Loxley Nursery Forest School

Rodney Hill, Loxley, Sheffield S6 6SG
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10 24 Reviews
  • Loxley Nursery Forest School, Sheffield
Loxley Nursery is an outstanding outdoor nature nursery with views of Loxley Valley.

Children’s development is carefully monitored by staff and each child has a key person who closely follows their progress throughout their time at the nursery, sharing observations and records with parents and carers on a regular basis. Children are encouraged to develop curiosity and ask questions, exploring and learning about the world around them.

Don't just tell your children about the environment show them!

The nursery:

• A Forest School Nursery
• Offers learning through nature
• Gives regular outings around the village
• Provides breakfast, snacks during the day. Children can bring their own packed lunch or can have a hot meal delivered daily onto site.

Ofsted rated 'Good' nursery (November 2023).

Care Provided by Loxley Nursery Forest School

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Kay Haywood
  • Person in charge
  • Catherine Toy (Childcare Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 9
  • Total Places for Children
  • 36
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-16:00
    Tuesday 08:00-16:00
    Wednesday 08:00-16:00
    Thursday 08:00-16:00
    Friday 08:00-16:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 2 weeks at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Loxley Nursery Forest School

  • £6.75 per hour
    £2.50 per day for funded sessions only


  • Parking
  • There is ample parking available on Phillips Road - which is just behind Loxley Primary School.


Loxley Nursery Forest School Reviews (24)

Total of 24, showing 1-20
10

Loxley Nursery Forest School has a Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Loxley Nursery Forest School has 24 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't recommend this nursery enough. The staff have been incredibly kind, friendly, and patient, making it the perfect start for my daughter. English is her second language, and when she first joined, she couldn't speak English. However, the wonderful staff communicated with her so patiently, helping
her feel comfortable and included. The manager is so supportive and helpful. One of the biggest highlights is the access to the woodland, which the children explore regularly throughout the week. It's amazing to see them enjoying outdoor adventures while also having plenty of lovely indoor activities to take part in. I also really appreciate the nursery's approach to sharing updates about the children's development. It's so special to see little moments from their day, giving us a glimpse into how they are growing and learning. Overall, this nursery has been an incredible experience for my daughter, and I'm so grateful for the care and dedication of the staff. Highly recommended.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you so much for your feedback, very much appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot believe it's taken me all this time to write a review for this very special nursery. My boy started here in May 2022 and went 4 times a week until last month when he started school. The nursery always felt like home and the nursery teachers felt like family. A very safe environment for the
children to play and learn so many invaluable skills inside the nursery, outside and also out in the forest. There's nothing the nursery teachers don't think of, they make every day fun-filled for all the children, I can't ever remember any day being the same. Every day the nursery seemed to have a different exciting setup/theme. They went on so many fun adventures outside of the nursery too. All the children always seemed so happy. We all miss the nursery and the teachers very much and look forward to sending our little girl there.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you so much for your review. We miss you all very much and wish you all the luck with school, we look forward to seeing you again very soon.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had a truly wonderful experience at Loxley Nursery over the past two years. My girls started when they were 2 after experiencing lockdown and all the restrictions. They were shy and unsure of new people but the lovely staff made the transition so positive and gentle. They have grown enormously
in their confidence and it's in part due to all the experiences provided to them at nursery. The standout for me is the way the staff work with the children as individuals, adapting their approach accordingly and really getting to know the children and their unique personalities. All the staff are so kind, friendly, knowledgeable and fun! It's been the best start for them. The access to the woodland is a huge positive, which they use regularly throughout the week but also have plenty of lovely indoor activities too.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you for your lovely comment. The girls made so much progress and are ready for their next step to school. They will do brilliantly.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is such a lovely nursery. My daughter has attended the nursery since she was 2 and will be leaving for school in a few weeks. Loxley has provided her with so many fantastic experiences, and she will be leaving with so many amazing memories and lovely friends (many of whom will go to the same school,
which has also made the school transition much easier). The staff at the nursery are all so kind and obviously really care about each of the children as individuals, getting to know them and ensuring they can explore and develop at their own pace and in their own interests. It's a lovely mix of both indoor activities as well as lots of amazing outdoor adventures. Would definitely recommend the nursery to anyone.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you so much for your feedback. This means so much to us and we have loved seeing her develop and grow into a lovely little girl who is now ready for her next step to school.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot believe how much my grandson has developed in the year he has attended Loxley Forest Nursery. He is now interacting with other children and the teaching staff whereas before was quite insular due to his autism.
The outside classroom and activities are popular with all the children but my grandson
especially loves it. He is always happiest outdoors so this is perfect for him.
When starting nursery he was nonverbal but with the staff's patience and kindness, his language has improved greatly.
All in all, the nursery is fantastic and l would recommend it to anyone looking for a happy place for their child.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you so much for your review, we appreciate it so much. We have all noticed how he has come on in the last year. He is doing so well.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A fantastic nursery with the most kind and caring staff! My son has autism and has been at this nursery for 2 years.
The forest and outdoor approach is amazing.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this nursery to anyone.
10/10 all round!

