Semantic Coherence: Friends Forest Nursery Ash – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

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Welcome to Friends Forest Nursery Ash

Friends Forest Nursery Ash is an Ofsted rated Outstanding Nursery with a difference.
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FRIENDS FOREST NURSERY IS a Nursery with a difference

We are open full-time from 8:00am – 6:00pm caring for children from 3 months to 5 years.
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Call Today to Book Your One-to-One Visit

Situated in the Surrey Hills, our Forest School Nursery inspires children with our hands-on approach to learning both indoors and out.
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We are moving to a new space!

This April we are moving to a new building:Manor Coach HouseChurch HillAldershot, GU12 4JU
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[H2] A well prepared & stimulating learning environment

At Friends Forest Nursery Ash We Work In Partnership With Parents To Achieve The Best Possible Outcomes For All The Children In Our Care. Our high-quality service ensures children develop socially, intellectually, culturally, physically and emotionally in a homely, caring and secure environment.

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Learning Through Play

Our main aim is to provide a secure and happy environment where children can learn through play.

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Forest School

Our Forest School approach inspires children through positive outdoor experiences. We encourage children to discover, explore, observe and question what they find in their outdoor environment.

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Settling In

Your first settling in sessions will give you and your child an opportunity to get to know your child’s Key Person.

[H2] Above and Beyond Educational Experiences

We offer a range of unique educational experiences which enable children to become successful, lifelong learners including:

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Call Today to Book Your One-to-One Visit

[H2] Our Happy Parents

"My son joined Friends nursery when he was around 10 months old back in 2018, we picked the setting because when visiting it instantly felt like a welcoming and safe environment where staff clearly cared about the children, we were also attracted by the focus on being outside exploring as much as possible and offering 2 hot home cooked meals a day. Having been around the setting for the past 5 years it has surpassed all our expectations and I regularly recommend it to others in the community. "

Parent

"Leaving your children in any setting away from family is a tough decision but we have no doubts that Friends is offering them the best start in life. This is evidenced by how they have always run in every morning and get excited to leave home when they know it’s a nursery day, often not wanting to leave the fun at the end of the day. We love the independence that’s encouraged from an early age with simple tasks like getting their own breakfasts and walking safely independently off site and family will often comment on how confident and capable they are for their age as a result of this."

Parent

"My son stayed at the nursery 4 days a week until he started school and made many friends with both children and staff, his younger sister now attends 4 days a week and will do until school age, I find it lovely that he still enjoys going back to see everyone and regularly talks fondly of his memories there; from cooking and crafts to forest walks."

Parent

"Another massive positive is the child led learning that takes place; when they get interests these are always encouraged and they are allowed to follow that curiosity. For example when my oldest became interested in the world and realised there were other countries I picked him up to find a poster up with his key worker helping them to think of as many different countries as possible."

Parent

"More recently my youngest is fixated on all things aeroplanes and I often turn up to find the staff in her room helping her to spot them in the sky and expand her language around the topic. Small things like this that tailor the plan for the day to the child’s passions mean so much to the child, it creates a home from home where they learn without realising and I know the effort is massively appreciated by the parents."

Parent

"Although we’ve been lucky to have a pretty smooth journey with both of ours so far if there have ever been concerns around development all staff are approachable and we’re able to work as a team to give a consistent message and support the child to quickly work through any issues.
Forest Friends Nursery is amazing. And so is each and every staff member."

Parent

"The nursery itself is run fantastically and I have never had a concern or a worry that my children won’t be safe. The staff are thorough and excellent with checking things e.g questions about my daughter’s & son’s allergy, if they have a bump or a graze."

Parent

"There is not a single of member of staff (including bank staff) whom I have not found helpful, accommodating or friendly. Each staff member appears to have their own strength/interest as well as all other required skills. My children thrive here and I will be really sad when they eventually leave to go to school."

Parent

"I have had the absolute pleasure of sending my son to this exceptional nursery since he was just 9 months old, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the experience. From the baby room to the toddler room, every aspect of this nursery has exceeded my expectations. First and foremost, the staff members are the heart and soul of this place. They are not just caregivers; they are kind, caring, and incredibly empathetic individuals who treat every child as if they were their own. It's evident that they love what they do, and their passion shines through in the warm and nurturing atmosphere they create."

