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Outstanding Early Years Education & Forest School in Warrington
Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School is Warrington's only Local Authority Maintained Nursery School, providing exceptional early years education for children aged 2 to 4. Our modern, accessible facility features extensive landscaped grounds and an on-site Forest School, offering immersive outdoor learning experiences. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, we combine high-quality resources with a dedicated team of fully qualified teachers and staff who specialise in early childhood development. We prioritise strong family partnerships, creating a collaborative learning community that supports each child's unique needs. Our curriculum integrates sensory play, creative exploration, and structured learning to nurture curiosity, imagination, and foundational skills.

With specialist provision for children with SEND, we ensure inclusive, tailored support for all learners. Our commitment to excellence extends to wraparound care, holiday provision, and guidance for parents through resources like our home learning activities and 30 Hours funding support. As part of Warrington's educational landscape since our establishment, we maintain strong local connections while upholding national standards of excellence. Our team's expertise in early years pedagogy ensures children receive a balanced foundation for future academic and personal success. We invite families to experience our nurturing environment firsthand through school visits and engagement with our comprehensive programmes.
Services
Early Years Education Forest School Provision SEND Support Home Learning Resources Wraparound Care Holiday Provision 30 Hours Funding Support Sensory Play Activities Water Play Activities Parental Guidance
Highlights and features
  • We are rated Outstanding by Ofsted for excellence in early years education.
  • Our team of highly qualified staff specialises in early childhood development.
  • We offer unique Forest School experiences for outdoor learning.
  • Dedicated specialist provision for children with SEND.
  • Strong partnerships with families to support child development.
Associations and certifications
  • Ofsted
Services
Early Years Education
Our Early Years Education programme delivers structured learning for children aged 2-4, following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. We focus on prime and specific areas of development including communication, physical skills, literacy, and mathematics. Our qualified teachers create tailored learning journeys that prepare children for future academic success while nurturing social and emotional growth through play-based activities.
Forest School Provision
Forest School Provision offers regular outdoor learning experiences in our dedicated natural environment. Children engage in hands-on activities that develop resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness. Our trained practitioners facilitate child-led exploration and risk assessment through structured play, ensuring safe yet challenging experiences that build confidence and physical coordination in a natural setting.
SEND Support
SEND Support provides tailored educational programmes for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Our specialist staff work closely with families and external professionals to create individualised learning plans. We offer dedicated resources and small-group settings to address specific developmental requirements while ensuring full integration with mainstream nursery activities when appropriate.
Home Learning Resources
Home Learning Resources offer guidance for parents to continue educational development at home. We provide activity ideas, sensory play instructions, and curriculum-aligned materials through our online platform. These resources strengthen the home-school connection by helping families reinforce learning objectives through everyday play and structured activities adapted to different age groups.
Wraparound Care
Wraparound Care provides flexible childcare before and after nursery sessions. Our supervised provision accommodates working families' schedules while maintaining a nurturing environment. The service includes structured activities and free play, ensuring continuity of care and social development outside standard nursery hours through a consistent team of qualified staff.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide nursery education for children aged 2, 3, and 4 years old through our main programme and specialist provision.
Do you offer SEND support?
Yes, we have dedicated specialist provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities, with tailored learning plans and resources.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is our outdoor learning programme where children explore nature, develop practical skills, and build confidence through structured outdoor activities.
How do you support home learning?
We provide sensory play ideas, activity guides, and curriculum-aligned resources through our website to help parents continue learning at home.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and operate as Warrington's only Local Authority Maintained Nursery School.
Do you offer extended childcare?
We provide wraparound care before and after nursery sessions to accommodate working families' schedules.
Reviews (5)
Zoey Turner
Jul 23, 2021 Report
The most outstanding nursery there is. My son was so lucky to spend a year before school in Rainbow room and we will truly miss them all so much. The staff are just truly wonderful and second to none. Thank you… for your support and your care you gave to not only George but to our family. George is ready to start his new adventure in school and that’s thanks to the amazing staff but myself well I wasn’t ready to leave yet. Thank you Sandy lane you have been amazing 🌈❤️
Donna Catterall
Jul 13, 2021 Report
Enjoyed the hour with kj at forest 🌳 school staff are amazing don’t know how you cope keeping him away from the fire 🔥 lol 😂 thanks for letting me go xx😁😃
Rachel Verdon
Jun 30, 2021 Report
Highly recommend Sandy lane to anyone. All of my 3 eldest children have attended here and I couldnt fault it one bit. The staff are amazing, and my son has learnt so much since being here. Especially in these weird and strange times , they have done there absolute best keeping everyone safe. Can’t praise you all enough xx
Kirsty Driver
Jun 25, 2021 Report
My little boy attended for 2 years in the rainbow room and it was just amazing. I was nervous about him starting but he loves it and has grown to be so curious, I am going to miss him attending here and I will miss the nursery ladies too. Thank you xx
Michelle Houghton
Jun 25, 2021 Report
Would like to thank every single one of u that have made Ashton’s experience at nursery a happy one he has met some friends for life and will be sad to be leaving u all thank u again he will miss u xx