Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Ermine Street, Ancaster, Grantham NG32 3PP
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10 16 Reviews
  • Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School, Grantham
Ancaster Village Nursery is situated in beautiful rural Ancaster, Lincolnshire, within easy reach to Sleaford, Caythorpe, Cranwell and just 15 minutes from Grantham centre.

The Nursery offers quality childcare for children aged from 6 weeks old, in a home from home, safe and fun environment, with a team of experienced, highly skilled and caring childcare professionals including a qualified Forest School leader.

The Nursery consists of three age specific rooms all leading onto their own outdoor patios and gardens with play space for all weathers. The garden is surrounded by open fields housing horses and rabbits, a place where the children love to watch and say hello to the animals next door.

Inside the nursery children are free to explore the natural open-ended resources, to enhance their learning and development following the curiosity approach.

Nutritious home-made meals are prepared in the on-site kitchen by the dedicated cook offering a range of healthy, well balanced meals for breakfast, lunch and teas.

The private and secure Forest School is a wonderful addition to the garden area and hosts bug hotels, fairy houses, camp fire, dens and many more Forest School activities. The dedicated Forest School leader runs sessions weekly for pre-schoolers and also offers holiday club sessions.

Surrounded by local attractions such as Woodland Waters and Belton House the children benefit from outings in the local community.

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Care Provided by Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Start Right Nursery (Ancaster) Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Michelle Webster (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 20
  • Total Places for Children
  • 52
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

  • £71.85 per day includes all food
    Other fee options available - please enquire.
    Funded places are available for 9month olds, 2-3's & 3-4yrs subject to eligibili1ty.

  • £1 per hour consumable charge for all funded hours accessed.
  • Parking

  • Parking is available onsite


Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School Reviews (16)

10

Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School has a Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School has 16 reviews.

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Review from Catherine C (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a wonderful nursery, great setting and space (indoor and out), but most importantly the staff are all wonderful. They make it feel like home from home, so welcoming. Always lots of different activities, fantastic food. My daughter is very happy at this nursery, we feel very lucky. No hesitation
in recommending.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thank You for such a lovely review! We love sharing our fun days together.


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Review from Cara T (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

How marvellous and lucky we are to have such a wonderful nursery on our doorstep. All of the staff are so attentive and considerate to my daughter and I couldn't have asked for a better setting for her to thrive and gain confidence in. Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School is exactly the place I
was hoping it would be.
They bring comfort, support, friendliness, play and delicious homely-cooked meals each day, they absolutely deserve recognition for everything they do.
I highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We all love working here as well as looking after the little ones. x


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Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely setting, lovely staff. My eldest attended preschool and my youngest from the baby room. Never had any issues and any slight problems/adjustments were seen to and sorted straight away either by nursery manager or key person. Lovely nursery - staff should be proud.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Hi, thank you for your lovely review! It's nice to know that any issues are promptly sorted. Will pass your kind words on to the rest of the staff.


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Review from Hayley F (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son attends Ancaster Nursery and has the best time. From the moment we drop him to when we collect him he has a smile on his face. There is a range of activities for him to do, plenty of learning experiences, excellent food choices and the staff are lovely. There's not a moment we haven't trusted
them with his care. All in all, would recommend this establishment for childcare.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thank you for your kind words and lovely review! He certainly is a happy boy and loves his time with us!


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Review from Angela B (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery! Our son has been thriving from day one and loves attending. We love seeing how happy he is each time we collect him and learning about all the fun he's been having each day. The staff are next level, friendly, super caring and attentive. We highly recommend this nursery to anyone!

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Hi, thank you for your lovely review, it's lovely for us to see his happy smile each day.