Parent

[H2] About Friends Forest Nursery Ash

At Friends Forest Nursery Ash We Work In Partnership With Parents To Achieve The Best Possible Outcomes For All The Children In Our Care.

[H2] About Friends Forest Nursery Ash

Our high-quality service ensures children develop socially, intellectually, culturally, physically and emotionally in a homely, caring and secure environment.Our environment and development programmes are tailored for each age range, providing a range of creative activities including, languages, early computer skills and emergent reading and writing to help the children develop, and prepare them for their next steps in education. Our programme meets the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum and the Guildford Borough Local Authority funding requirements.We know that fabulous staff make a great Nursery and we pride ourselves on having a highly qualified, trained and skilled team.  Staff are encouraged and supported in developing their skills by studying for higher level Childcare qualifications. All staff undertake mandatory training in Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Health, Fire and Food Safety.

[H2] Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award

Taking care of our staff and their wellbeing is of prime importance to us. We are proud to have been honoured with a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award, being ranked 14th in the whole of the UK. The Employees’ Choice Awards recognises the Best Places to Work in 2020, and is based solely on the input of employees, who elect to provide feedback on their jobs, work environments and companies on Glassdoor, one of the world’s largest job and recruiting sites.

Taking care of our staff and their wellbeing is of prime importance to us. We are proud to have been honoured with a Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award, being ranked 14th in the whole of the UK. The Employees’ Choice Awards recognises the Best Places to Work in 2020, and is based solely on the input of employees, who elect to provide feedback on their jobs, work environments and companies on Glassdoor, one of the world’s largest job and recruiting sites.

[H2] Our Nursery Manager

Hello, My name is DanielleI am the manager of friends forest nursery. After returning from maternity leave to resume my role of senior nursery practitioner, I was presented the opportunity to become Manager of this beautiful, outstanding setting.After training alongside our previous manager, who worked amazingly well to get us back to back outstanding, I have a clear vision to remain consistent with the learning opportunities and the outstanding care our setting provides.My aim as a manager is to ensure your child has the best start in life and working with my wonderful team who have a remarkable impact on that. Our intention is to ensure your child leaves Friends Ash being confident communicators, show independent life skills, be creative thinkers, curious explorers and be in touch with feelings and build strong bonds.I look forward to meeting you soon!

[H2] Above and Beyond Educational Experiences

Our approach goes above and beyond the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to foster deep level learning and optimise potential.
We offer a range of unique educational experiences which enable children to become successful, lifelong learners including:

Wake up & Shake Up
Cooking Stations
Chatter Box Sessions
Garden Champions
Chatter Approach

