School Outdoors Dulwich

104 Burbage Road, London SE24 9HE
Review Us
9.9 40 Reviews
School Outdoors Dulwich is a small, privately owned nursery based in a forest setting near Dulwich Village, London, and led by qualified primary school teachers, Forest School Leaders and Early Years Educators.

The outdoor nursery follows the forest school approach, giving children freedom to explore and flourish in natural surroundings.

The nursery accommodates children from age 2 to 5 years old and is open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Person in charge

  • Kim Bradley (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 5

Total Places for Children

  • 20

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • £84 per day

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 2 weeks at Christmas

Parking

  • There is parking on site.

School Outdoors Dulwich Reviews (40)

Total of 40, showing 1-20
9.9

School Outdoors Dulwich has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.909) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time School Outdoors Dulwich has 40 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Joining the School Outdoors as soon as my toddler turned 2 was the best decision ever! He is so happy there, which is obvious at drop-off and pick-up.
This setting is just perfect, from joyful and loving staff to nutritious food and brilliant forest school principles.
I've seen our little one blossom
and thrive since joining. It is a unique opportunity, especially in a big city.
We can see how the children are getting way more in terms of education, learning valuable skills on top of all the things required by the regular Early Years Foundation Framework. On top of that, the staff is incredibly helpful, providing continuity with whatever we do at home. We started toilet training a week ago now, and the School Outdoors has been extremely supportive.
Long story short, this place is great. If we have any more children, we won't hesitate to send them to the School Outdoors. If anything, we wish our little one would never have to leave!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

*A truly magical place for little ones to grow*
My daughter started forest school when she was just two, and the transformation we've seen has been incredible. The child-led approach is so creative and thoughtful, it has allowed her to grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence in a natural and
joyful way.
The environment is nurturing, warm and genuinely caring. The staff are not only passionate about what they do, but they're also genuinely interested in each child. They're always happy, welcoming and ready to engage. If I ever need help or have questions, they've been nothing short of brilliant.
And for anyone wondering, "Don't the children get cold?". It's not the cold you need to think about, it's the wet! Invest in the proper kit (Didrikson's/POP technical gear) and your child will thrive outdoors in all weathers. As the saying goes, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
We feel incredibly lucky to be part of this community.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This has been our third nursery for our daughter and by far the best. The site itself is magical and our daughter loves the outdoors but for us, the staff is what has makes it so great. They seem to attract very well qualified and passionate staff, they are all very knowledgeable, patient and excellent
with pre-schoolers. In the year that we have been here, there has been no staff changes (apart from maternity cover). We feel that they have really got to know our daughter and supported her development. She loves all of them, which wasn't the case at previous places.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

School Outdoors Dulwich has been such a fantastic experience for our son and for us as a family. He is so much more confident since being here, has learnt an appreciation for nature and the outdoors and even picked up some cycling skills! The staff are friendly and nurturing, good communicators and
seem to have wonderfully creative ideas to capture the children's imagination. I would thoroughly recommend this to any parent.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you for your kind words. We are thrilled your son is enjoying his time with us in School Outdoors Dulwich.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was very happy when I got a space at School Outdoors for my son. I really wanted him to have the opportunity to connect with nature and spend as much time outside as possible before he starts school and has to follow a more structured education. I think School Outdoors offers a unique opportunity
for a child born in a city. I love that the kids there need to use their imagination to find toys or build them from sticks. They are able to enjoy an 'analogue' childhood, where camaraderie and teamwork are key and freedom of thought is encouraged.
The staff are very kind and know each child and their needs well. It is a lot like a summer camp that lasts all year round (although without the weather!). The bonfire pancakes and hot chocolate will surely remain a fond memory forever.
My son attended for 3 days a week and I am very sad his adventure with the Forrest School is now over. In the era of screens and social media, it is a great alternative for our kids.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The best nursery experience we have ever had as a family. The daily communication and photos from the staff to the parents are brilliant and my son, who is quite clingy, settled easily and now runs in every morning to say hello to everyone. The food is great and they have the perfect balance of learning,
exploring and socialising. I honestly could go on and on about how incredible this nursery is! The teachers are experienced and clearly enjoy their work and spending time with the children.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I've been thoroughly impressed with my daughter's experience at the outdoor nursery, especially during the summer months. The setting is perfect for children to explore and learn in the sunshine, surrounded by nature. The variety of activities keeps them engaged and continuously learning in a fun and
dynamic way. The staff are exceptional - professional, warm, and genuinely passionate about their roles, which really enhances the children's experience. A highlight was the beautifully organised graduation ceremony for the children leaving in September. It was a touching and memorable event that celebrated their achievements in such a special way. As a parent, I appreciate the nursery's openness and the quality of interactions the staff have with both the children and parents. I highly recommend this nursery for anyone looking for a nurturing and vibrant outdoor learning environment for their child.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son joined School Outdoors last year a couple of months after his second birthday, and has absolutely loved it. We were a little nervous about how the winter would go, but it was absolutely fine with the school providing a very clear list on the clothing needed, and once the kids are wrapped up
they really enjoy the ability to be outside and play in the mud and rain and to enjoy the sunshine when it does come! Getting involved with such a wide variety of activities such as chopping wood, making fires for cooking on, understanding nature and helping to grow vegetables has helped him to learn a much wider range of skills (as well as the traditional learning of letters/numbers etc.), and he is very proud of telling us what he has been doing at the end of every day. The teachers are excellent, and keep us updated on our son's day via an app with lots of photos. His confidence has really grown over the time he has been there, and we are very pleased with our choice of nursery.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A magical place and wouldn't change a thing. Our daughter has just finished 2 wonderful years here. The winters are not that bad! The kids are fine with being outside (with appropriate clothes) - it's just a mental thing for parents, which you get over quickly. Clothes-wise - sort yourself out with
proper gear and decent wellies. Don't waste your time/money on rubbish gear as you'll eventually end up buying the good warm/dry stuff. Secondhand is fine - The kids rarely get sick as they're not cooped up inside! The staff are lovely and engaging. The kids go cycling on Mondays and were all riding normal bikes by the age of 3 - simply brilliant. The kids do drawing, colouring, arts and crafts, sawing, peeling, chopping, gardening, nature walks, and day trips, and all love nature, bugs, and mud. They are now fearless about bad weather! The kids are now all super adventurous and confident. There's a good bunch of parents (and social media groups of course)!

