Testimonials

Happy children mean happy parents. See what our parents have to say about us.

“Over the past year, there have been many changes at Friends. Change always leads to initial apprehension especially as we were very happy with ‘the way things used to be’. We specifically chose Friends as it is a forest nursery and loved the ethos behind it and so the jury was initially out on whether the changes would still be in keeping with our desire to keep our daughter as closely connected to nature as possible, something we inspire and encourage at home.

I can now say with confidence that the changes have really exceeded our expectations. The huge investment in the nursery has brought about some wonderful additions and we love hearing all the fabulous things she’s been up to. We especially love the new outdoor mud kitchen, all the beautiful wooden toys and role play areas and most recently the specially designed area for outside napping; music to our ears as our daughter loves camping and I can’t think of a better way to keep her close to nature and the benefits it brings.

She often chats about Friends at home which shows us how much she enjoys it. It may be hard to leave our little girl whilst we work but we are reassured that Friends is the best place for her to grow and learn in outside of her time with us. Thank you to all the staff at Friends!” Gemma Edwards

“Both my children have attended Friends Forest, so we’ve been at the nursery for 5 years now. Both my children have been extremely happy here and when we leave in September, I know we will miss the kindness and support of the staff. We’ve obviously seen many changes over the years, but all the staff the nursery attracts are caring and enthusiastic about the outdoors. We were attracted to the nursery by their Forest School and their focus on life-skills and it is wonderful to collect your child and hear about sitting around the fire and enjoying a hot chocolate.” Jessica Muirhead

“They are waiting for the days when they go to the nursery!”

“He loves all the extra curricular activities! He doesn’t stop talking about Forest School for hours (sometimes days!) after coming.”

“Thank you so much for the fantastic Graduation party you and the team hosted on Saturday, our son loved every second and was so happy getting to play such fun games with his friends.

I just wanted to say how amazing you and all the team have been at helping with his development and Just a massive Thankyou.”

“I just wanted to say a big congratulations!! What an amazing outcome. The report makes for fantastic reading and I’m sure you all worked really hard to achieve your outstanding result and I’m so pleased for you.

It was a massive deal for me to choose a nursery for Ellis, and to choose one which hadn’t been inspected yet is a lot of pressure. But I just knew I’d found something special with you guys and I’m so pleased this has now been confirmed by Ofsted. Ellis is a lucky boy to go to such a fab nursery so thank you, and really well done!!” Happy Parent

““My daughter has attended since she was 7 months old, she is now 4, and we are sad to soon be leaving behind such an incredible family to start school. Friends have provided my daughter with the very best start, not only have prepared her academically but also for the ‘what ifs’ and ‘hows’ extended beyond the classroom. All key workers have gone above expectations to keep the nursery/home link strong. Each having a true passion for their jobs. The equipment available to the children is always the latest, the food prepared is always delicious and the activities planned are always done so with thought and enthusiasm. I can only hope to have a similar network of staff and parents around us when school begins, I can only hope my daughter still skips into school each morning with that same huge ear to ear grin on her face in the way she currently does. I am forever grateful for everything Friends Forest Nursery have done for my daughter.” Julie Prentice

“My daughter started at Friends Nursery when she was 4 months old, she has been going there for a year now and I am so pleased with my choice. They have helped us both settle in to nursery life so well and my daughter is thriving. They update me on every pick up from how long she has slept, to what they have done that day and how many times her nappy was changed etc. The workers there are fantastic, they engage with the children and parents so well, working alongside each and every one with their milestones and development.

As a nervous mum for the first time choosing a nursery was hard, but from my first show round they have kept me informed me and updated on every little detail about what is going on and how my daughter is getting on.

I highly recommend Friends for a fun, friendly and family type of nursery, my daughter is so happy there!” Heather Nicolaides

“The staff at Friends Forest are what makes it amazing, as well as the setting and the activities the children do daily. Our daughter has progressed brilliantly since being at the nursery and we couldn’t be happier.” Colin R

“The staff are wonderful and my daughter is very happy, she especially loves the Forest School and playing with her friends. The preschool was very helpful and understanding in overcoming my daughter’s fussy eating and refusal to toilet train, working with us every step of the way; we can’t thank them enough.

There are always lots of activities and now the preschool has a chef, the food is fantastic and the chef teaches the children to bake bread and pizza, among other things. My daughter says that it’s also very good outside for playing “What’s The Time, Mr Wolf?”, which she highly recommends, and gives it two thumbs up!” Kirstean Stewart-Farmer

“The staff and management team at Friends do an excellent job of providing a warm, safe and stimulating place for my son. My son has been anxious about going to preschool and everyone has been very understanding of this. As a parent, you feel listened to and there are a number of different staff that you can talk with and discuss your child with.

We particularly love that the children are taken outdoors all the time, whatever the weather, so important! The children are also given a lot of responsibility to achieve things for themselves, which is really important.” Aleksa Glancy

“Both children have loved nursery from day one, I wish they could stay for an extra year!”

“Staff always make a point of checking what has been going on with us all, so they know what’s important and affecting him and us. This creates the two way trust that’s needed to ensure we feel he is in good hands.”

“Our shy, quite girl has developed into a confident, bubbly, curious pre-schooler, obsessed with identifying letters and “reading”. I couldn’t thank the team enough for their ongoing gentle support.”

“My children are emotionally and communicatively articulate. They are physically strong and able. most of all they are very happy.”

“Firstly I would like to thank you and your team for helping our son settle into nursery and continuing to take such good care of him. He seems genuinely happy which has been such a huge relief and comfort.”