Business Details
OFSTED Outstanding Child Care in St Ives
Meadow Lane Childrens Nursery is a purpose-built early years setting located on farmland in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Our approach combines the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum with the Reggio Emilia philosophy, prioritising child-led learning, outdoor exploration, and creative self-expression. We provide a unique environment with daily access to nature, an onsite farm, and Forest School sessions, fostering holistic development for children aged birth to five. Our qualified team, all DBS-checked, focuses on creating a nurturing space where curiosity and imagination drive learning.Recognised as an OFSTED Outstanding Provider, we have been shortlisted for multiple Nursery World Awards and offer bespoke professional development for educators. Our facilities include four themed classrooms and dynamic, interest-led learning environments that adapt to children's evolving needs. We believe in empowering lifelong learning through hands-on experiences, respect for nature, and collaborative discovery between staff and children.
Services
Early Years Education
Forest School Sessions
Professional Development
Animal Farm Activities
Outdoor Learning
Highlights and features
- We offer daily Forest School sessions in a unique farmland setting
- Our team holds DBS checks and specialist childcare qualifications
- We follow the Reggio Emilia approach with child-led learning
- Recognised as OFSTED Outstanding since our 2020 inspection
- Onsite farm provides hands-on animal care experiences
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Outstanding OFSTED rating
Award-winning practices
Innovative teaching methods
Beautiful natural setting
Dedicated staff
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Foundation Stage program delivers structured learning for children aged birth to five. We combine national curriculum standards with the Reggio Emilia philosophy, creating tailored experiences that develop core skills through play and exploration. Our approach nurtures cognitive, physical, and emotional growth in a stimulating, nature-rich environment.
Forest School Sessions
Daily Forest School activities utilise our farmland setting to promote nature-based education. Children engage in practical skills, environmental discovery, and risk assessment through supervised outdoor play. These sessions develop resilience, teamwork, and physical coordination while fostering appreciation for natural ecosystems and seasonal changes.
Professional Development
We offer bespoke training programs for childcare professionals based on our Reggio Emilia and Forest School practices. Training includes guided facility tours, staff workshops, and specialist modules on wellbeing, outdoor learning, and loose-parts play. Our multi-award-winning team shares expertise through hands-on demonstrations and reflective practice sessions.
Animal Farm Activities
Our onsite farm provides daily animal interaction opportunities for children. Under supervision, they learn responsible pet care through feeding, grooming, and observing livestock. These activities develop empathy, fine motor skills, and understanding of animal husbandry while creating memorable, multisensory learning experiences connected to food production and rural life.
Outdoor Learning
Year-round outdoor access allows free movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. Children explore our gardens, kitchen allotment, and farmland through self-directed play. This approach builds physical fitness, environmental awareness, and creative problem-solving skills while supporting mental wellbeing through regular contact with nature.
Questions
What age range do you cater for?
We provide care and education for children from birth to five years old.
What is your approach to learning?
We combine the Reggio Emilia philosophy with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, focusing on child-led exploration and outdoor learning.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks using produce from our kitchen garden where possible.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain regular communication through daily updates, termly reports, and parent-teacher meetings to support each child's development.
What safety measures are in place?
All staff are DBS checked with first aid training. Our secure site has controlled access and comprehensive child protection policies.
Can children with additional needs attend?
Yes, our inclusive setting supports children with various needs through individualised care plans and specialist training for staff.
