Business Details
34 Years
experience
OFSTED-Rated Childcare Excellence in Ruislip
Established in 1992 by co-owners Debbie Gumm and Carol Hrano, Woodlands Day Nursery combines over 50 years of combined professional nursery experience with a deep parental understanding of childcare needs. Our OFSTED-rated 'Outstanding' facility prioritises children's health, safety, and intellectual development through carefully designed educational activities and a nurturing environment. Our team of qualified staff, operating at a 1:5 staff/child ratio, holds advanced childcare qualifications including NNEB Level 3 and NVQ Management certifications. We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards with all staff CRB-checked and first aid trained. Our unique OPAL assessment system focuses on individual child development through observational learning, working in partnership with parents to create personalised learning journeys.The nursery's curriculum, aligned with EYFS guidelines, fosters communication, curiosity, independence, resilience, and social skills through themed learning experiences. Our secure outdoor space and structured daily routine provide balanced opportunities for play, learning, and physical development. We maintain transparent communication with parents through the Blossom app and regular progress updates. Our menu offers nutritionally balanced meals meeting dietary requirements, while our flexible session options accommodate diverse family needs. This holistic approach has earned us consistent parental praise for creating a 'second home' environment where children thrive.
Services
Full Day Care
Extended Hours
Early Years Education
Nutritionist-Planned Meals
Parent Partnership Programmes
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 50+ years combined nursery experience from co-owners Debbie Gumm and Carol Hrano
- OFSTED-rated 'Outstanding' since 2018 for teaching quality and child safety
- 1:5 staff/child ratio with all staff holding advanced childcare qualifications
- Proven OPAL assessment system tracking individual child development
- Secure outdoor learning environment with daily physical activities
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Dedicated staff
Loving care
Creative learning
Nutritious meals
Strong parent partnerships
Services
Full Day Care
Our full-day childcare service operates 8am-6pm, providing structured learning and play activities for children aged 2-5 years. With a 1:5 staff/child ratio and OFSTED-rated 'Outstanding' teaching, we focus on developing communication, independence, and social skills through our OPAL assessment system. The service includes nutritious meals and outdoor play in our secure garden area.
Early Years Education
Our curriculum follows EYFS guidelines while incorporating the OPAL assessment system to track individual development. Qualified staff deliver play-based learning experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The program includes daily circle times, themed activities, and partnerships with parents to support each child's learning journey.
Nutritionist-Planned Meals
We provide three freshly prepared meals daily, including a choice of breakfast cereals, hot lunches with vegetarian options, and afternoon tea. Our menus meet dietary requirements and allergen needs while encouraging children to explore new tastes. The service includes self-service opportunities to develop independence and table manners.
Parent Partnership Programmes
Our Blossom app enables real-time updates and photo sharing with parents. We conduct biannual OPAL assessments involving parental input and offer regular open days for family participation. The program includes parent evenings, stay-and-play sessions, and collaborative planning for each child's developmental needs.
Outdoor Learning
Children access our secure outdoor space daily for physical play and nature-based learning. The garden features structured play areas and seasonal activities like planting and weather observation. Staff lead outdoor games and exploration sessions that develop motor skills and environmental awareness while maintaining strict safety protocols.
People
Debbie Gumm
Co-Owner/Manager
With NNEB Level 3 and NVQ Management qualifications, Debbie brings 30+ years' experience in nursery management. Former London Borough of Brent officer, she specialises in safeguarding and child development. Holds first aid and safeguarding certifications.
Carol Hrano
Co-Owner/Manager
Qualified NNEB Level 3 practitioner with 30+ years' nursery experience. Former deputy officer at Princess Avenue Day Nursery. Specialises in behaviour management and safeguarding. Holds first aid and safeguarding certifications.
Laura Gumm
Deputy Manager
Diploma-qualified childcare professional since 2006. Specialises in key person responsibilities and developmental assessments. Creates individual learning plans and observes children's progress against OPAL milestones.
Diana Lowman
Senior Childcare Practitioner
NNEB-qualified with NVQ Level 3 Management and degree in childcare. Supervises staff and delivers daily care while maintaining safeguarding standards. Has worked at Woodlands since its founding in 1992.
Chelsey Pritchard
Childcare Practitioner
Level 3 Diploma holder specialising in key person responsibilities. Plans educational activities and conducts developmental assessments. Trained in safeguarding and first aid, with 14 years' service at Woodlands.
Questions
What OFSTED rating has Woodlands Day Nursery received?
Woodlands Day Nursery was awarded 'Outstanding' by OFSTED in December 2018, recognising our exceptional teaching quality and child safety standards.
What childcare sessions do you offer?
We offer flexible sessions including Full Day (8am-5:30pm), Extended Full Day (8am-6pm), School Day (9:30am-4:30pm), and half-day options to suit family needs.
How do you assess children's development?
We use the OPAL assessment system with biannual milestones, daily observations, and parent collaboration through the Blossom app to track each child's progress.
What special dietary requirements can you accommodate?
Our kitchen staff prepare vegetarian alternatives and carefully manage allergens. We modify meals to meet medical dietary requirements while maintaining nutritional balance.
How do you involve parents in their child's learning?
We use the Blossom app for daily updates, conduct biannual parent consultations, and offer stay-and-play sessions to strengthen home-nursery partnerships.