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Review from Taiah K (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two young children who attend this wonderful nursery. My eldest has been there nearly 2 years now and has additional needs which were found by him attending nursery and the help they have given him into getting a diagnosis and extra support to make him comfortable at nursery has been exceptional.
They always go above and beyond for their children and I am so grateful for all of the staff at this nursery.
They update well via the app to show what your child gets up to in their day and what type of activities are done during the week.
Not to forget the wonderful chef who cooks the most beautiful healthy foods for the little ones! It always smells wonderful.
I would definitely recommend this nursery.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

What a wonderful review. Thank you so much. Glad we have been able to support you through his diagnosis. Our chef certainly does a great job, always a lovely smell of food around the nursery! Many thanks again.


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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good nursery. My child settled in very quickly, the staff are very welcoming. They do lots of fun activities daily and I love how much time they spend outside exploring. There are lots of toys for the children to use.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Hi, thank you for your kind review. We appreciate it very much.


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Review from Anna G (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We adore Ancaster Village Nursery and have sent both of our children here. Our daughter still attends and she loves going. She is always so happy when we collect her. She does lovely arts and crafts and always has amazing and different meals. The help we received from them for her potty training was
amazing. Our son also attended and the building blocks they help put in place am sure have helped him do as well as he is at school. He is so excited to attend again for holiday club.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Hi. Thank you for such a lovely review. We love our time spent with both your children and being a part of their learning journey.


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Review from Arlayna B (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has a few extra bits and pieces going on so needs a little extra monitoring and help etc but they have gone above and beyond for him and nothing has been too much trouble for them! He's come on leaps and bounds since being part of the Ancaster Nursery family. Our little girl also loves it here
and again, they have done so much for her to help her feel settled and comfortable within the nursery to the point it's slowly become her favourite place to go! I can't thank the team there enough for being such wonderful, kind and caring people!

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a lovely review. It is our pleasure caring for your children, making it easier for you to go to work.


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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't begin to express how happy both my children were at Ancaster Village Nursery. All the staff are happy and attentive to both children and parents. Communication is fantastic and staff able to implement fantastic support to SEN children and parents. The children were always happy with the meals
and snacks available. We also used the afterschool care provision at the local primary school run by the nursery which was equally as amazing, both my children loved going as the continuity of staff was a bonus.
The only sad thing was we left due to a location move, but I would place them back in your care in a heartbeat!

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We loved having both of your children from the baby room right up until they both started school and beyond. We miss you all and hope they are just as happy in their new school and home.


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Review from K O (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing setting for children. Staff truly care about the children along with supporting parents. They go above and beyond!
Having used the nursery for over 5 years, I have seen my children thrive and come to make lovely relationships with staff and their little friends.
The chef is brilliant at
catering for all needs and providing a variety of foods with a menu provided weekly for you to see what is on offer.
Highly recommend.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thank you so much for your lovely review! It's been our pleasure having all of your children from the baby room right through to pre-school. We are definitely all well-fed here at the nursery, thanks for recognising our chef as well.


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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are amazing and so friendly. I love that they have such a good outdoor space as well. I know that my child is in safe hands and if anything happens that might be a concern they tell you at the end of the day. Just as an example, if my child had a fall outside or a bump, even if it doesn't
seem like anything at all, we're made aware.
The management are friendly and open to questions. I'm not worried about contacting them for any queries I have.
They have so many fun activities for the kids and provide weekly updates.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thanks for a great review! Your child brightens our day with the conversations we have and their enthusiasm in all they do!


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Review from Charlotte F (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love this nursery! My son has attended for the last 2 years and he loves it here. They are all amazing with the kids and I love that the children are outside whenever possible and have an opportunity to do forest school. We will be sad when it's time for my son to go to school as I'll miss this nursery..
and the manager's book library!

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thank you for your fab review! We love our outdoor space also, the best place to get muddy! The parent's book club has been a huge hit, glad you enjoy this.


