Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Tompsons Lane, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1JY
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8.4 32 Reviews
  • Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo, Winchester
A nursery in a zoo? That is right! Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo is situated next to the penguin and giraffe enclosures within Marwell Zoo.

This wonderful, friendly and loving space has everything you would expect for an outstanding kindergarten. It even overlooks the penguin and giraffe enclosures! Accessed through a private entrance via the overflow car park which makes pick up easy, it features large classrooms for children from 9 months to five years, with children’s kitchens, a sleep room, art studio and sensory room, as well as a mud kitchen and fire pit.

Groups of children head into the zoo for mini-zoologist sessions led by a zoologist, where they learn all about the animals, their habitats and the importance of the conservation projects undertaken by Marwell Wildlife.

At the same time, nature school sessions are also taking place in the nearby forest involving den building, mini-beast hunting and fire building to name but a few woodland activities.

What more could a child want? Come and visit and join the adventure!

Show Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo on the Map

Care Provided by Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Michelle Hibberd (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 28
  • Total Places for Children
  • 85
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 9 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:45-18:00
    Tuesday 07:45-18:00
    Wednesday 07:45-18:00
    Thursday 07:45-18:00
    Friday 07:45-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo Reviews (32)

Total of 32, showing 1-20
8.4

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.426) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo has 32 reviews.

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Review from G N (Father of Child) published on 14 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of our children now attend Kids Love Nature at Marwell. We had a great experience with our eldest joining in the older classrooms who settled in so well, so quickly. Our eldest has additional needs, and we cannot thank the nursery enough for how incredibly supportive and knowledgeable they have
been. Our youngest had the chance to start in the baby room a few months ago and is having the time of their life! The setting provides such unique opportunities for the children, and we love that the team show so much care and understanding for each individual child. We both feel so happy to know our children are safe, happy and well looked after at Marwell and couldn't imagine sending them anywhere else. They are always on hand to answer any questions and work so hard to find solutions, even to help at home. The app updates are amazing and are great for sharing photos with family and friends. The managers and team should be so proud of the hard work they put in to make this place the best setting around!

Reply from Michelle Hibberd, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you for taking the time to complete this lovely review. It has been a pleasure to have you and your family join our kindergarten for an extraordinary adventure!


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Review from Zoe H (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Perfect setting, genuinely caring staff. My son has progressed loads since coming and I cannot rate the nursery enough. The staff are focused on the kids rather than showing off which is one the reasons I love this place. Access to outdoors in all weather and good SEN knowledge all round.

Reply from Michelle Hibberd, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you for taking the time to complete this lovely review. It has been a pleasure to have you and your family join our Kindergarten for an extraordinary adventure!


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Review from N E (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a wonderful nursery for my son! The staff are incredibly supportive and always happy to give updates/discuss any challenges.
Kids Love Nature does a termly online seminar about various aspects of raising a preschooler, from dealing with difficult emotions to toileting and much more! We've found
this to be very helpful and so worthwhile.
The nursery facilities are wonderful, and although the baby room (0-2) is slightly smaller, it does have its own outdoor area and the younger children go out into the big main garden and mix with the older children, which promotes their development. Not to mention they overlook the giraffes and zebras!
Initially, my son was a bit distressed on drop off, but this was dealt with well and he settled quickly. He's supported to try his best without being pushed into doing activities he doesn't want to do. His feelings are validated and accidents (which have been rare) are discussed with us promptly. We are very happy here, and highly recommend it!

Reply from Michelle Hibberd, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you for taking the time to complete this lovely review. It has been a pleasure to have you and your family join our kindergarten for an extraordinary adventure!


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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are very caring.
Facilities are very good
Zoo and forest visits add an added layer of education.
Good levels of communication from panda classroom.
Management always address any questions or concerns swiftly.

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Review from Julia M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Kids Love Nature is such a brilliant nursery! The staff are amazing and my kids are both so happy there. They have so many unique opportunities there being on the zoo site and with the forest too. They have such a huge garden space, and kids can spend all day outside if they want to.

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Review from Hannah C (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sons both attend the nursery, one of them in the 0-2 provision, the other in the 2 years + classroom. My oldest child absolutely loves it. He enjoys being outside in all weathers, visiting the zoo and the forest. He learns so much and has developed such a love and curiosity for exploring and discovering
nature. He is also encouraged to develop his communication, independence, literacy and numeracy skills. He settled straight away at 2 years old and continues to love it at 4 years old. My youngest is 1, and has just started. He is taking a while longer to settle but the staff are supporting him with such care, he is getting more confident every session. I couldnt recommend this setting more, it has been the perfect place for my active, sensitive, unique boys.