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thanks so much for your lovely review. It's always rewarding to read positive parent reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn't be happier with the School Outdoors - it's been an absolute pleasure to see how much our daughter loves it and watch her develop. The staff are wonderful and have endless energy and they create a safe, calm, fun environment where the children thrive.
We have been so impressed with some
of the activities and the way the school gets them to engage with nature and living outdoors.
We couldn't recommend it more.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you very much for your review. We are happy your daughter loves her time with us.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Best choice ever! My son was so happy to be there and they looked after him very well.
Everyone was always very welcoming and found ways to teaching him while playing.
Outdoors was safe and relaxing environment and they are very well prepared for all weathers.
Thanks everyone.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you very much for the lovely summary of your child's time in School Outdoors. We hope he is enjoying Primary School just as much!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 3 children have been to a number of kindergartens in London as well as abroad. Without doubt, SOD is the best! The team of people are incredible - they love their work, they love the children and the children thrive as a result. It is a unique place, being an outdoors kindergarten, and all my children
have benefited enormously. Thank you to all the staff that make this haven of children being children the unique place that it is.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. Our team do love their jobs and work hard to ensure that every child has the best start of their early education and care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Forest school is magical. Our son absolutely loves it here - he started when he was just over two years old and settled very quickly and loves the setting so much. Compared to indoor nursery, he has not been ill nearly as much as the fresh air really does help in all sorts of ways. The setting is absolutely
beautiful - tucked away behind tons of trees and greenery, the kids get to do different things every day. The winters can be tough - more so for the adults than kids, our son was fine but the laundry and pickups are a bit more complex in the dark / mud (but this all comes with the territory of forest school). I wish there were primary schools in the area that followed the forest school curriculum because it really is amazing and our son is so happy, confident and sleeps like a dream after all day outdoors.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review. We are so happy that your son enjoys coming to our nursery!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves attending School Outdoors Dulwich. The communication from management and from staff day to day is excellent. I always feel in the loop and informed with day to day nursery life. I love getting photos and videos of my son cooking on an open fire, tie-dying, using tools and playing with friends.
The different activities each day are amazing. Each member of the team are brilliant and all of them know my son on a really individual basis. My son had some challenges and the staff were amazing at supporting him and working with me as a team. I’ll be so sad when he has to leave.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review. I can't wait to share your kind words with the whole team! We are really happy your son has enjoyed his time in forest school.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Forest School has been such a wonderful experience for my daughter. She started when she turned three and enjoys it much more than her previous (largely indoor) nursery. She has made great friends, learnt skills we would have never taught her ourselves, and become more resilient. The current team of
educators are fantastic; they are great role models for her and are very attentive and thoughtful. Winter had its challenges, largely from a practical point of view (so much mud!), but my daughter was much less bothered by the cold and wet weather than I expected her to be. I remember once feeling guilty on a very rainy day and going to pick her up a bit early, only to find her desperate to stay and splash in puddles for longer!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely love School Outdoors Dulwich! We moved to Herne Hill in May 2022, and forest school has been by far the best thing about moving here for us. We wanted our child to attend a forest school because he was prone to breathing problems whenever he caught a cold at nursery - we thought being
in the fresh air could solve that, and having both grown up in the countryside, we liked the idea that this was a great natural gift whilst living in London. It has been everything we hoped for and more. The staff are lovely, the site feels like a magic little fairy den, and our son begs to go on his days off! You can tell when you see the kids, how much they are benefitting - there's a freedom and special aliveness about kids when they're spending a lot of time out in nature. My family have all noticed that since he started at forest school, he has grown in confidence and overall happiness. He sings their songs all the time and is constantly telling me about nature on our walks. Thank you to the manager and all!

