Barnkids Nursery and Forest School

The Barn, Penang Farm, Combe Lane, Chiddingford, Godalming GU8 4XL
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8.6 33 Reviews
  • Barnkids Nursery and Forest School, Godalming
Barnkids is a family run independent Nursery and Forest School set in the heart of the Surrey countryside close to Chiddingfold Village and Witley train station.

Barnkids and their practitioners actively encourage their children to make the most of their surroundings and learn about the outdoors and environment around them. They offer a full Forest School to all of their Toddler and Pre-school children and have all-weather outside space for all age groups including babies.   

Barnkids baby and toddler rooms were renovated in 2018 adding additional space and an all weather playground for their youngest children.

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Care Provided by Barnkids Nursery and Forest School

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Good to Know

  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 18
  • Total Places for Children
  • 72
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 6 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Barnkids Nursery and Forest School

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.
  • Parking

  • Parking and drop off are available on site.


Barnkids Nursery and Forest School Reviews (33)

Total of 33, showing 1-20
8.6

Barnkids Nursery and Forest School has a Review Score of 8.6 (8.591) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barnkids Nursery and Forest School has 33 reviews.

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Review from Samantha E (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at Barnkids since he was just 1 year old he has loved his time at Barnkids, especially the forest school. He has built strong relationships with all staff and I'm sure has made life long friends.

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Review from G F (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started his journey at Barnkids Nursery and Forest School when he was 16 months old in the Hatchery and is now 3 years old in the Paddock. He absolutely loves his time at nursery. The nursery provides interesting and engaging learning with kind and attentive staff who nurture and care for him
daily. The rooms and staff are inviting and cultivate a keen curiosity. Barnkids is unique and my son thrives being outdoors, particularly at Forest School.

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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An absolutely beautiful setting, where my child thoroughly enjoys spending time. The staff are warm and caring, and they support my child by cultivating her curiosity and helping her grow and flourish.

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Review from J K (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my daughter and son have attended Barnkids from 9 months. They have both loved and still love their time there. They thoroughly enjoy their trips to forest school and come home excited to tell me about their days. The staff across the nursery are extremely friendly, caring and knowledgeable. We
have been extremely happy with our children's care and development over their last 3-4 years at Barnkids.

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Review from H O (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Barnkids is an exceptional nursery for children to learn and grow. Our 4-year-old is just about to transition to ‘big school’, and we are so grateful for the kindness and dedication shown by the staff in helping her to develop into a happy, confident little girl. The amazing outdoor learning that takes
place at Barnkids was one of the biggest draws for us, being out in nature and learning about the natural world has developed our daughter's mind and physical abilities, and I love how child-led their approach is. The team were incredibly reassuring during the pandemic, and their hard work to ensure the safety of the children and staff was reflected in the incredibly low cases at the nursery.
To be able to leave your child in the hands of people who feel like family is very special, and we’re lucky that our second daughter has been able to start in the Nest (under 2’s), so we can continue our time as part of the Barnkids family.

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Review from Justin R (Father of Child) published on 10 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This summer will see our second child transition from Barnkids Nursery and Forest School to "big school", we are so lucky to have a nursery like this in our area. We love the "learn by play" ethos and especially the setting on the farm. The space available and the daily Forest School activities were
a big draw for us. The owners have done some great work in developing the site further and bringing in some excellent caterers as well. We can't recommend them highly enough.

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Review from Clare K (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My three-year-old daughter has been having such a lovely time in the Badgers group. It is a warm and friendly learning environment and this past month particularly, my daughter has come out in such a happy mood. Thank you to Barnkids Nursery and Forest School for your dedication and caring for her.

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Review from Charlie W (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Barnkids is a wonderful environment for children. My 18-month-old has been attending for 4 months and in that time he has come on leaps and bounds in terms of his social skills, communication and overall confidence. Every morning when he sees his nursery rucksack he runs to the door, and when I drop
him off he doesn't even bother saying goodbye! His favourite part is definitely being outside; running about in the garden or visiting forest school.
I've not met a member of staff who isn't completely dedicated, helpful and willing to answer any question you throw at them. It's hard leaving the most important person in your life with someone else, but when he's at nursery I completely trust that he's in safe hands.
The app is really useful, and I get regular updates of nappies, food, sleep and photos of what he's been up to during the week (usually getting very mucky both indoors and out!)

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Review from Karen L (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our 3-year-old is a changed boy since starting at Barnkids. He is so excited to attend every morning and often talks about his teachers and friends. I’m so pleased with his development, not only educationally but emotionally too. It’s such a confusing time for him but Barnkids has been his escapism.
I’m so confident every time I hand him into their care, they really know him and they make an effort to ensure he does things for himself and by himself too. It’s so encouraging and helpful. He loves Forest school and exploring outside. The facilities and service at Barnkids are just fantastic. Any query is promptly answered. Genuinely feels like one big family. Such a testament to the owners and staff, we never want him to leave!

