Rated Exceptional by Ofsted, with three Exceptional and three Strong judgements, Little Barn Owls Nursery & Forest School in Southwater provides a nurturing and inspiring environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
Our approach is inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy, placing children at the heart of their learning and encouraging curiosity, independence, creativity and confident thinking through hands-on experiences. Children aged 3 and over enjoy regular Forest School sessions in our beautiful private 11-acre woodland, just a five-minute drive from the nursery, with Forest School included in fees for at least half of the days they attend throughout the year.
Back at nursery, children can explore our newly landscaped garden, dedicated Atelier creative studio, work alongside professional artists and discover our beautifully renovated classrooms, as well as the neighbouring green playing field, Southwater Country Park and surrounding outdoor spaces. Our latest Ofsted inspection reflects our commitment to exceptional early years education, with three Exceptional and three Strong judgements across the six areas inspected.
Forest School is a key part of our approach, providing children with opportunities to develop confidence, curiosity, resilience and independence through child-led, nature-based learning. From building dens, climbing trees and exploring wildlife to cooking around the campfire, imaginative role play and discovering the natural world, children are encouraged to assess risks, make safe choices and embrace challenge. Their experiences in the woodland often inspire longer-term research projects back at nursery, where ideas are explored through painting, drawing, sculpture, clay and other creative languages in our Atelier. With high staff-to-child ratios and a strong investment in professional development, our dedicated team is committed to creating rich experiences that support every child to thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning and the natural world.
To register your interest in our nursery, please fill in the form below and a member of our admissions team will be in touch with you.
Come and visit the nursery at our next open day