Wake up & Shake Up
At our nursery, children over two years of age take part in a fun fitness session every day at around 9:00am, and younger children are invited to join in with the session if they wish to do so. This exciting five-minute session is part of our Nursery’s everyday routine and ensures children’s brains are engaged, and they are alert and ready to learn.Research has shown that when children are carrying out cross-lateral movements, this encourages the two sides of the brain to communicate. In turn, this strengthens the nerve-cell pathways linking both sides of the brain, making it easier for children to learn and absorb information and skills from activities. Other benefits of exercise for children include, healthy heart and lungs, strengthening of muscles and bones, as well as providing relaxation and developing co-ordination.The Wake Up and Shake Up songs which accompany these sessions, encourage health and well-being and link in with the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning, particularly Physical Development and Communication and Language – both prime areas of learning for young children.Music and movement sessions teach children to move with control and confidence whilst encouraging them to become more aware of the space around them. It also provides the opportunity for children to learn about their bodies and what they can do.
Cooking Stations
Cooking in the Early Years is a great, fun experience which offers a wealth of learning and development.The cooking activities offer cross curricular learning across all seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage and because children enjoy the experience so much, they are not even aware they are learning new skills. The activity is a sensory experience often using all the five-senses making it a more engaging and truly memorable experience.Cooking also gives children knowledge on healthy food options, exploring where food comes from instigates a wide discussion.The cooking station is an experience that is on offer at all parts of the day. Practitioners will plan to cook with the children, but children are also encouraged to be independent and choose when they wish to cook. This might be once a week or every day.Regular cookery sessions at the Nursery will also give them valuable self-help skills whilst cooking delicious recipes that can be shared with parents.  Some of skills children will acquire whilst cooking are listed below:Promote good hygiene before beginning such as cleaning tables and washing handsEncouraging children to name the ingredients and discuss where it has come from or how it grows; understanding the farm to fork experiencesEncouraging children to weigh out their own ingredientsTeaching children skills such as how to cut safely or how to crack an eggTalking about what is happening as you mix the ingredients together, noticing cause and effectUsing exploration language about the textures and smell, encouraging children to explore, actively learn and to critically think for themselves
Chatter Box Sessions
Our older children are encouraged to construct and make their own ‘Chatter Box’ at home by collecting a few of their favourite items and placing them in a shoe box or something similar in shape and size. The box is decorated at home with the parent or carer and then brought into the nursery.In small groups, with their Key Person, children are encouraged to share the contents of their ‘Chatter Box’ with their peers. This activity is always undertaken in small groups to allow each child in the group a turn to discuss a few of their items. All children will be given the chance to ask questions and participate in conversations within the group.Taking part in ‘Chatter Box’ time will encourages children to listen to their peers which helps develop their attention and concentration skills.The vocabulary a child uses when describing their special items will extend to reflect the breadth of their experiences. This activity also enables children to organise, sequence and clarify their thinking, ideas, feelings and events. Children will be encouraged to express themselves, whilst showing awareness of the group’s listeners and needs, whilst using past, present and future forms of language.Our ‘Chatter Boxes’ encourage and enable the older children to speak confidently in a friendly and secure situation, whilst initiating conversations and forming good relationships with others. These are all skills which are required for school readiness and which will help to ensure a smooth transition for your child when they start their Reception year
Garden Champions
Children today, have an ever-growing curiosity about the outside world, where foods come from and how they grow. Garden Champions is our own bespoke gardening activity. This activity extends children’s knowledge of the outdoor environment, habitats, caring for living things, growth cycles and growing vegetation outdoors. Our Garden Champion activities are an effective method of harnessing our children’s curiosity in this area and shaping their understanding of the world around them.Our nursery has a nominated ‘Garden Champion’ who attends regular training sessions to further develop their own knowledge and skills, enabling them to bring back to nursery, a range of seasonal activities which can be carried out with the children. This is not simply an activity of planting grass seeds in a pot, but is in fact an opportunity for children to make use of real-life gardening tools and equipment to prepare an area, sow seeds, tend to vegetation and harvest their produce at the end of the process. The use of these tools further extends the children’s knowledge and understanding of how to manage their own risk, handle tools carefully, and keep themselves safe in an outdoor environment. Our children always complete their own visual risk assessment of the area, with the support of a practitioner, and decide for themselves if it is an appropriate and safe time to complete their activity. If the children decide it is not, they will then discuss what can be done to make it so.Aside from developing knowledge of plant life and what is needed to promote healthy growth of their garden, our children also gain an understanding of agriculture, farming and the food chain, through a wide range of extension opportunities, both inside and outside of the classroom.Fruits and vegetables grown are picked and prepared by the children, alongside the nursery chef, who will then factor them into the menu for that day. This provides children with the ‘garden to plate’ experience, a fundamental aspect of supporting them in being able to make informed choices about the foods they put into their bodies.Our nursery is registered with the Royal Horticultural Society and has achieved their RHS accreditation.
Chatter Approach
Our nursery features a ‘Chatter Approach’ in the walk up to, or reception area of the building. The chatter approach is designed to promote each child’s communication and language development through a series of visual prompts they can explore. These may include a range of images, questions or small challenges to complete and share with their peers/key person within the setting.

[H2] Take a look around...

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[H2] Contact Us

Our nursery is conveniently situated for both local residents and commuters with easy access to the the A331.  We are located next to Manor Ash School which offers free parking for parents.

Friends Forest Nursery, Manor Road, ASH GU12 6QH

01252 405544

7:30am – 6:30pm Monday – Friday

[H2] Send us a message

[H2] Information for parents

At Friends Forest Nursery Ash, we know that choosing a Nursery for your child is a huge decision. We also know that this may be a completely new experience for you and as such some of the terminology such as ‘The EYFS’ and ‘Early Years Funding’ may be unfamiliar to you. Please contact us to answer any questions you may have.

