trustworthy and explore! I really could not ask for more. It is a very special place.
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Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has loved every minute of attending the Surrey Hills Forest School.
The teaching staff there are incredible.
It's a safe environment with everything the kids could need.
The thought put into the activities and spaces at the Forest School has ensured a wonderfully unique environment.
I
highly recommend.
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Review from Esther K (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am extremely impressed with the excellent level of care at the Forest School. The setting is beautiful, the staff are brilliant, and the communication is also excellent. It's so good for children to be outside at this age. The Forest School provides a lot of individual attention and education. I get
sent pictures of my daughter during the day of her enjoying the activities and comments on her development and 'learning journey'. They get a hot meal at lunchtime, and I am notified of how much she eats.
My daughter absolutely loves it. Every time I say, 'it's Forest School tomorrow', she says, 'yay!'
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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my sons have loved being part of Surrey Hills Forest School, they enjoy the different environment in which it has allowed them to learn, and I, as a parent, love the fact they are outside in the fresh air for the day.
The child-led play is great and allows the children to follow their interests.
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Review from Pam (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love this forest school! Our son has flourished here, he has speech and language difficulties but the nature of this setting has allowed him to explore his speech abilities without the spotlight of a classroom, in an alternative setting, and he has totally blossomed. He comes home dirty, exhausted
and happy - just what we want! So many fun activities, in a shady setting, well-protected from the elements. The Manager has made a wonderful preschool in the forest. We will be sending our youngest when he's old enough!
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Review from Rachael S (Mother of Child) published on 3 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We absolutely love Forest School - both my daughters have attended term time and summer club. There are so many opportunities for independent play, exploration and fun and the girls come home each day with stories of what they have seen and done, all in the fantastic woodland setting. They are so well
looked after - I would definitely recommend to anyone with a pre-school child.
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Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Forest School is such a lovely place! Carefully thought out, nurturing and safe. My daughter loved her time there and keeps talking about going back next year! The owner and the team did a fabulous job, especially given the current covid regulations etc. I would thoroughly recommend it. There's
nothing better than giving your child a love for outdoor adventures!
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Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended Surrey Hills Forest School in the summer term of 2020. She had a brilliant time there and really enjoyed all the variety of outdoor learning provided by the team. The facilities are excellent - having a working toilet and cooked meals was a real bonus. I would highly recommend a
forest school setting to all pre-school children - its such a lovely experience for them to learn in nature.
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Current Review Score: 9.2 (9.164)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.2 (9.164) out of 10 for Surrey Hills Forest School 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 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.2 out of 5 from 4 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 4.956 for Surrey Hills Forest School is calculated as follows: ( (43 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 45 Ratings = 4.956
  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 4.208 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Surrey Hills Forest School is based on 4 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 + 0.125 = 3.375
    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 24 number of registered child places is 4.8. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 4.8 = 0.833
  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 (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Lee

Lee Davis

Job Title: Forest School Leader/Director Joined: 2018

With a BA Hons in Early years management in practice and a Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification, I believe that children learn best outdoors, in a hands on, natural environment. In my experience play and nature are symbiotic, meaning they feed off each other to make learning fun and meaningful.
Fun with nature is the ethos that I personally install in not only the staff but the children as well.

Frequently Asked Questions about Surrey Hills Forest School

What is the Age Range of Children that Surrey Hills Forest School accepts?

Surrey Hills Forest School accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Surrey Hills Forest School Open?

Surrey Hills Forest School is open: Monday 09:00-16:00, Wednesday 09:00-16:00, Friday 09:00-16:00.

How many Children does Surrey Hills Forest School have capacity for?

Surrey Hills Forest School has capacity for a total of 24 Children.

How far is Surrey Hills Forest School to the centre of Guildford?

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 Surrey Hills Forest School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Surrey Hills Forest School has an Enhanced Service - more info.