Business Details
Outstanding Nursery and Forest School in Warrington
Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School is Warrington's only Local Authority Maintained Nursery School, providing high-quality early years education for children aged 2 to 4 years. Established to foster curiosity and creativity, our modern facility combines structured learning with outdoor exploration through our dedicated Forest School provision. Our team of fully qualified teachers and specialists prioritise inclusive, stimulating environments that nurture individual development while maintaining strong partnerships with families.Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, we integrate sensory play, literacy, mathematics, and expressive arts into daily activities, ensuring children receive a well-rounded foundation for future learning. With extensive landscaped grounds and specialist support for children with SEND, we create a safe, engaging space where every child can thrive.
Services
Nursery Education
Forest School
SEND Provision
Home Learning Resources
Wraparound Care
Highlights and features
- We are Warrington's only Local Authority Maintained Nursery School
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted for educational quality and care standards
- Offer dedicated Forest School provision for outdoor learning experiences
- Led by fully qualified teachers with specialist early years expertise
- Maintain strong family partnerships through our learning community approach
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
Services
Nursery Education
Our nursery provides structured early years education for children aged 2-4 years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Qualified teachers deliver engaging activities across prime and specific areas of learning, including communication, physical development, literacy, and mathematics. The programme prepares children for school readiness through play-based learning in a safe, inclusive environment.
Forest School
Our dedicated Forest School provision offers regular outdoor learning experiences in natural environments. Children develop resilience and creativity through supervised activities like den-building, nature exploration, and seasonal observation. This approach fosters confidence, teamwork, and environmental awareness while meeting educational outcomes through hands-on experiences in our extensive landscaped grounds.
SEND Provision
We provide specialist educational support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our experienced staff create individualised learning plans, working closely with parents and external professionals. The provision includes sensory activities, tailored resources, and inclusive classroom environments to ensure every child achieves their developmental potential with appropriate support and accommodations.
Home Learning Resources
We offer comprehensive home learning resources to extend educational development beyond the classroom. Parents receive activity ideas, sensory play guides, and curriculum-aligned materials through our Tapestry platform. Resources include messy play suggestions, literacy activities, and mathematical games designed to strengthen home-school partnerships and reinforce learning objectives in domestic settings.
Wraparound Care
Our wraparound care service provides flexible childcare before and after nursery sessions, as well as during school holidays. This provision maintains continuity of care and educational engagement while accommodating working parents' schedules. The service includes structured activities and free play in a secure environment maintained by our qualified early years practitioners.
People
Janet Currall
Headteacher
Experienced early years specialist with extensive leadership experience in nursery education, overseeing curriculum delivery and staff development at Sandy Lane Nursery School.
Louise Herrity
Deputy Headteacher
Qualified nursery educator with significant management experience, supporting operational leadership and classroom practice across the nursery's teaching environments.
Kirsten Matthews
SENDCO
Specialist in special educational needs provision, coordinating support for children with disabilities and additional learning requirements across the nursery's programmes.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We provide nursery education for children aged 2 to 4 years, with dedicated rooms for different developmental stages.
Is your nursery Ofsted registered?
Yes, we are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and operate as a Local Authority Maintained Nursery School.
Do you offer Forest School sessions?
Yes, we have our own on-site Forest School with regular outdoor learning activities for all age groups.
How do you support children with special needs?
We have a dedicated SEND provision with specialist staff and resources tailored to individual requirements.
What are your operating hours?
Standard nursery hours with optional wraparound care available before sessions and during holidays.
How can parents get involved?
We encourage family participation through home learning resources, regular communication, and our learning community approach.