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

We are very happy that your son is thriving in School Outdoors Dulwich. Thank you for writing a review.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at the Forest School since February; she loves it, and we do too! The staff are professional, caring, energetic and kind. They have a great relationship with my daughter, and she comes home full of excitement about what they do each day. Like some other preferences, having a proper
Forest School in London is such an amazing facility; I wish it existed when my son was younger. Communication with parents (through the management and on-site at drop off/pick ups) is great, and since we have been at the forest school, the management has implemented improvements, which are so great to see. We really get the sense that there is a strong commitment to making the Forest School a great success for all. Everyone talks about the winter weather but also a massive shout out to the management of the extreme heat in the summer - the kids were kept cool and happy in their little glade - idyllic!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I've dreamed of putting one of my kids in forest school ever since I read about the concept in a magazine article years ago. But true forest school programs were hard to come by at the time. So what a dream come true when I discovered a program right here in Dulwich. I've eagerly awaited having my daughter
turn two, so we could finally enrol!
She's been there only for five weeks, and already, we are so happy with our decision. She looks so happy in her photos playing with leaves, cooking outdoors, and mixing things; she just looks soo happy. I didn't see such big smiles on her face at her previous nursery. Each day when I pick her up, she is covered in mud and just as happy as can be. Like a pig in mud. What better testament is there to the quality of a program for a 2-year-old!
The teachers are engaging, very caring, and give me detailed reports of her day. The surroundings are just lovely, and all that's needed for the little ones' comfort is well thought of. The manager and the team do a great job!

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you very much for your review. It's really appreciated, and we love hearing how happy your daughter is with us.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves School Outdoors. It gives her the opportunity to do things I remember doing as a child but are just not part of city life - picking blackberries, climbing trees, spotting wildlife, cooking marshmallows over a fire etc.
The teachers are great too, and she has good relationships with
them all. They also take genuine pleasure in watching her develop and have been quick to step in when she's needed a little more support.
I was worried when she started (in January) that she would freeze to death. However, the weather only seems to bother the parents, and she spends most of the day stripping off all of the layers we've grilled her to put on each morning! She comes home covered head to toe in mud more times than I can count and always seems to have had an amazing time.
It wouldn't be a balanced review without mentioning negatives - I can think of one - on School Outdoors days, my bathroom looks like a swamp.
We are sending her younger brother to join her in January, which says it all!

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you for your review. We are super excited to have your son join us soon too!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

School Outdoors Dulwich has been transformational for my daughter (2 years old). The staff are so caring and attentive, and she has settled in very well. At her previous indoor nursery, she struggled with the transitions and being left. Now she couldn't be more settled and is more confident and secure
than I have ever seen her.
We still keep seeing positive changes week by week, and she is so proud of all the new skills she is learning! I absolutely love starting my day at their site and with a short walk in such lovely woodland surroundings.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you for your review. It's great for other parents to hear other parents speak about our wonderful setting.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.909)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.909) out of 10 for School Outdoors Dulwich is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.909 for School Outdoors Dulwich is calculated as follows: ( (131 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 143 Ratings = 4.909

  • b) 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for School Outdoors Dulwich is based on 12 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 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 20 number of registered child places is 4, which has been reached with 12 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about School Outdoors Dulwich

What is the Age Range of Children that School Outdoors Dulwich accepts?

School Outdoors Dulwich accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is School Outdoors Dulwich Open?

School Outdoors Dulwich is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does School Outdoors Dulwich have capacity for?

School Outdoors Dulwich has capacity for a total of 20 Children.

How far is School Outdoors Dulwich to the centre of London?

4.4 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 School Outdoors Dulwich to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. School Outdoors Dulwich has an Enhanced Service - more info.