FAQs

• What ages do you accept?
  We welcome children from 9 months to 5 years old at Forest Village Kindergarten. If you are unsure whether your child is old enough to join us, please call us on 07776 835036 and we will be happy to advise.
• Where are you located?
  We are set inside Morden Recreation Ground, 25a Faversham Road, Morden, London SM4 6RE. We have our own large private fenced garden — the former bowling green — within the park, giving children the freedom to roam safely every day.
• What are your opening hours?
  We are open Monday to Thursday 8am–6pm and Friday 8am–1pm, for 51 weeks per year.
• 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.
• How do I arrange a visit?
  We would love to welcome you for a personal tour. Book online using our Book Now page, or call us on 07776 835036. Visits usually last 30–45 minutes and give you the chance to meet our team, see the garden and ask any questions.
• 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.
• 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.

• Do you go outside every day, even in the rain?
  Yes — every single day and in almost all weathers. We follow the Scandinavian belief that there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing. Children spend most of their day outdoors in our private fenced garden and on morning nature walks through Morden Recreation Ground. In good weather — particularly in summer — children spend the entire day outside, including lunch and all activities.
• What is forest school?
  Forest School is a child-led, outdoor learning approach that gives children regular opportunities to explore and experience the natural world. At Forest Village, we have a full-time dedicated forest school teacher who leads sessions every day except Wednesday — so children benefit from expert forest school learning most days of the week.
• Are you a forest school or an outdoor nursery?
  We are an outdoor nursery that uses forest school methods. This means we are a fully registered nursery offering all-day childcare, while incorporating forest school philosophy, sessions and a full-time forest school teacher into everything we do.
• What is the barefoot sensory station?
  Our unique barefoot sensory station allows children to walk through many different natural surfaces — from smooth pebbles and soft moss to bark chippings, sand and wooden blocks. Walking barefoot in nature builds body awareness, balance and a deep sensory connection with the natural world. We believe we are one of the very few outdoor nurseries in London to offer this as a permanent feature.

• What is your educational approach?
  Our unique approach combines four powerful philosophies: Montessori (child-led, hands-on, practical life learning), Waldorf (seasonal rhythms, storytelling and creative arts), Scandinavian Friluftsliv (free air life, outdoors in all weathers) and Aware Parenting (emotional connection, no punishments or rewards). Together these give children a rich, balanced and joyful early years experience.
• 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.
• Are you a screen-free nursery?
  Yes — we are completely screen-free. There are no tablets, TVs or phones used with children at Forest Village. We believe young children learn best through movement, nature, real materials and genuine human connection.
• Do you prepare children for school?
  Yes. Our curriculum is fully aligned with the EYFS framework. Furthermore, our Pre-School children benefit from weekly dedicated learning sessions covering phonics, numbers, mark making and early literacy — all delivered through play and nature-based activities. Children leave Forest Village confident, curious and ready for Reception year.

• What do children eat at Forest Village Kindergarten?
  We cook all meals fresh in our own kitchen every single day using majority organic, seasonal ingredients. We hold a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 — the highest possible score. Breakfast, lunch, snack and light tea are all included in our fees. We also serve freshly delivered artisan sourdough bread.
• Do you cater for allergies and dietary requirements?
  Yes — we take all allergies and dietary requirements very seriously. We discuss your child’s individual needs in detail before they start and adapt menus accordingly. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you enquire.
• Are meals included in the fees?
  Yes. All meals and snacks — breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and light tea — are included in our fees. There are no hidden extras for food.

• 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 — these can be kept at nursery on your child’s own permanent peg. Please label all clothing with your child’s name.
• What do I need to bring every day?
  Very little! Every child has their own permanent fixed peg at nursery so there is no need to bring a bag every day. Simply bring 2–3 spare sets of clothes and a named water bottle. We provide nappies, wipes and sun cream — no need to bring your own.
• How do you settle new children?
  We offer a minimum of 5 settling sessions for every new child — and more if needed. There is no rush and no pressure. We work closely with parents throughout the settling process so that every child feels truly safe and ready before their first full day. Your child’s emotional wellbeing always comes first.
• Do you accept funded childcare hours?
  Yes — we accept 15 and 30 hours government funded childcare for eligible children from 9 months to 4 years old. Please visit our Funding Policy page for full details on eligibility and how to apply.

Forest Village Kindergarten · Outdoor Nursery Morden · Forest School Morden · Childcare Morden SM4 · Montessori Nursery Merton · Waldorf Nursery London · Nursery near me Morden · 15 & 30 Hours Funding · Ofsted Reg: 2595704