Inspired by Nature,
Nurtured with Care
At Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School, we provide a warm, home-from-home environment where children flourish through curiosity, creativity, and outdoor exploration. Nestled in the heart of Ancaster, Lincolnshire — within easy reach of Sleaford, Caythorpe, Cranwell, and just 15 minutes from Grantham town centre — our nurturing approach combines play-based learning with the richness of nature, encouraging independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of discovery.
With a strong focus on social and emotional development, early literacy, and hands-on learning experiences, we support every child to grow with confidence, resilience, and curiosity. Through meaningful exploration and child-led learning, children develop the skills they need to navigate the world around them and take their next steps with joy and self-assurance.
Why Choose Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School?
A nurturing, home-from-home environment where children feel happy, safe and truly belong. With our onsite Forest School, large gardens, experienced long-standing team, home-cooked food, dedicated SEND support and award-winning care, we give every child the opportunity to flourish.
Our children thrive through exploration, creativity and hands-on learning, building confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning.
Here’s what makes our nursery truly special:
Home from Home
A warm, welcoming space with cosy areas and a family feel, helping children feel safe, happy, and ready to learn.
Nature-Inspired Learning
Natural materials, open-ended play, and outdoor exploration spark creativity, curiosity, and a love for the world around us.
Outdoor Explorers
From climbing and den-building to wildlife spotting, our outdoor spaces encourage confidence, independence, and adventure.
Forest School Adventures
Children develop practical skills, resilience, and teamwork through fire lighting, tool use, and hands-on woodland experiences.
A Curriculum That Sparks Curiosity
Our carefully designed curriculum blends play-based learning with structured activities to nurture independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Through hands-on experiences, storytelling, and exploration, children develop key skills in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving—preparing them for the next steps in their education.
Nourishing Little Minds & Bodies
Healthy eating is at the heart of our nursery. We provide balanced, home-cooked meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to support growth, energy, and concentration. Mealtimes are a social experience, teaching children about food, nutrition, and independence through self-serving and trying new flavours.
Forest School: Learning Through Adventure
Our Forest School sessions take learning beyond the classroom, encouraging children to explore, discover, and build resilience in a natural setting. From fire lighting to tool use, den building to wildlife observation, outdoor learning fosters confidence, problem-solving, and a deep connection with nature.
What Our Families Say
We’re Proud to Make a Difference, One Child at a Time
How marvellous and lucky we are to have such a wonderful nursery on our doorstep. All of the staff are so attentive and considerate to my daughter and I couldn’t have asked for a better setting for her to thrive and gain confidence in. Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School is exactly the place I was hoping it would be. They bring comfort, support, friendliness, play and delicious homely-cooked meals each day, they absolutely deserve recognition for everything they do. I highly recommend this nursery.
Such a wonderful nursery, great setting and space (indoor and out), but most importantly the staff are all wonderful. They make it feel like home from home, so welcoming. Always lots of different activities, fantastic food. My daughter is very happy at this nursery, we feel very lucky. No hesitation in recommending.
Our daughter has been attending Ancaster for 7 months now and we have had the best experience. The children are so happy every time we go, my daughter is happy to go and confidently seeks comfort from the practitioners. They are so lovely, caring and kind. They definitely give the home from home environment and you can definitely see their dedication to their role and the families. The management team are so helpful and supportive. They are always so welcoming when you come in the morning and confidently know all the children by name, which is just amazing. We would definitely recommend them!