Under the Willow Ltd | 2 Day Nurseries

Review of
Under the Willow Nursery
from Christina A (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Nothing but praise for Under the Willow!
The nursery has been like a home away from home for my son, who's been there from 1yr right through to pre-school before moving onto big school.
My son has flourished under the care of the Under The Willow. He is leaving to start school as a confident, inquisitive,

kind and empathetic boy who has a thirst for learning and exploring - and the team have played a huge part in shaping the wonderful person he has grown to be over the last 4yrs.
The entire team (management and all teachers) have also gone above and beyond to offer support to me as a parent. Their care extends beyond the child and they build a brilliant and supportive relationship with the whole family.
It's been a total pleasure to have Under The Willow be such a positive and lasting part of my son's early years education and we will miss them all dearly.

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Review of
Under the Willow Nursery
from Philippa C (Mother of Child) published on 4 September 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Between our two boys, we have been coming to the nursery for 5 years now, both of them started in the baby room at under a year old and have stayed in the preschool room. It has been a lovely nurturing environment for them to grow up in, and having some of the key members of staff there for the entirety

has been key in making them feel safe and secure. We have been really pleased with their development and the way their confidence has grown, the communication from the staff has been good and the extra activities of forest school, football, baking and trips to the park have been great. They have also made some wonderful friends which helped our eldest transition well into school and I hope will be the same for our youngest in September. We would definitely recommend our experience to others.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Owner at Under the Willow Nursery

Hi Philippa, thank you for the review. We are so happy that your boys enjoyed their time with us. We value our team so much and are pleased you appreciated our long serving staff whom work tremendously hard to ensure all children have the best possible start. We wish the boys all the very best in Primary School.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Majka K (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I was very happy when I got a space at School Outdoors for my son. I really wanted him to have the opportunity to connect with nature and spend as much time outside as possible before he starts school and has to follow a more structured education. I think School Outdoors offers a unique opportunity

for a child born in a city. I love that the kids there need to use their imagination to find toys or build them from sticks. They are able to enjoy an 'analogue' childhood, where camaraderie and teamwork are key and freedom of thought is encouraged.
The staff are very kind and know each child and their needs well. It is a lot like a summer camp that lasts all year round (although without the weather!). The bonfire pancakes and hot chocolate will surely remain a fond memory forever.
My son attended for 3 days a week and I am very sad his adventure with the Forrest School is now over. In the era of screens and social media, it is a great alternative for our kids.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Lydia C (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The best nursery experience we have ever had as a family. The daily communication and photos from the staff to the parents are brilliant and my son, who is quite clingy, settled easily and now runs in every morning to say hello to everyone. The food is great and they have the perfect balance of learning,

exploring and socialising. I honestly could go on and on about how incredible this nursery is! The teachers are experienced and clearly enjoy their work and spending time with the children.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from George B (Father of Child) published on 6 August 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I've been thoroughly impressed with my daughter's experience at the outdoor nursery, especially during the summer months. The setting is perfect for children to explore and learn in the sunshine, surrounded by nature. The variety of activities keeps them engaged and continuously learning in a fun and

dynamic way. The staff are exceptional - professional, warm, and genuinely passionate about their roles, which really enhances the children's experience. A highlight was the beautifully organised graduation ceremony for the children leaving in September. It was a touching and memorable event that celebrated their achievements in such a special way. As a parent, I appreciate the nursery's openness and the quality of interactions the staff have with both the children and parents. I highly recommend this nursery for anyone looking for a nurturing and vibrant outdoor learning environment for their child.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from A A (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our son joined School Outdoors last year a couple of months after his second birthday, and has absolutely loved it. We were a little nervous about how the winter would go, but it was absolutely fine with the school providing a very clear list on the clothing needed, and once the kids are wrapped up

they really enjoy the ability to be outside and play in the mud and rain and to enjoy the sunshine when it does come! Getting involved with such a wide variety of activities such as chopping wood, making fires for cooking on, understanding nature and helping to grow vegetables has helped him to learn a much wider range of skills (as well as the traditional learning of letters/numbers etc.), and he is very proud of telling us what he has been doing at the end of every day. The teachers are excellent, and keep us updated on our son's day via an app with lots of photos. His confidence has really grown over the time he has been there, and we are very pleased with our choice of nursery.