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you for your kind review, It was a great pleasure to look after your child, and help and care for him, Good luck with school.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one joined this nursery when he turned 2, he was still attending his previous nursery but he immediately loved it at Loxley, the fun, the exploring, every week something new and he loved being in the forest, come rain or shine. Can't recommend this nursery enough.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

This is a great review, thank-you for taking the time to do this.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Loxley Nursery is the best nursery in Sheffield. The staff go above and beyond in helping the children in all developmental stages. They truly care for each child and give them the greatest experiences, helping them become independent. They take the children outdoors to the forest, make fires, bake
and have multiple activities for children to choose what they would like to do. Overall a 10/10 nursery.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

What a lovely review, thank you for taking the time to do this.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My youngest granddaughter has just left this nursery ready to start school in September. She has loved her time and has learnt such a lot in her 2 years there. Her older sister also went there. It is a fantastic nursery and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

We are so pleased your grandchildren attended our nursery and that you would recommend us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Loxley Nursery since April 2023. In that time her speech and language, confidence, resilience and ability to form meaningful relationships have significantly improved. Her academic skills have also improved by leaps and bounds, she amazes me with what she learns at nursery
and that is all thanks to the wonderful staff at Loxley.
They get to know each child individually and take a genuine interest in their lives which is lovely to see. They also work really hard to build relationships with families and have coffee mornings/parent parent-forest school days etc.
The forest school element is particularly fantastic, my daughter regularly comes home with stories of playing in the woods, building fires, community walks, visiting parks and farms and spending time outside. Overall the nursery is fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

What a lovely review, thank you so much for taking the time to fill this in. It's great to know that she has built up her resilience, and meaningful relationships.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery, they do so many fun outdoor activities and walks but also have the option to stay inside if they want, it's a perfect mix. Always updated on how your child is doing. The staff are all lovely too.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you for taking the time to do this wonderful review, We definitely have the perfect mix of being both in and outdoors.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved my daughter to Loxley Nursery in September 2023 after she struggled to settle in at her previous nursery. The staff at Loxley have been nothing but amazing from the get-go. They have gone above and beyond to help my little girl settle in there and she has made so many friends. She has come on
so much in just a short space of time and she is always learning something new. Both the atmosphere in the nursery and the location are lovely and our only regret is not taking her to Loxley sooner.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

We are so happy that your child came to Loxley Nursery and is so settled. Always happy to help.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery and all its staff are amazing in everything they do. It's all about the children and making sure they are happy and looked after. The nursery always looks and smells amazing. The staff have looked after my son like he's one of their own. The staff are always smiling and welcoming from the
moment I drop him off. This nursery is 10/10 and will be missed when he starts school in September.

