Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School Curriculum

Learning Through Nature, Play & Discovery

The Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School School Curriculum is built on the belief that early childhood education should be an adventure — filled with exploration, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world.. Our carefully designed curriculum blends structured learning with curiosity-led discovery, helping children develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Through a balance of indoor and outdoor experiences, hands-on activities, and guided play, we provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

Daily Activities

A Balance of Structure & Free Exploration

Each day at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School is thoughtfully planned to provide a blend of structured activities and child-led play. We encourage children to follow their interests, experiment with new ideas, and learn through hands-on experiences.

Morning Circle & Storytime: A gentle start to the day, fostering communication, listening skills, and social bonding.

Outdoor Adventures: Daily access to our large garden and forest school sessions, where children climb, dig, create, and discover the wonders of nature.

Creative Play & Exploration: Opportunities for open-ended play using natural materials, arts and crafts, and imaginative storytelling.

Quiet & Rest Time: A cosy, calm space for little ones to recharge, promoting emotional well-being and self-regulation.

Our Approach

Curiosity-Led, Nature-Based Learning

Inspired by the principles of curiosity-based and forest school education, our approach allows children to take the lead in their own learning. We encourage them to ask questions, solve problems, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.

Learning Through Play: We believe play is the foundation of learning, providing opportunities for problem-solving, teamwork, and self-expression.

Outdoor & Nature-Based Exploration: Time spent in nature fosters resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of environmental responsibility.

Child-Led Discovery: Teachers act as facilitators, guiding and supporting children as they explore their interests and develop critical thinking skills.

At Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School, we celebrate each child’s natural curiosity and unique abilities, ensuring they develop the confidence and skills needed for a bright future.

Find out more about our outdoor adventures

Start Your CHILD’S Journey Today

Come and Discover Our Nursery

At Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School, we create a nurturing environment where children can explore, imagine, and thrive. Our dedicated team understands that every child is unique, so we tailor our approach to inspire confidence, creativity, and a love for learning.

Set in a beautiful rural location, our home-from-home setting and engaging Forest School sessions provide endless opportunities for growth, discovery, and adventure. We’d love to show you what makes our nursery so special.