Forest Village Kindergarten is not your average nursery in Morden, Merton. We combine four powerful approaches — Forest School, Montessori, Waldorf and Aware Parenting — in one unique outdoor nursery setting inside Morden Recreation Ground, South London. Furthermore, we are the only childcare provider in the Morden SM4 area offering this combination for children from birth to 5 years old.
What Makes Us Different
- 🌳 Full-Time Forest School TeacherMost nurseries offer forest school once a week. At Forest Village, we have a dedicated full-time forest school teacher — so children experience nature-based learning every day except Wednesday.
- 🎨 Four Approaches in OneWe combine Forest School, Montessori, Waldorf and Aware Parenting into one seamless daily rhythm. As a result, children develop confidence, independence, creativity and a deep love of nature.
- 💛 At Least 5 Settling Sessions — More if NeededUnlike most nurseries, we offer a minimum of 5 settling sessions for every child — and more if needed. There is no rush and no pressure. Furthermore, we work closely with parents throughout this process so that every child feels truly safe and ready before they start. Your child’s emotional wellbeing comes first — always.
- 🌱 We Accept Babies from BirthUnlike many forest school nurseries, we welcome babies from 0 years old. Our baby room offers gentle nurturing care while slowly introducing little ones to outdoor experiences.
- 🏡 Private Fenced Garden Inside a ParkOur nursery is set inside Morden Recreation Ground with a large private fenced garden — the former bowling green. Children have the freedom to roam safely in a real outdoor environment every day.
- 🍽️ Food Hygiene Rating 5 — Cooked Fresh DailyWe cook all meals fresh in our own kitchen every day using majority organic ingredients. Moreover, we hold a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 — the highest possible score.
- 🍞 Artisan Sourdough BreadWe serve freshly delivered artisan sourdough bread — because real food made with care makes all the difference.
- 💚 Aware Parenting — No Punishments, No RewardsChildren are guided with respect and connection — never punished or rewarded. This builds genuine inner motivation and emotional intelligence.
- 📵 Completely Screen-FreeNo tablets, no TV, no phones used with children. Instead, children engage with real materials, real nature and real people all day long.
- 🍂 Waldorf Seasonal RhythmOur days follow a Waldorf-inspired seasonal rhythm — the same gentle structure gives children a deep sense of safety, trust and orientation throughout the year.
- 🏆 South England Prestige Award Winner 2023/24We are proud winners of the South England Prestige Award 2023/24 — recognition of our exceptional standard of childcare in the region.
- ✅ Ofsted Graded GoodOur most recent Ofsted inspection graded us Good across all areas. We are fully registered and compliant with all EYFS requirements.
- 💷 15 & 30 Hours Funded Childcare AcceptedWe accept 15 and 30 hours government funded childcare for eligible 3 and 4 year olds.
- 📅 Open 51 Weeks a YearOpen Monday to Thursday 8am–6pm and Friday 8am–1pm, 51 weeks of the year — giving families excellent flexibility.
✅ Ofsted Graded Good · ⭐ Food Hygiene Rating 5 · 🌳 Full-Time Forest School Teacher
💚 Aware Parenting · 🎨 Montessori & Waldorf · 📵 Screen-Free · 🍽️ Organic Food Daily
Our Special Events
Throughout the year we organise special seasonal events that bring our whole nursery community together — children, parents and families. These are magical moments that children remember and look forward to every year.
🍂 Autumn Later Walk
Every autumn, we hold our magical Later Walk — a special evening event where children carry handmade lanterns through Morden Recreation Ground as darkness falls. Furthermore, families are invited to join us for this Waldorf-inspired celebration of light and the changing seasons. Children make their own lanterns in the weeks leading up to the walk — each one unique and glowing with warmth. It is one of the most loved events of our year.
☀️ Summer Fair
Our annual Summer Fair is a joyful celebration of the season — held in our private garden inside Morden Recreation Ground. Families come together to enjoy outdoor activities, seasonal food and the community we have built throughout the year. It is a wonderful way to end the summer term and celebrate the children’s growth and achievements.
How We Compare
| Feature | Forest Village | Typical Nursery |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time forest school teacher | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Settling sessions | ✅ Min. 5 sessions | ❌ Usually 2–3 |
| Babies from 0 years | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often 2+ |
| Montessori + Waldorf + Forest School | ✅ All three | ❌ Usually one |
| Aware Parenting | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rarely |
| Organic food cooked fresh daily | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often bought in |
| Food Hygiene Rating 5 | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Varies |
| Completely screen-free | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rarely |
| Private fenced garden in a park | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rarely |
| Seasonal community events | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Varies |
| Open 51 weeks a year | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often term-time |
| 15 & 30 hours funding accepted | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Not always |
Forest Village Kindergarten · Nursery Morden · Forest School Nursery South London · Childcare Morden SM4 · Montessori Nursery Merton · Waldorf Nursery London · Outdoor Nursery Morden · Forest School London · Nursery near me Morden · Childcare SM4 6RE