Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers

Gullivers World, Shackleton Close, Old Hall, Warrington WA5 9YZ
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9.6 16 Reviews
  • Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers, Warrington
Dunkys Day Nursery Gulliver’s is situated in the Westbrook area of Warrington, within the grounds of the Gulliver’s World Theme Park. You can access the Forest school from the main car park.

Children here enjoy an authentic Forest School environment in the vast amount of woodland that the nursery occupies. They explore the area's canopies, bell tents and unique structures, while the team deliver a wide range of activities that use nature as a learning tool.

Each member of staff is an experienced and dedicated practitioner. Many hold childcare qualifications at level 3 or above and all of the team are paediatric first aid trained. They have a friendly but professional approach, and have excellent relationships with the parents.
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Funding & Fees

All Year Contract:
Forest School Full Day - £60.00
Forest School AM session - £40.00
Forest School PM session - £40.00


Term time contract:
Forest School Full Day - £70.00
Forest School AM session - £50.00
Forest School PM session - £50.00


Holiday Club (5 yrs - 11yrs)
Full Day - £40.00
AM session - £20.00
PM session - £20.00

Snacks and meals will be charged accordingly with funded sessions.

Contact Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers to get a personalised quote.

Contact Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Lauren Bailey (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 5

Total Places for Children

  • 120

Age Range

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

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-17:00
    Tuesday 08:00-17:00
    Wednesday 08:00-17:00
    Thursday 08:00-17:00
    Friday 08:00-17:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers Reviews (16)

9.6

Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.551) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers has 16 reviews.

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Total of 16, showing 1-16
Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Enrolling my son at this forest school was one of the best decisions I could have made for his education. After struggling to fully settle in traditional nursery settings, he settled very quickly here and soon began asking if he could attend more often.


He loves forest school so much that he often

role plays it at home, which gives me a lovely insight into the fun and learning he experiences with his friends and teachers. He has adapted brilliantly to being outdoors, has been ill far less than he was in nursery, and has made some wonderful friendships and memories.


I am incredibly grateful for the nurturing and supportive environment the team provide.

Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThank you for your kind review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from L G (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started Forest School just as he turned two years old and he loves it! There's no better place to learn than being in the outdoors and exploring. He always gets very excited when I tell him that it is forest school day! Would highly recommend!
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThank you for your kind review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Shona F (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
If I could give 100 stars, I would


My son absolutely loves this setting. All of the staff are fantastic - L, H, and K are brilliant.


L, the manager, showed us around and patiently answered all of my husband's many "health and safety" questions (he was originally very concerned ), which really

put us at ease.


My son loves being outdoors, so this is the perfect setting for him. Not getting sick this winter has been a huge bonus too.


Although he currently spends all of his days at Forest School, I know they offer the option to split time between sites if that's what you want. For us, though, this setting has been perfect.


I only wish I'd moved him from his previous place sooner!

Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Matt C (Father of Child) published on 15 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Son loves going to Dunky's Gulivers. It's a great setting, really well set up for child led learning. The staff are fantastic and I receive regular updates from them on how my Son is doing throughout the day.
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Lucy P (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a wonderful nursery! my son has the best time learning and exploring in the forest. The team have been amazing and really helped my son to develop and explore his love of the outdoors. My son isn't the type of child that enjoys conventional learning, so it's been brilliant that he has been learning
without even realising it most of the time. We are certainly going to miss Forest school now that we are moving on to 'big school' but we will certainly be back during the school holidays.
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from B B (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love forest school! My son started forest school at Gulliver's when his funding kicked in. He settled so well and all the staff were incredible helping him to feel comfortable. We have recently increased his hours as he is thriving at forest school.


My son comes home with lots of exciting stories

about his fun day in the forest. He has made lots of new friends and enjoys telling about all the staff he loves.


The team at Dunkys forest school have been amazing in supporting my son with his extra needs and considerations. I really appreciate the updates I get via phone call and the family app to let me know he his safe and well.


