Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Manor Road, Ash, Aldershot GU12 6QH
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Top 20 award
10 102 Reviews
  • Friends Forest Nursery - Ash, Aldershot
Friends Forest Nursery Ash is a nursery with a difference. Situated in the Surrey Hills, this Forest School Nursery inspires children with a hands-on approach to learning both indoors and out.

At Forest School, children will be encouraged to discover, explore, observe and question what they find in their outdoor environment by: making dens; exploring tracks; using simple hand tools to make wooden objects; creating art; playing and climbing; finding and identifying wildlife; creating and following maps; enjoying stories and songs… in all weather and in all seasons.

The staff team work with parents to ensure children develop socially, intellectually, culturally, physically and emotionally in a caring and secure environment.

Back in the classroom, the nursery's philosophy is that every child they care for deserves a calm, caring, safe and stimulating environment in which to learn.



The nursery offers children nutritionally-balanced, home-cooked meals.

Children also take part in a range of extra curricular activities which promote your child’s well-being and confidence.

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Care Provided by Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Danielle Brennan (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 18
  • Total Places for Children
  • 45
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

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

Friends Forest Nursery - Ash Reviews (102)

Total of 102, showing 81-100
10

Friends Forest Nursery - Ash has a Review Score of 10 (9.979) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Friends Forest Nursery - Ash has 102 reviews.

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Review from Lisa W (Mother of Child) published on 25 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friends Nursery has provided my daughter with a safe, nurturing and fun environment to learn and develop. My daughter has developed in confidence, made great bonds with nursery staff and key relationships with her peers.
Every day she comes home with something new to tell us about, she talks about
her experiences at nursery with excitement and curiosity.
She seems to be appropriately challenged, treated with respect and valued at Friends Nursery.
Thank you and well done!

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you for your fantastic review. We are thrilled to hear how well your daughter is developing with us and that she is excited to talk about her time here. We are also very happy to hear that she has formed such strong relationships with the staff.


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Review from Kieran M (Father of Child) published on 25 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly staff, my daughter loves her time here, which is always a good indication.
Food is great and they are always outside.

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear how happy you are with the Nursery and how much your daughter enjoys attending.


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Review from A N (Father of Child) published on 6 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We recently joined this nursery after viewing many in the area. This was truly outstanding! Staff and management couldn’t be any more professional and committed! My child has learnt so much and enjoys the forest school, the food is nutritious! Would highly recommend!

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are absolutely delighted to hear how happy you are with the Nursery and that your child is developing so well.


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Review from Heather R (Mother of Child) published on 28 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children attend the nursery in the toddler and baby room and they couldn’t be happier there! They have learnt so much since being there and my once shy daughter has built so much confidence. The staff are friendly, hard-working and proactive. They have great activities and spend a lot of time outside
exploring the nature around.


You walk into smiles every day and it’s such a lovely feeling.


Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are thrilled to hear how happy both your children are at our Nursery, and how well they are developing.


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Review from Troy R (Father of Child) published on 28 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a father of two, who still remembers his joyous days at nursery, I’m so happy to leave both my children in the care of the team at Friends Forest Nursery. As a working parent, I look forward to every update on a Friday explaining what my children have been up to (nice touch). I have to commend the
whole team on an excellent job, keep up the good work.

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear how pleased you are with the Nursery and how confident you are in the care provided.


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Review from Cherie (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My boy has been going here for nearly 6 months now and his development has been amazing. Everyone there is so friendly and supportive, my son loves the days he gets to go to nursery now he has settled and gets all excited when I tell him its a nursery day. There is so much for the children to do and
play with that I know he thoroughly enjoys every day there. The food is great and healthy and my boy loves that too. I couldn't be happier as a parent and would highly recommend the nursery to anyone looking for childcare.

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for your wonderful review and kind recommendation. We are absolutely delighted to hear how much your son enjoys attending and how pleased you are with all aspects of the Nursery.


