Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Ruislip
Established in 1992 by co-owners Debbie Gumm and Carol Hrano, Woodlands Day Nursery combines over five decades of collective childcare expertise with a deep understanding of parental needs. Our approach prioritises children's emotional, intellectual, and physical development through carefully designed play-based learning experiences. With a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 and fully qualified, CRB-checked team members, we maintain rigorous safety and educational standards. Our OFSTED Outstanding-rated facility features structured daily routines, themed celebrations, and a unique OPAL assessment system that fosters individual growth. We operate 51 weeks annually in a secure, purpose-designed environment with both indoor and outdoor learning spaces.Our menu provides nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site, accommodating all dietary requirements. Through regular parent consultations and digital updates via the Blossom app, we maintain strong family partnerships. The nursery's philosophy stems from our founders' dual perspective as both professional childcare providers and mothers themselves. Our curriculum, aligned with EYFS guidelines, focuses on developing key life skills through interactive activities and environmental exploration. With two decades of continuous operation in Ruislip, we remain committed to providing a nurturing 'home away from home' for local families.
Services
Full Time Sessions
School Day Care
Extended Hours
Early Years Education
Parent Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 50 years combined experience in nursery management and childcare
- OFSTED Outstanding-rated for educational quality and safety standards
- Fully qualified staff with ongoing professional development
- Proven OPAL assessment system tracking individual child development
- Daily fresh, nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Loving care
First friendships
Prompt updates
Nutritious food
Creative spaces
Services
Full Time Sessions
Our full-time childcare service operates Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, offering comprehensive care and educational activities for children aged 2-5 years. With structured routines including circle time, outdoor play, and themed learning experiences, our OFSTED Outstanding-rated program supports holistic development. The service includes nutritious home-cooked meals and regular parent updates through the Blossom app.
Early Years Education
Delivered through play-based curriculum aligned with EYFS guidelines, our educational program focuses on developing key skills through interactive activities. Using the OPAL assessment system, we track individual progress in areas like communication, independence, and social skills. Daily activities include literacy development, creative play, and environmental exploration tailored to children's interests and developmental needs.
Parent Consultations
We maintain strong parent partnerships through regular consultations and digital updates via the Blossom app. Our Spotlight assessment system involves parents in their child's development reviews, offering three communication options: in-person meetings, phone calls, or written responses. This collaborative approach ensures consistent support for each child's learning journey both at nursery and home.
Special Dietary Meals
Our on-site kitchen provides freshly prepared meals meeting all dietary requirements and allergens. The weekly menu features balanced nutrition with vegetarian alternatives, including breakfast, lunch, and tea. Qualified staff ensure proper food hygiene standards while teaching children healthy eating habits through supervised mealtimes that encourage independence and social interaction.
Outdoor Learning
Children access secure outdoor play areas daily, with activities designed to develop physical skills and environmental awareness. The garden space supports our OPAL curriculum through nature exploration, seasonal learning, and structured play sessions. Staff facilitate outdoor learning experiences that complement indoor activities, promoting holistic development through varied sensory experiences in our purpose-designed external environment.
People
Debbie Gumm
Owner/Manager
With over 25 years' experience in nursery management, Debbie holds NNEB Level 3 and NVQ Management qualifications. As a former local authority nursery officer and registered childminder, she brings extensive operational expertise to Woodlands Day Nursery.
Carol Hrano
Owner/Manager
Carol has dedicated her career to early years education since obtaining her NNEB qualification. With seven years' experience in local authority nurseries and management training, she co-founded Woodlands Day Nursery to combine professional expertise with parental understanding.
Laura Gumm
Deputy Manager
Laura has served Woodlands since 2006, holding a Level 3 Childcare Diploma. She specialises in child development assessments and curriculum planning, ensuring each child's learning journey meets OFSTED standards and individual needs.
Diana Lowman
Senior Practitioner
A founding team member with NNEB and NVQ Level 3 qualifications, Diana supervises daily operations while maintaining hands-on childcare responsibilities. Her expertise spans over three decades in early years education.
Chelsey Pritchard
Childcare Practitioner
Chelsey has worked at Woodlands since 2010, holding a Level 3 Children & Young People's Workforce Diploma. She focuses on key person responsibilities and developmental activity planning for 2-5 year olds.
Questions
What childcare sessions do you offer?
We provide Full Time (8am-5:30pm), Extended Full Day (8am-6pm), School Day (9:30am-4:30pm), Morning (8am-1pm), and Afternoon (12:30pm-5:30pm) sessions.
Is Woodlands Day Nursery OFSTED registered?
Yes, we hold an OFSTED Outstanding rating since December 2018, reflecting our exceptional teaching standards and child safety practices.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff are qualified or working towards qualifications with regular childcare training. Positions require NNEB, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent early years certifications.
How do you handle children's meals?
We prepare fresh, balanced meals daily including vegetarian options. Our kitchen staff hold Level 2 Food Hygiene certification and accommodate all dietary requirements.
How do parents stay informed about their child's progress?
We use the Blossom app for daily updates and Spotlight assessments twice yearly, involving parents in their child's developmental reviews through multiple communication channels.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Our secure garden provides daily outdoor play with weather-appropriate activities. Children access both indoor and outdoor learning spaces throughout each day.