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Review from G C (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little one (now 2 and a half) has been coming to Kids Love Nature since September 2021 and it is by far the best nursery I have come across. He is full of excitement, making friends and developing new skills, communication and character every week and this is hugely down to the environment and the
staff here.
I know he is having a well-balanced diet, receiving all the support he needs, as well as a nurturing and loving environment.
Seeing the updates and photos on the app is a joy and seeing him so happy really is everything
We have felt supported through tricky situations with hearing and delayed speech as well as advice which is always welcomed.
I cannot wait for my other little boy to start here and even though we commute an hour each way it is so worth it. Highly recommend to all!

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Review from V M (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The perfect nursery! Our child loves going and is developing into a confident, curious caring person because of them. He's learning about emotions, nature, the world and gets administered cuddles for anxious moments. The ethos of every staff member is loving, calm and caring. Staff are highly skilled
superstars listening, engaging and knowing all the children and parents. Communication is excellent. The spaces are huge natural and beautifully thought out inside and out to be child-centred, foster learning and nurture care and responsibility. Our child loves the freedom to choose to be outside in the garden engaging, exploring and learning. He has learnt so much from the carefully selected and prepared activities and provocations and the way staff lead by example. Food is brilliant and healthy. A home from home (or better, we don't have giraffes, zebras or the staff at home). Every day exceeds our expectations.
Genuinely full of smiles laughter love and respect for all people and nature.

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Review from Hayley H (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is in a league of its own. The staff are incredible, the outdoor space is huge and full of exciting things for the children to explore. They spend lots of time outside and come home covered in mud and full of stories about the adventures of the day. The older children go on regular visits
to the zoo and the nearby forest. They are taught by zoologists and nature interpreters. They do yoga and eat organic freshly cooked pescatarian meals. The garden shares a fence with the zebras and giraffes- it is truly unique!
The staff carefully plan meaningful activities to help children to make progress. They send regular updates through the parent via an app and we have found their communication and care for the children and their families to be exceptional.
Our daughter started here two years ago aged 14 months and she absolutely loves it! She runs down the path and bounces through the door without a look back because she knows that her day will be full of fun and lots of adventures!

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Review from S P (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Could not recommend this nursery highly enough. All the staff are incredible - warm, kind and thoughtful, our twins adore everyone. The communication is fantastic whether via app, email or phone from both the nursery and office staff.
Our twins took time to settle in and every day without fail, all
the staff took their time and gently encouraged and welcomed them without rushing, despite the busy morning drop-offs - now our kids don't want to come home!
They come home with stories of forest walks and zoo visits, telling us everything they've learnt about the animals and how we should behave in nature. The setting is just unreal, full of adventure and innovative activities throughout the year.
The food is freshly prepared every day, full of variety and fresh fruits and veg.
At the end of the day, we get a full rundown of everything they've been up to, there are hugs and smiles and honestly, we couldn't wish for a better place to take our children each day.

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Review from J L (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff have all been excellent at settling in and communication is brilliant via an app. Lots of amazing outdoor space but also space for them to stay warm inside with a variety of thought through activities everyday. Our little boy started at 11 months and has never been anything other than excited
to attend. Visits to the zoo sound wonderful and happen often as well as use of the forest next to the kindergarten. Highly recommend getting in early to avoid disappointment is all. Food very good with a chef on site. Allergies well catered for.

Reply from Michelle Hibberd, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for your lovely comments and for taking the time to write us such a great review!


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Review from Jack W (Father of Child) published on 15 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the very beginning, the Kindergarten have been brilliant. The settling in period was dealt with so well by the team and tailored to meet our needs to have a more gradual settling in process for a number of reasons.


Communication is brilliant whether telephoning, emailing or using the parent

App. The management team and the staff in the Panda room are always so helpful.


Every day, we are told of different activities that are so varied and includes plenty of outdoor time and experiences such as sensory.


The food menu is great too - really varied.


Most importantly, can just tell from the way the staff interact with the children, even just at drop off and pick up, how much the staff care about the children and it’s a really caring, nurturing environment where the children are very much up first.


Reply from Michelle Hibberd, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a glowing review! It is a pleasure having you as one of our Kindergarten families.


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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started her journey with Kids Love Nature Marwell Zoo last year when she was 2. It was quite difficult at the beginning as she had spent most of her time with me and her dad alone at home due to the Covid19, and not much with anyone else before. But staff at Kids Love Nature have made such
great efforts to brighten my daughter's day and become one of her favourite groups of people in her life. There are always lots of cuddles, warm smiles and loving encouragement each and every day. It's been such a pleasure to see my daughter so fascinated with role play about what's like at Kids Love Nature when she is at home and she'd copy the way her key person organise daily routines etc. In her role play, there're gentle words, a polite manner and so much care involved! I'm so glad that we send our daughter to Kids Love Nature, even it means 20 mins drive each way as we leave in Southampton. Kids Love Nature is definitely the best place for any child. Oh, not even mentioned the huge garden overlooking giraffes and zebras!