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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friends Nursery is a lovely nursery with a happy and exciting feeling to it every day. My daughter is well supported and engages in fun and challenging activities every day. I would definitely recommend Friends.

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you for your wonderful review and kind recommendation. We're so pleased to hear how well supported your daughter is and that she is so well engaged at nursery.


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Review from Nick B (Father of Child) published on 11 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Friends since 2017 in the baby room. He is now in preschool. He has become the most confident, happy and sociable little boy. He adores all staff. The staff are very passionate, inspirational. Management are available at all times to answer any questions I have had. Nursery has been
refurbished. It is stunning, variety of resources, beautiful Forest school garden. They go off-site to explore, truly amazing.

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for your amazing review! We're absolutely delighted to hear how your son has grown in confidence during his time with us. We're also thrilled to hear how pleased you are with the nursery overall, and the refurbishments and improvements which have been implemented.


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Review from Steven H (Father of Child) published on 5 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always happy staff. Manager's office is right at the front door so you always bang into her. She is always around and talking to children and staff. I always get a breakdown of my child's day, including food, milk, what they have done and any issues. They always welcome questions.


Cannot recommend

enough.

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Review from Julie P (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended since she was 7 months old, now 4, we are sad to soon be leaving behind such an incredible family to start school. Friends have provided my daughter with the very best start, not only have prepared her academically but also for the 'what ifs' and 'hows' extended beyond the classroom.
All key workers have gone above expectations to keep the nursery/home link strong. Each having a true passion for their jobs. The equipment available to the children is always the latest, the food prepared is always delicious and the activities planned are always done so with thought and enthusiasm. I can only hope to have a similar network of staff and parents around us when school begins, I can only hope my daughter still skips into school each morning with that same huge ear to ear grin on her face in the way she currently does. I am forever grateful for everything Friends Forest Nursery have done for my daughter.

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for your amazing review! We are absolutely delighted to hear how happy you are with the nursery and how much your daughter has enjoyed her time with us. We are also thrilled to hear how well prepared you feel your daughter is for moving on to school, and we are sure she will continue to thrive.


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Review from Rob G (Father of Child) published on 12 June 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been coming to this nursery for the past 6 months and I cannot fault the excellent care she has received. Choosing a nursery is a difficult job but I couldn’t be happier with the choice we made. All the staff be it management or room staff take the time and effort to get to know you
and your child which really makes for a nice atmosphere.
My daughter comes home with a smile on her face every day having learnt something new which is great to see. She participates in lots of varied activities at the nursery which has seen her development continue to flourish under the amazing staff in the baby room. It is nice to receive a proper handover at the end of the day, to hear all the activities my daughter has been up to.
I would definitely recommend this nursery to anyone.

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you for your amazing review! We are delighted to hear how much your daughter enjoys attending and that she is developing so well. We're also thrilled to hear how happy you are with the Nursery and that the handover you receive about your daughter's day is so good.


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Review from Amy G (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My one and a half-year-old goes to Friends Forest Nursery - Ash and I cannot fault the staff and the excellent care they give my little one. I was very apprehensive about returning to work when my little one was 9 months old, the management team and the ladies in the baby room reassured me and my little
one and would happily accept my calls throughout the day to check on her. One of the reasons I chose Friends Forest Nursery - Ash is that it was has a homely and friendly feel and they take them off site for walks. This was really important to me as I would take my little one out daily for a walk, so to still have this happen when I'm not with her is a massive relief. I'm so happy with my choice of enrolling my little one into Friends Forest Nursery - Ash and she comes home learning something new every day, which is so lovely to see. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone that is looking for quality childcare.

Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are delighted to hear how happy you are with the Nursery and staff team!


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Review from Claire S (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We started our relationship with Friends Forest Nursery - Ash over five years ago with our son, sadly our relationship comes to an end when my daughter leaves in September in the next step in her education at infant school.