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Review from Jessy P (Mother of Child) published on 5 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful environment, which my eighteen month old absolutely adores. Beautiful outdoor space and you are kept up to date with what your child is up to in detail throughout the day. Couldn't recommend more.

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Review from Kerry C (Mother of Child) published on 14 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderfully caring and warm nursery and I couldn't be happier with our choice. My 20-month-old son positively bounces in and comes home covered in muck - a sign of a wonderful day doing lots of fun and adventurous things. They spend lots of time outdoors and have the freedom to explore. His carers
are amazing and he's formed really close bonds. His little buddies are gorgeous and the "moments" sent through on the app are so lovely to see.
He eats brilliantly and sleeps amazingly on his little mat.
Our boy is growing into a confident, chatty, cheeky chappy.
Genuinely so happy with the whole team, and on a side note, their handling of COVID and lockdown was exceptional.

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Review from Natalie (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Barn Kids since she was 9 months old (now 21 months) and during that time she has moved through the Hatchery, into the Nest and is about to move into the Chicken Run. We have had a wonderful experience from day one and my daughter has loved her days at Barn Kids. The staff have
always been super helpful and communicative. I work full-time and their wrap-around care hours really work for us; I always feel that I can rely on Barn Kids to support us. I particularly like their use of the ParentZone app which means I get updates throughout the day of meals, sleep and sometimes lovely pictures of her day. She learnt to walk during lockdown and is now regularly spending her days in Junior Forest School, and she will do even more of this when she moves into the Chicken Run in November. The nursery has been brilliant in their communication during Covid. Their Forest School is amazing and has to be seen - the website only gives a taster!

Reply from Darragh Jones, Director at Barnkids Nursery and Forest School

It is always lovely to hear such positive feedback. Thank you.


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Review from Mary J (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All three of my children have attended Barnkids and my youngest is just about to leave the barn to go the school. I highly recommend Barnkids. Every room has lots of outdoor space and the forest school is a fantastic addition. The staff are always helpful and supportive of the children. I have been
really pleased with their focus of learning through play and not structured activities.
All of the children have loved their time at Barnkids.

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Review from Stuart R (Father of Child) published on 29 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been at Barnkids for 18 months, since he was 1, and is super happy. The staff are lovely, look after the kids really well and give them plenty to do. Our son always looks forward to going, and loves being outdoors, going to Forest School and so on. We looked at a few nurseries before deciding
on Barnkids, and I can't imagine sending him anywhere else now - what a lovely start in life for all the lucky kids who go there!

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Review from Caroline C (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Barnkids has been a warm, welcoming experience for my son and for me. The staff are patient and friendly and make an effort to be available and update me even when they're clearly busy. A very positive place. One area for improvement is that I think there is a lot of emphasis on free play and more structured
activities would be good. But we are very happy.

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Review from D R (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff at the Barn have taken good care of our little one from the age of 1 to now nearly 3. The forest school is great and our daughter has made good friends and loves her keyworker. The nursery have listened to any questions and tried hard to ensure we are all happy. Thank you.

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Review from Louisa H (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Was delighted to find Barnkids for wonderful play in the fresh air and plenty of good care. Highly recommended.

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Review from O S (Father of Child) published on 7 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have seen our son's character developing over the last 18 months, much of which has been clearly down to the excellent environment at Barnkids. Each week we see something new learnt, with him referring to the names of other children at the nursery. Throughout our son's attendance, the staff have
been excellent and it is difficult to find any fault. We are incredibly pleased with his development at Barnkids and look forward to seeing how he develops over the next couple of years.

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Review from Josie G (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has settled straight into Barnkids and loves all the activities. He is an outdoor child, so Barnkid's emphasis on all things outdoors has been a real draw, that said, it's been so much more. We've found it nurturing, educational and a social environment for him to enjoy.

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Review from N P (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous nursery in idylic setting. My daughter now loves being outdoors in all weather and is much more adventurous. She is really happy here.

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Current Review Score: 8.6 (8.591)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.6 (8.591) out of 10 for Barnkids Nursery and Forest School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.7 out of 5 from 4 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.938 for Barnkids Nursery and Forest School is calculated as follows: ( (45 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 48 Ratings = 4.938

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 3.653 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barnkids Nursery and Forest School is based on 4 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.375

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 72 number of registered child places is 14.4. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 14.4 = 0.278

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Barnkids Nursery and Forest School

What is the Age Range of Children that Barnkids Nursery and Forest School accepts?

Barnkids Nursery and Forest School accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Barnkids Nursery and Forest School Open?

Barnkids Nursery and Forest School is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Barnkids Nursery and Forest School have capacity for?

Barnkids Nursery and Forest School has capacity for a total of 72 Children.

How far is Barnkids Nursery and Forest School to the centre of Godalming?

4.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Barnkids Nursery and Forest School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Barnkids Nursery and Forest School has an Enhanced Service – more info.