Business Details
17 Years
experience
Outdoor Learning Nurseries in Glasgow
Established in 2009, Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens operates two outdoor nurseries in Glasgow's south side and west end. Our nurseries partner with Glasgow City Council to provide funded placements for children aged 3-5, with additional limited spaces for 2-5 year olds at our South Side location. We specialise in nature-based learning, offering children immersive woodland experiences that foster resilience, independence, and confidence through unstructured outdoor play. Recognised by the Scottish Government and Care Inspectorate, our approach combines structured exploration with child-led discovery in all weather conditions.With over 15 years of experience and a team of highly qualified staff, we have supported over 2,000 children in developing essential life skills through our innovative outdoor curriculum. Our commitment to excellence has earned us sector-leading 'excellent' ratings and recognition as Glasgow's first independent Living Wage Employer nursery.
Services
Outdoor Kindergarten
Forest School Program
Childcare Services
Nature-Based Learning
Funded Placements
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We have 15 years of experience pioneering outdoor learning in Glasgow
- Our staff maintain sector-leading Care Inspectorate ratings across all areas
- We partner with Glasgow City Council to provide fully funded placements
- Our woodland settings develop children's resilience through natural exploration
- We pioneered Scotland's first independent Living Wage Employer nursery
Associations and certifications
- Care Inspectorate
- Living Wage Foundation
What people say
Highly trained staff
Resilience and confidence development
Exceptional outdoor learning environment
Outstanding staff dedication
Transformative educational experience
Services
Outdoor Kindergarten
Our outdoor kindergarten programme immerses children in woodland environments for holistic development. Through structured exploration and free play, children build physical coordination, social skills, and environmental awareness. The curriculum aligns with national educational standards while prioritising nature-based learning experiences that develop problem-solving abilities and creative thinking.
Forest School Program
This specialised programme delivers child-led learning in natural settings. Qualified instructors facilitate activities that promote risk assessment, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Sessions include shelter building, nature crafts, and seasonal exploration, all designed to enhance cognitive development through hands-on outdoor experiences.
Funded Childcare
We offer fully funded placements for 3-5 year olds through Glasgow City Council partnerships. These placements provide access to our award-winning outdoor curriculum while meeting government childcare standards. Limited spaces are available for 2-5 year olds at our South Side location with additional fee-based options.
Nature-Based Learning
Our unique educational approach combines formal instruction with spontaneous discovery in woodland settings. Children engage with natural elements to develop mathematical concepts, scientific understanding, and creative expression. The programme fosters independence through self-directed play and collaborative projects.
Parent Engagement
We maintain open communication through daily updates, online learning journals, and regular parent consultations. Families receive photographic documentation of their child's progress and are invited to participate in woodland events. Our approach ensures parents remain integral to their child's developmental journey.
People
Alison Latta
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 15 years' experience in outdoor education. Qualified in early years development and forest school leadership. Committed to innovative childcare solutions that prioritise nature-based learning and child-led exploration.
Debbie Simmers
Co-Founder
Co-founder bringing extensive childcare expertise. Specialises in outdoor risk assessment and curriculum development. Passionate about creating learning environments that nurture children's natural curiosity and physical development through woodland exploration.
Questions
Does the nursery accept funded placements?
Yes, we offer fully funded placements for 3-5 year olds through Glasgow City Council partnerships. Limited spaces are available at both our South Side and West End locations.
What happens during bad weather?
Children learn in all weather conditions. We teach weather-appropriate outdoor skills and provide warm waterproof clothing. Rainy days focus on water exploration, while cold days include hot drinks and shelter-building activities.
What qualifications do staff hold?
Our team includes forest school leaders, qualified teachers, and early years specialists. All staff maintain enhanced disclosure checks and receive ongoing training in outdoor learning methodologies and child development.
What daily activities are offered?
Children engage in free play, nature exploration, shelter building, seasonal crafts, and guided woodland walks. Structured activities include storytelling, scavenger hunts, and collaborative projects that integrate educational objectives with outdoor experiences.
How is child progress monitored?
We maintain online learning journals with photographic evidence of development. Parents receive regular updates through daily communication, formal reports, and termly parent-teacher meetings focused on individual progress and learning goals.
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