Over the years I feel the nursery has gone from strength to strength with

a strong management team. They have weathered the storm of staff turnover and have come out shining, whilst any problems are dealt in an empathetic and efficient manner. We were initially attracted by the forest school philosophy however they now also have the education pathway to back that up.


Over the years my family has had several unfortunate emergencies, this is where the nursery has excelled. Supporting not only my children but us as a family, from making last minute Christmas costumes too making space to care for our children at last minute, giving a hug when needed. Always treating the children as individuals. You become a team. I can’t thank them enough.


Reply from The Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for your lovely review and for your support over the years. We are absolutely delighted to hear how pleased you have been with the Nursery and are thrilled that we've been able to help and support you as a whole family during this time.


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Review from Ellie Y (Mother of Child) published on 30 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery has wonderfully caring staff who have looked after and nurtured my daughter's needs and interests. The forest school facility and activities are brilliant and my daughter loves going out for the walks and exploring the world around her.

Reply from The Friends Forest Ash Staff Team at Friends Forest Nursery - Ash

Thank you so much for you lovely review. We are thrilled to hear how happy you are with the Nursery and how much your daughter enjoys attending.


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Review from Adam P (Father of Child) published on 22 October 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Friends Forest Nursery for 2 years. In the last 2 years his confidence, speech and social skills have been amazing. The team and management have the passion and go above and beyond. Great nursery and highly recommend.

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Review from Kirstean S (Mother of Child) published on 29 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are wonderful and my daughter is very happy, she especially loves the Forest School and playing with her friends. The preschool was very helpful and understanding in overcoming my daughter's fussy eating and refusal to toilet train, working with us every step of the way; we can't thank them
enough.
There are always lots of activities and now the preschool has a chef, the food is fantastic and the chef teaches the children to bake bread and pizza, amongst other things. My daughter says that it's also very good outside for playing "What's The Time, Mr Wolf?", which she highly recommends, and gives it two thumbs up!

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Review from Aleksa G (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and management team at Friends do an excellent job of providing a warm, safe and stimulating place for my son. My son has been anxious about going to preschool and everyone has been very understanding of this. As a parent, you feel listened to and there are a number of different staff that
you can talk with and discuss your child with.
We particularly love that the children are taken outdoors all the time, whatever the weather, so important! The children are also given a lot of responsibility to achieve things for themselves, which is really important.

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Review from Jessica M (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have attended Friends Forest, so we've been at the nursery for 5 years now. Both my children have been extremely happy here and when we leave in September, I know we will miss the kindness and support of the staff. We've obviously seen many changes over the years, but all the staff
the nursery attracts are caring and enthusiastic about the outdoors. We were attracted to the nursery by their Forest School and their focus on life-skills and it is wonderful to collect your child and hear about sitting around the fire and enjoying a hot chocolate.

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Review from J T (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two daughters attend this nursery and they love it. They have developed close and trustworthy relationships with the carers.
They spend as much time outside as possible, which is great. The carers make sure that children are wearing clothes suitable for the weather and have embedded a habit of washing
their hands. Food is very good. The management is always approachable and ready to discuss any issues or arrangements. Staff are friendly, loving and reliable carers of our children. The nursery is flexible with childcare arrangements which is great. Big car park next to the nursery is also a bonus.

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Review from Helen T (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love this nursery. The improvements that are being made only increase how much to like it. Have signed our second child up too.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.979)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.979) out of 10 for Friends Forest Nursery - Ash is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.979 for Friends Forest Nursery - Ash is calculated as follows: ( (141 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 144 Ratings = 4.979

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Friends Forest Nursery - Ash is based on 12 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 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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 45 number of registered child places is 9, which has been reached with 12 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (8)

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Meet the Team (2)

Danielle

Danielle Brennan

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2022

Danielle has been the manager of Friends since 2024, she has a level 3 in childcare.


Jaycee

Jaycee Taylor

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2022

Jaycee has been the deputy manager since June 2024, she has been at friends since 2022.


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