Business Details
2 Years
experience
Trusted Forest School Nursery in Midsomer Norton
Established in 2024, Free Rangers Forest School Nursery is a family-led childcare provider rooted in three generations of farming heritage. Our approach prioritises outdoor learning through nature-based experiences, aligning with Forest School principles to foster children's emotional, social, and physical development. With a team of qualified educators and a purpose-built facility on a 20-acre farm site, we offer immersive childcare from birth to age 5. Our staff maintain enhanced DBS checks and paediatric first aid qualifications, operating beyond statutory staff-child ratios to ensure safety and individual attention.The nursery's curriculum integrates sustainable practices, animal interaction, and risk-assessed outdoor exploration, supported by purposefully designed spaces including meadows, woodlands, and sensory gardens. We maintain OFSTED registration EY441642 and adhere to rigorous safeguarding protocols, including controlled access systems and password-protected collection procedures. Our fees structure accommodates government funding while maintaining high-quality resources and locally sourced meals, with flexible payment options including childcare vouchers and tax-free payments.
Services
Forest School
Childcare
Outdoor Education
Animal Interaction
Sustainable Learning
Risk Assessment Training
Garden Exploration
Wildlife Studies
Nature Play
Parent Consultations
Details
- Year established: 2024
Highlights and features
- OFSTED-registered nursery with enhanced DBS-checked staff
- Forest School approach delivered by qualified practitioners
- Three-generation family heritage in outdoor education
- 20-acre farm site with purpose-designed learning spaces
- Sustainable practices integrated into daily curriculum
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
Services
Forest School
Our Forest School programme delivers nature-based education through hands-on outdoor experiences. Children develop risk management skills while exploring 20 acres of farmland, woodlands, and meadows. Qualified practitioners facilitate learning through natural resources and seasonal wildlife observation.
Childcare
Full-time childcare provision for children aged 0-5 with age-specific groupings and key person systems. Staff maintain enhanced DBS checks and paediatric first aid qualifications, operating beyond statutory staff-child ratios for personalised attention.
Animal Interaction
Daily animal encounters with ducks, chickens, alpacas, pigs, and ponies form part of our curriculum. Children learn animal care routines and observe natural behaviours in purpose-designed enclosures within our secure 20-acre site.
Sustainable Learning
Sustainability principles are integrated through gardening activities, waste management practices, and eco-conscious routines. Children participate in growing produce and learn about environmental stewardship through practical outdoor experiences.
Risk Assessment Training
Structured risk assessment sessions teach children to identify and manage risks in natural environments. Activities include fire lighting, tool use, and outdoor survival skills under qualified supervision, promoting confidence and decision-making abilities.
People
Charlotte Welton
Founder
Third-generation custodian of Welton Manor Farm, Charlotte established Free Rangers to combine family agricultural heritage with modern educational principles. She champions nature connection and sustainable learning practices.
Jessica Kendrick
Nursery Manager
With childcare qualifications and extensive inclusion expertise, Jessica has shaped Free Rangers' learning environment since inception. She advocates for child-centred education and oversees safeguarding protocols.
Tanya
Head of Admissions
Tanya manages admissions processes and family onboarding with meticulous attention to detail. She coordinates tour scheduling and session availability for prospective families.
Laura
Head of Accounts
Former global corporate finance professional Laura administers funding structures and financial operations, helping families navigate government childcare subsidies and payment systems.
Michelle
SENCo & Inclusion Lead
Specialist in supporting children with additional needs, Michelle provides tailored educational strategies across pre-school groups while maintaining inclusive outdoor learning environments.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We provide childcare for children from birth to 5 years old, with age-specific groupings including Cubs, Buzzy Bees, Slow Worms, and Pre-school.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have Level 3 childcare qualifications or are working towards them through apprenticeships. They maintain enhanced DBS checks and paediatric first aid certifications.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm and Friday 8am-5pm, 50 weeks annually with closures for Easter and Christmas weeks.
How do you handle child safety?
We implement password-protected collection systems, controlled entry access, external CCTV, and regular fire drills. Staff maintain current first aid qualifications and risk assessments.
What payment options are available?
We accept BACS transfers, standing orders, childcare vouchers, and tax-free childcare payments. Invoices are due by the 15th of each month.
Do you offer government-funded places?
Yes, we provide government-subsidised spaces and assist families with navigating childcare funding structures through our accounts department.
Reviews (1)
Sarah Coombs Hill
Sep 01, 2018
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Both my boys have been to free rangers and absoloutley loved it here. They grew in confidence, found a huge love for the outdoors and fire building. Amazing loving staff that allowing kids to use their imagination in play and building them to well rounded young boys.I cant thank this nursery enough for the experience they have had and how ready they are for their next stage. absoloutley recommend to anyone ♥️