Reply from Michelle Hibberd, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for your lovely comments and for taking the time to write us such a great review!


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Review from Jessica B (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at Kids Love Nature Marwell for 5 months now and absolutely loves it. She comes back covered in paint and so happy. The team are so supportive with her development and are great at communicating to us how she's getting on. Would highly recommend!

Reply from Michelle Hibberd, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for your lovely comments and for taking the time to write us such a great review!


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Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy started here in August 2020 aged 2 and it is the best decision we made. The staff are amazing, our little one is so happy there. He loves his trips to the zoo and the forest. His confidence and understanding of the world has developed so much. It’s so lovely to know that he is safe and
looked after fantastically, kept supplied with lots of lovely meals and snacks and having great fun.

Reply from Michelle Tompkins, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a glowing review!


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Review from David S (Father of Child) published on 15 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved our son to Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo in September 2019 after moving locally and I honestly wish we could've done it sooner. The change in his confidence and independence has been remarkable and is entirely down to the way Kids Love Nature approach learning. After only a year
with them, he has gone on to transition to starting school with an eagerness I would never have expected before he started.
The focus on developing independence and learning through nature and the outdoors has helped both of my kids to become happy and comfortable with themselves and inspired a passion for learning. I also have two very enthusiastic tour guides every time we go to the zoo that can't wait to talk about everything they've learnt.

Reply from Michelle Tompkins, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for your lovely comments and for taking the time to write us such a great review!


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Review from Sian L (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Kids Love Nature for over 18 months now and throughout his time the staff have been extremely supportive and helpful. From his settle sessions to his return to Kids Love nature after a 6-month break due to COVID19, I have felt very happy with the way everything was dealt with.
On a day to day basis my son loves the outside area, which is far larger than most nurseries and is always excited for a zoo for forest trip!

Reply from Michelle Tompkins, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. It was lovely to welcome your son back after 6 months and see him settle in again so quickly!


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Review from Louise L (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful nursery! I am so thrilled that my daughters had the opportunity to attend this nursery. The ethos and approach of this nursery is a great fit for us as a family, from the emphasis on outdoor learning and enjoying nature to the way behaviour is viewed and managed when there are challenges.
Consideration is provided to the children at all times. The staff who work here all have a passion for working with children and providing them with a great start in life and managers work hard to listen to parent's views and to make changes as required. We have been part of this nursery for 2 years and I can honestly say that my children's love for nature has blossomed! If I asked my children what they liked best, they would say the big sandpit, forest and zoo trips, and getting messy!!

Reply from Michelle Tompkins, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for such a lovely review, it was a pleasure looking after both your children!


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Review from Lauren E (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

True to its ethos! It has been a pleasure watching our little girl grow in confidence in this nurturing environment. My favourite thing is how the staff speak to, listen to and interact with the children. Treating them as individuals, giving responsibility as well as fun and plenty of freedom to explore!
The access to the zoo, nature experts, large garden and forest all add hugely to the experience, fostering a love and curiosity for the world around. Can't wait for our number 2 to join!

Reply from Michelle Tompkins, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for your lovely comments! We can't wait to welcome child number 2 to the Kindergarten.


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Review from Aran M (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Kids Love Nature at Marwell Zoo is an amazing nursery. Our boys have loved every minute there. There is lots of outdoor space together with trips to the forest and to the zoo, which is fantastic! The teachers are lovely; I could not think of a better place!

Reply from Michelle Tompkins, Manager at Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a glowing review!


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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.426)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.426) out of 10 for Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo 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 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.4 out of 5 from 3 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 5.000 for Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo is calculated as follows: ( (36 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 36 Ratings = 5

  • 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 3.426 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo is based on 3 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 = 3.25

    • 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 85 number of registered child places is 17. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 17 = 0.176

  • 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 Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo

What is the Age Range of Children that Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo accepts?

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo accepts Children aged from 0 years 9 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo Open?

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo is open: Monday 07:45-18:00, Tuesday 07:45-18:00, Wednesday 07:45-18:00, Thursday 07:45-18:00, Friday 07:45-18:00.

How many Children does Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo have capacity for?

Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo has capacity for a total of 85 Children.

How far is Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo to the centre of Winchester?

5.2 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 Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Kids Love Nature Kindergarten at Marwell Zoo has an Enhanced Service – more info.