Reply from Catherine Toy, Nursery Manager at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you so much for your lovely review, We are so happy that you think we are 10/10. Your child will do very well, in September, when they start school.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has recently started here and it’s been amazing so far. He’s come on so much and absolutely loves his time here, so much so that he asks for more when we pick him up! The staff are so friendly and helpful, and make it very easy to leave your child with them!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been attending Loxley Nursery Forest School since September and he absolutely loves it. The staff are brilliant, they really take the time to get to know each child personally and are so helpful and friendly. My son is full of stories about the various things he’s been doing at nursery every
day, he absolutely loves the walks going to the woods and is also excited to go in the morning and see all of his friends. I have been very impressed with this nursery and all of the staff from the start and I believe my son will transition into reception at school absolutely fine because of them. Thank you so much Loxley Nursery Forest School, you are all brilliant!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children at the nursery, both stared at the beginning of October and have settled in fantastically well. For the first time, they are excited to come to nursery and have bonded well with both the staff and other children.

Reply from Cassie Blackwood at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you! X


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy started at this nursery in September this year. All staff so lovely can’t do enough to help you feel comfortable and welcome. They do a lot of outdoor activities which is perfect for my little boy, he loves all the teachers and talks so much about them at home! Would highly recommend.

Reply from Cassie Blackwood at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you so much!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The welcomeness from Loxley Nursery to not just to our daughter but her mummy and daddy also has been out of this world, having worked in a nursery before, I thought it would take a while for me to find a nursery I liked for her but as soon as I stepped in to Loxley nursey, I knew it was the only place
I would ever want to send my daughter and didn’t even bother looking around any other nurseries! The staff have been fab with our daughter, helped her settle in with ease and she talks about each and every one of them at home! She loves coming home and telling me what’s she’s done with them all through her day, I love the outings they do with the children and the activities they have set out throughout the day. I feel very comfortable dropping her off and couldn’t praise the nursery and it’s staff more! Thank you Loxley nursey!

Reply from Cassie Blackwood at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you so much!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy loves going to nursery after recently starting at Loxley. The staff have been so welcoming and friendly that he settled in so quickly. The relaxed environment and having the opportunity to play outside virtually whenever they want is ideal for our child. It also seems a great environment
to prepare children for school. Our little boy is now much more vocal with his peers and adults and his development is coming on in leaps and bounds now.
Can’t recommend the nursery and it’s staff enough.

Reply from Cassie Blackwood at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you so much for reviewing us! - much appreciated!!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are really caring, professional and approachable. They are creative and enthusiastic and loved by all the children.

Reply from Cassie Blackwood at Loxley Nursery Forest School

Thank you!


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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 Loxley 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 Loxley Nursery Forest School is calculated as follows: ( (149 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 153 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 Loxley Nursery Forest School is based on 13 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 36 number of registered child places is 7.2, which has been reached with 13 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 (1)

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Meet the Team (8)

Catherine

Catherine Toy

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2018

Currently studying level 5.


Jennifer

Jennifer Williams

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2022

Currently studying level 5.


Helen

Helen Nicolson

Job Title: Practioner

Joined: 2016

Caring and nurturing.


Olivia

Olivia Howe

Job Title: Practioner

Joined: 2023

Fun and friendly - Deputy Senco.


Katie

Katie Jackson

Job Title: Practioner

Joined: 2023

Senco lead.


Natalie

Natalie Coddington

Job Title: Practioner

Joined: 2023

Creative and inspiring.


Kelly

Kelly Shaw

Job Title: Practioner

Joined: 2023

Lover of nature and animals.


Hannah

Hannah Williams

Job Title: Practioner

Joined: 2023

caring-, the love of the wonderful 2-year-olds.


Frequently Asked Questions about Loxley Nursery Forest School

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

Loxley Nursery Forest School accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Loxley Nursery Forest School Open?

Loxley Nursery Forest School is open: Monday 08:00-16:00, Tuesday 08:00-16:00, Wednesday 08:00-16:00, Thursday 08:00-16:00, Friday 08:00-16:00.

How many Children does Loxley Nursery Forest School have capacity for?

Loxley Nursery Forest School has capacity for a total of 36 Children.

How far is Loxley Nursery Forest School to the centre of Sheffield?

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