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Review of
Under the Willow Nursery
from H C (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I now have my third child at Under the Willow and have seen the nursery move from strength to strength with new facilities and a strong team.
My eldest two still love to come to pick him up at the end of the day and still see some of the staff members which they remember.
My son has a physical disability

and the staff couldn't be more helpful in including him into the setting. He loves the daily activities, forest school and garden atmosphere which has been key to his development. Baking and music lessons are a highlight! There is a creative mix of educational and fun activities and the kids are always happy and engaged with caring staff. I feel that they make a real focus on getting the children ready for primary school.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Jack W (Father of Child) published on 4 July 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

A magical place and wouldn't change a thing. Our daughter has just finished 2 wonderful years here. The winters are not that bad! The kids are fine with being outside (with appropriate clothes) - it's just a mental thing for parents, which you get over quickly. Clothes-wise - sort yourself out with

proper gear and decent wellies. Don't waste your time/money on rubbish gear as you'll eventually end up buying the good warm/dry stuff. Secondhand is fine - The kids rarely get sick as they're not cooped up inside! The staff are lovely and engaging. The kids go cycling on Mondays and were all riding normal bikes by the age of 3 - simply brilliant. The kids do drawing, colouring, arts and crafts, sawing, peeling, chopping, gardening, nature walks, and day trips, and all love nature, bugs, and mud. They are now fearless about bad weather! The kids are now all super adventurous and confident. There's a good bunch of parents (and social media groups of course)!

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thanks so much for your lovely review. It's always rewarding to read positive parent reviews.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from N B (Father of Child) published on 2 July 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We couldn't be happier with the School Outdoors - it's been an absolute pleasure to see how much our daughter loves it and watch her develop. The staff are wonderful and have endless energy and they create a safe, calm, fun environment where the children thrive.
We have been so impressed with some

of the activities and the way the school gets them to engage with nature and living outdoors.
We couldn't recommend it more.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you very much for your review. We are happy your daughter loves her time with us.

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Review of
Under the Willow Nursery
from Mark D (Father of Child) published on 4 December 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our daughter loved her time at Under the Willow, formed great relationships with the staff, developed her enthusiasm for learning, and left feeling ready and well-prepared for school. They were great with us as parents, and I would certainly recommend them.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Juli O (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Best choice ever! My son was so happy to be there and they looked after him very well.
Everyone was always very welcoming and found ways to teaching him while playing.
Outdoors was safe and relaxing environment and they are very well prepared for all weathers.
Thanks everyone.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you very much for the lovely summary of your child's time in School Outdoors. We hope he is enjoying Primary School just as much!

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Daniel G (Father of Child) published on 28 November 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My 3 children have been to a number of kindergartens in London as well as abroad. Without doubt, SOD is the best! The team of people are incredible - they love their work, they love the children and the children thrive as a result. It is a unique place, being an outdoors kindergarten, and all my children

have benefited enormously. Thank you to all the staff that make this haven of children being children the unique place that it is.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. Our team do love their jobs and work hard to ensure that every child has the best start of their early education and care.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from K N (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Forest school is magical. Our son absolutely loves it here - he started when he was just over two years old and settled very quickly and loves the setting so much. Compared to indoor nursery, he has not been ill nearly as much as the fresh air really does help in all sorts of ways. The setting is absolutely

beautiful - tucked away behind tons of trees and greenery, the kids get to do different things every day. The winters can be tough - more so for the adults than kids, our son was fine but the laundry and pickups are a bit more complex in the dark / mud (but this all comes with the territory of forest school). I wish there were primary schools in the area that followed the forest school curriculum because it really is amazing and our son is so happy, confident and sleeps like a dream after all day outdoors.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review. We are so happy that your son enjoys coming to our nursery!

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Annie I (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My son loves attending School Outdoors Dulwich. The communication from management and from staff day to day is excellent. I always feel in the loop and informed with day to day nursery life. I love getting photos and videos of my son cooking on an open fire, tie-dying, using tools and playing with friends.

The different activities each day are amazing. Each member of the team are brilliant and all of them know my son on a really individual basis. My son had some challenges and the staff were amazing at supporting him and working with me as a team. I’ll be so sad when he has to leave.

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review. I can't wait to share your kind words with the whole team! We are really happy your son has enjoyed his time in forest school.

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Review of
Under the Willow Nursery
from A R (Father of Child) published on 27 July 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Overall I'm happy with my child's education and care. My only issues are around staff churn (too many new people in less than a year), although my child's key person has not changed yet. We also feel that the potty training support could have been better. The inset days when the whole nursery is closed

is also an issue for working parents - hoping these will be changed for shorter period of time (couple of hours) across multiple days. Otherwise, good set of activities (sports, baking, music, arts and crafts, sensory play), plenty of pictures of the activities (through a mobile app), forest school trips, park trips and even a museum one. There are also plenty of project celebrations and parent events.