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Review from Beth L (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Ancaster Village Nursery enough. My children are thriving and are growing into confident and caring children. Each member of staff knows both my children extremely well, knows all their likes/dislikes, and how to comfort them if needed. The staff are caring and approachable. As parents,
we feel welcomed into the building and the staff show an interest in our lives. I truly believe that without the staff at Ancaster, our children would not be the confident, funny children they are today.
The forest school provision they have is excellent - our eldest comes home and tells us all about what they've been up to, including making fires and using a saw. Each day, the staff adapt their play to focus on their interests and make the day enjoyable. Both my children have allergies and the staff are excellent at ensuring that food is adapted to their needs. We love seeing what they've got up to on the app too.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thank you so much for a great review. We love caring for your children, they make us laugh with their individual personality's. Nice to hear you all chat about nursery and the fun they have. Our chef is great at adapting our menus accordingly and glad you are happy with everything.


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Review from J M (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous setting which is helping both our children flourish! The staff are excellent and knowledgable, as well as very friendly to us parents and always willing to go the extra mile to support.
The kids spend as much time outside as they can, which is fantastic and benefits them mentally and physically.
They both love it here.

Reply from Michelle Webster, Manager at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

A lovely review, thank you! Your children are great and we love spending our days with them both. So nice to hear you feel supported too. Our office door is always open for you.


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Review from Heidi F (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved our little boy to this nursery from another one that wasn't up to standard and Ancaster has surpassed our expectations. You will find a warm, welcoming home-from-home environment with amazing staff who genuinely care and love your child. What I loved about this nursery after viewing a lot,
is the feeling you get when you walk in, home-cooked food cooking in the kitchen, a management team with their door open welcoming you in and every room leading straight into an outdoor space with fields surrounding. Horses and rabbits come up to the garden to say hello and all of the children seem happy and content. My little boy attends 5 days a week and has thrived since being here, his speech has progressed, he has made friends and has a real bond with the staff which gives me immense peace of mind. Do not hesitate to secure a spot at this wonderful setting.

Reply from Rupinder, Director at Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are so pleased you are happy with the nursery and delighted to hear how well your son has developed since starting with us. We really appreciate your recommendation and your support! Kind regards.


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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.974)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10 for Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School 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 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.974 for Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School is calculated as follows: ( (188 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 192 Ratings = 4.974

  • 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 Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School is based on 16 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 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, which has been reached with 16 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.

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Meet the Team (2)

Michelle

Michelle Webster

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2015

Hi, I'm Michelle! I am an experienced nursery manager and SENCo and a mum of 2 grown-up children with a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education. I have worked at Ancaster Village Nursery since 2015. I am also a Level 3 Forest School leader, Level 3 Early Years SEN Co-ordinator and designated safeguarding lead.


I am passionate about my role and love being able to support and guide all children and families especially those children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I pride myself in having open, honest and sensitive conversations with parents and my door is always open for these.


I love our nursery ethos - inspired by the curiosity approach and following-in-the-moment planning, which truly captures the children's interests and provides them with awe and wonder.


Staff well-being is important to me, and I like to offer an open-door policy so staff feel comfortable to come and talk to me.


Charly

Charly Walsh

Job Title: Toddler Room & Forest School Leader

Joined: 2019

Hi, I’m Charly! I started as an apprentice at Ancaster Village Nursery in 2019 and have worked through the Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualifications. In 2022, I was promoted to toddler room leader and completed the Forest School Leader course in 2023.


I am passionate about Forest School and the benefits it brings to the children. From building dens to cooking on the fire, working with tools, and having adventures together is the highlight of every day. Allowing the children to flourish and seeing the joy that Forest School brings to them makes it all worth it - even on cold rainy days, it doesn’t stop us!


My love for the outdoors continues outside of work and I enjoy spending my days off in the garden, going camping and exploring new places. I’m also a keen crafter, DIYer, and football fan, and love spending time with friends and family.


Frequently Asked Questions about Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School

What is the Age Range of Children that Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School accepts?

Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School Open?

Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School have capacity for?

Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School has capacity for a total of 52 Children.

How far is Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School to the centre of Grantham?

6.6 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 Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School has an Enhanced Service – more info.