Q1: What ages do you accept? We welcome children aged 0 to 5 years at Forest Village Kindergarten. If you are unsure whether your child is old enough to join us, please give us a call on 07776 835036 and we will be happy to advise.
Q2: Do you go outside every day, even in the rain? Yes — every single day and in all weathers. We follow the belief that there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing. Our children spend most of their day outdoors in our enclosed garden and on morning nature walks through Merton Recreation Ground. We provide a full kit list so your child is always warm, dry and ready for adventure.
Q3: Are you a bilingual nursery? Yes. We are proud to be the only bilingual English-German forest school nursery in South London. German and English are spoken naturally throughout the day — during circle time, mealtimes, outdoor play, stories and seasonal celebrations. No prior knowledge of German is needed, for children or parents.
Q4: What do children eat at Forest Village Kindergarten? We provide freshly prepared, organic, wholesome meals every day, included in our fees. We follow a pescatarian menu using seasonal ingredients. Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are all included. We take all allergies and dietary requirements very seriously and discuss your child’s needs before they start.
Q5: How does 15 and 30-hour free childcare funding work? We accept both 15-hour and 30-hour free childcare funding for all eligible families. Please visit our Funding Policy page for full details on eligibility and how to apply for your funded hours with us. We are happy to help you through the process.
Q6: What is Aware Parenting? Aware Parenting is a non-punitive, non-reward-based approach to supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. Rather than using sticker charts, time-outs or reward systems, we support children’s emotional development through warmth, connection and empathy. Children are trusted, heard and respected at all times.
Q7: What is your educational approach? Our unique approach combines four philosophies: Montessori (child-led, hands-on learning), Waldorf (seasonal rhythms, storytelling and creative arts), Aware Parenting (emotional connection and trust) and Forest School (outdoor, nature-based learning). Together these give children a rich, balanced and joyful early years experience.
Q8: What should my child wear? Comfortable, practical clothing that can get muddy and wet is perfect. Wellies, waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket are essential every day. We will send you our full Forest Day Kit list when your child’s place is confirmed. Please label all clothing with your child’s name.
Q9: How many days per week does my child need to attend? To help children settle well and feel a secure part of our group, we ask for a minimum commitment of two full days, three half days, or one full day and two half days per week. We are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 6pm and Friday 8am to 1pm, 51 weeks per year.
Q10: Are you Ofsted registered? Yes. Forest Village Kindergarten is Ofsted registered with a Good rating. Our registration number is 2595704. You can view our full Ofsted report at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.
Q11: Is there a waiting list? Places are limited and demand is high. We recommend getting in touch as early as possible — even before your child is old enough to start — to secure a place. Call us on 07776 835036 or email info@forestvillagekindergarten.co.uk to register your interest.
Q12: How do I arrange a visit or book a tour? We would love to welcome you for a personal tour. You can book online using our Book Now page, or call us on 07776 835036 to arrange a convenient time. Visits usually last 30–45 minutes and give you the chance to meet our team, see the garden, and ask any questions.