Reply from Mary Haynes, Owner at Under the Willow Nursery

Hi Adrian, Thank you very much for your review and feedback. We do our best to suit working parents as much as possible. We have started to have some inset days during the school holidays to support those with children in schools too. We are pleased your daughter enjoyed the trips and activities at Under the Willow and that you were happy with the care and education she received.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Lucy B (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Forest School has been such a wonderful experience for my daughter. She started when she turned three and enjoys it much more than her previous (largely indoor) nursery. She has made great friends, learnt skills we would have never taught her ourselves, and become more resilient. The current team of

educators are fantastic; they are great role models for her and are very attentive and thoughtful. Winter had its challenges, largely from a practical point of view (so much mud!), but my daughter was much less bothered by the cold and wet weather than I expected her to be. I remember once feeling guilty on a very rainy day and going to pick her up a bit early, only to find her desperate to stay and splash in puddles for longer!

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Review of
Under the Willow Nursery
from Laura N (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our son started attending the pre-school at Under the Willow Nursery when he turned two. The staff are friendly, enthusiastic, caring and provide a lovely environment for the children to learn, explore and thrive! We particularly liked the incorporation of Forest School trips into the nursery week

which gives a fantastic opportunity for the children to be immersed in nature and gain independence. Since attending the nursery, our son has grown in confidence and really enjoys learning. Every day has a different focus and our son has taken part in baking, football, gardening and yoga. The food menu is healthy and nutritious and is cooked on site by the nursery chef. All of the children sit down to eat together and it is lovely to see them all enjoying their food! We have had a great experience with Under the Willow and are very thankful to the staff members who have supported our son over the years in preparing him for primary school. Would highly recommend this nursery.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Annabel F (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We absolutely love School Outdoors Dulwich! We moved to Herne Hill in May 2022, and forest school has been by far the best thing about moving here for us. We wanted our child to attend a forest school because he was prone to breathing problems whenever he caught a cold at nursery - we thought being

in the fresh air could solve that, and having both grown up in the countryside, we liked the idea that this was a great natural gift whilst living in London. It has been everything we hoped for and more. The staff are lovely, the site feels like a magic little fairy den, and our son begs to go on his days off! You can tell when you see the kids, how much they are benefitting - there's a freedom and special aliveness about kids when they're spending a lot of time out in nature. My family have all noticed that since he started at forest school, he has grown in confidence and overall happiness. He sings their songs all the time and is constantly telling me about nature on our walks. Thank you to the manager and all!

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

We are very happy that your son is thriving in School Outdoors Dulwich. Thank you for writing a review.

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Fay M (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2022

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My daughter has been at the Forest School since February; she loves it, and we do too! The staff are professional, caring, energetic and kind. They have a great relationship with my daughter, and she comes home full of excitement about what they do each day. Like some other preferences, having a proper

Forest School in London is such an amazing facility; I wish it existed when my son was younger. Communication with parents (through the management and on-site at drop off/pick ups) is great, and since we have been at the forest school, the management has implemented improvements, which are so great to see. We really get the sense that there is a strong commitment to making the Forest School a great success for all. Everyone talks about the winter weather but also a massive shout out to the management of the extreme heat in the summer - the kids were kept cool and happy in their little glade - idyllic!

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Review of
School Outdoors Dulwich
from Yang-Yang H (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2022

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I've dreamed of putting one of my kids in forest school ever since I read about the concept in a magazine article years ago. But true forest school programs were hard to come by at the time. So what a dream come true when I discovered a program right here in Dulwich. I've eagerly awaited having my daughter

turn two, so we could finally enrol!
She's been there only for five weeks, and already, we are so happy with our decision. She looks so happy in her photos playing with leaves, cooking outdoors, and mixing things; she just looks soo happy. I didn't see such big smiles on her face at her previous nursery. Each day when I pick her up, she is covered in mud and just as happy as can be. Like a pig in mud. What better testament is there to the quality of a program for a 2-year-old!
The teachers are engaging, very caring, and give me detailed reports of her day. The surroundings are just lovely, and all that's needed for the little ones' comfort is well thought of. The manager and the team do a great job!

Reply from Kim Bradley, Head Teacher at School Outdoors Dulwich

Thank you very much for your review. It's really appreciated, and we love hearing how happy your daughter is with us.

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Day Nurseries Owned by Under the Willow Ltd

Under the Willow Ltd Locations (2)

Under the Willow Ltd Reviews (60)

Under the Willow Nursery

Under the Willow Nursery

School Outdoors Dulwich

School Outdoors Dulwich

School Outdoors Dulwich

School Outdoors Dulwich

Under the Willow Nursery

School Outdoors Dulwich

School Outdoors Dulwich

Under the Willow Nursery

School Outdoors Dulwich

School Outdoors Dulwich

School Outdoors Dulwich

School Outdoors Dulwich

Under the Willow Nursery

School Outdoors Dulwich

Under the Willow Nursery

School Outdoors Dulwich

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