Thank you so much

Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Bethany F (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter, who has ASD, has always had a wonderful experience at Forrest Club. The staff are consistently kind, supportive, and welcoming, and she always comes home happy, engaged, and fulfilled. We book on each half term / school holiday!
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Ellen H (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves being outside and kicking her shoes off so this place is great for her. Since starting 2 months ago she's already less bothered about being wet, muddy and the rain! She's continually looking for bugs, sticks, leaves etc, exploring the environments around her. The staff are friendly
and approachable.
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3.5 year old usually attends Dunkys Great Sankey but throughout summer has been doing some days at the Forest School at Gullivers, and she absolutely LOVES it. Every time we pick her up she asks if she can come back tomorrow. The fresh air and outdoor activities are perfect for her, and so well thought
out. She loves the staff there too especially one staff member in particular who she talks about a lot :) if there is availability I'll be continuing to send her hopefully one day a week! I'm only rating the food provided as 4* because we provide a packed lunch but if the lunch was included I'd rate that 5* too. Overall though everything else is 5* from my point of view.
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Georgina H (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were initially nervous about signing our son up for forest school after he had struggled to settle in a previous childcare setting, but it has turned out to be the best decision we could have made. The outdoor setting is perfect for his active nature, giving him the freedom to explore, play, and
burn off energy. He now runs in happily without even stopping to say goodbye, and often cries when it's time to leave because he doesn't want the day to end!
At home, his love for forest school continues - he plays "forest school" with us, insisting we become the workers while he re-creates his favourite activities. It's clear how much the experience means to him.
The staff have been incredible throughout, taking time to reassure us, keeping us updated through the app, and always going above and beyond to support him. Forest school has given our son joy, confidence, and a place where he can truly be himself. We couldn't be more grateful.
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Rachel C (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy absolutely loves Forest School. He attends once a week and it's great to see what he gets up to whilst he's there.
The staff set up lots of different activities with the little ones, including water play, physical obstacle courses, painting and learning about the forest wildlife.
The
staff are lovely and really care! Our son has a great relationship with his key worker. We get regular updates on our Son's progress, including regular parents evenings.
We cannot recommend the Forest School enough!
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Natalie J (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves coming here, it's her favourite day of the week, the outside space and facilities they have is amazing. She always comes home with something crafty she has made, or talks about all the different activities she has been up to. The staff are so lovely and supportive, would 100% recommend.
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Debbie B (Grandmother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I Honestly can't praise this nursery enough.
My 3 year old granddaughter attends the Forest School at Dunky's and loves the outdoor learning
It has given her confidence and freedom to learn and explore to build a lifelong love for nature.


Truly amazing staff that go about and beyond everyday.


Highly recommend this amazing Forest School for children that love being outdoors!

Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son ADORES Forrest school.
Outside learning and playing, no matter the weather- what more could he want?
The girls are so welcoming and they genuinely take an interest in your child.
Updated regularly with details of what fun things they've got up to!
I love it and so does my Son x
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends forest school as part of her nursery experience and my son has attended as part of holiday club.
They both thoroughly enjoy their time here and they are always excited to tell us about their adventures at the end of the day.
The staff here are nothing other than amazing, so supportive
not just with the children but with parents too.
This is such a brilliant setting to learn, the facilities are exceptional and the activities they take part in are creative and fun.
I wouldn't hesitate in recommending forest school.
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Amy J (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves forest school! She looks forward to it every week. The staff are brilliant with the kids and you can tell they really care. She always comes back happy, a bit muddy, and full of stories. It's such a great way for her to learn and build confidence while being outdoors in nature! It's
a really lovely place.
Reply from Lauren Bailey, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Forest School @ GulliversThankyou for your review. We really appreciate your feedback.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.551)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.551) out of 10 for Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers 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 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 16 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 4.984 for Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers is calculated as follows: ( (188 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 190 Ratings = 4.984
  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 4.567 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers is based on 16 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 = 3.9
    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 120 number of registered child places is 24. 16 Positive Reviews ÷ 24 = 0.667
  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 (1)

Meet the Team (3)

Lauren

Lauren

Job Title: Forest School Manager Joined: 2024

CYPW L3
SENCO L3

Heather

Heather

Job Title: Forest School Practitioner Joined: 2024

BA (Hons) Performing Arts PGCE L7

Ronaele

Ronaele

Job Title: Forest School Practitioner Joined: 2022

EYE L3 currently studying L3 Forest School Teaching

Frequently Asked Questions about Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers

What is the Age Range of Children that Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers accepts?

Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers Open?

Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers is open: Monday 08:00-17:00, Tuesday 08:00-17:00, Wednesday 08:00-17:00, Thursday 08:00-17:00, Friday 08:00-17:00.

How many Children does Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers have capacity for?

Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers has capacity for a total of 120 Children.

How far is Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers to the centre of Warrington?

1.6 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 Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Dunkys Forest School @ Gullivers has an Enhanced Service - more info.