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Funded Childcare

Funded Childcare

[H2] Learn more about funding

A maximum of 30 hours funded childcare is available for all children from working families +9 months.15 hours universal funding is available for all 3- and 4-year-olds.Some two-year-olds are also eligible for additional funded hours too if you are in receipt of extra support. Please contact your early years team or Family Information Service at your local council if you think you might be entitled.All funding is ‘Term Time Only’ for 38 weeks of the year –30 hours x 38 weeks = 1,140 hours15 hours x 38 weeks = 570 hours We stretch our funding over 51 weeks, giving 11.18 / 22.35 hours per week, 47.5 / 95.0 hours per month.Our non-funded nursery billing is calculated over 52 weeks, with the cost spread equally over 12 monthly bills.

[H2] Applying for funding

Visit Gov.UK to apply for your childcare account. You will need information about yourself, your partner if you live together, are married or are in a civil partnership, as well as about your child.
If successful you will be given a code to pass on to your childcare provider.
The code will need renewing every three months to remain valid.

[H2] When to apply for Funding

A child born on or between:Eligibility Codes obtained byEarliest +9 months working family startReturn to work byEarliest 2-year-old (additional government support) and 3/4-year-old (universal) start1 January and 31 March31 December1 January following year from birth31 January following year from birthSummer term once 31 April and 30 June31 March following year from birth1 April following year from birth30 April following year from birthAutumn term once 31 July and 30 November31 August following year from birth1 September following year from birth30 September following year from birthAutumn term once 31 December and 31 December31 December following year from birth1 January two years following birth31 January two years following birthSpring term once 3

[H2] What is included in the Funded Hours

The Government only funds the delivery of EYFS in the funded hours attended, except for 2-year-olds who receive extra support.

[H2] What is excluded from the Funded Hours

All food and snacks as well as other consumables such as nappies, wipes, protective clothing, protective creams, Calpol etc.Any additional activities the nursery provides over and above the delivery of EYFS – full details of our current term’s offerings are available from your nursery manager as they can vary each term.Any additional hours and sessions required over and above the funded hours.These excluded items are voluntary and only provided at your request.

[H2] When is funding delivered

We deliver our funded hours in specific funded sessions, two sessions every day 10.33-14.16 and 14.16-18.00. Six sessions over three days will ensure you receive 22.35 funded hours per week, 51 weeks of the year or 95 hours per month.

[H2] I would like to have all activities, food and consumables provided during my funded hours, how much will this cost?

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[H2] I would like more information

Please discuss with your nursery manager who will talk you through the nursery’s terms and conditions as well as our fee and funding policy or alternatively visit www.beststartinlife.gov.uk to answer any generic questions you may have about funded childcare.

[H2] Curriculum

A well prepared and stimulating learning environment

We incorporate all seven areas of learning into the early years curriculum, ensuring the children have a well prepared, inviting, and stimulating environment.  Staff provide a range of activities to cater for children’s individual interests and development needs, working towards the Early Years’ Outcomes – Early Learning Goals, across all areas of the curriculum.At Friends Forest Nursery Ash, we operate a Key Person system.  Your child will have an individual Key Person who will observe progress and development. The Key Person approach gives every child the reassurance to feel secure and cared for, helping them to become familiar with the Nursery environment and to feel confident and safe within it.We recognise every child’s individuality, efforts and achievements and believe that strong, secure relationships between adults and children are crucial for your child’s development.

[H2] Key Person

The Key Person meets the needs of each child in their care and responds sensitively to their feelings, ideas and behaviour. They offer security, reassurance and continuity and are usually the one to support and soothe their key children where needed. They are in the best position to understand children’s individual needs and to share information with parents about their child’s experiences in Nursery.

When leaving the nursery, the holistic recordings of your child’s learning and development journey will be yours to keep and treasure for years to come

[H2] Online Memories

Children’s learning and development is tracked online, parents  have a personal log in to see their child’s progression and pictures to support their learning. We follow our nursery curriculum and development matters. We ask parents to have a huge involvement in their child’s learning and development, we love to see what experiences the children have when away from nursery, we then can reflect with the children on recent or past experiences.

[H2] What are prime and specific areas?

The statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (DFE, 2017) focuses on how your child learns and what adults can do to encourage that learning. It identifies three prime areas, which are considered to be fundamental through the EYFS, and four specific areas which include essential skills and knowledge and provide important contexts for learning.Ongoing assessment plays a very important part in recognising and understanding what a child needs. It involves practitioners observing your child to understand their level of achievement, interests and learning styles.

[H2] The three PRIME areas are:

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Personal, Social & Emotional Development

involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

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Physical Development

involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

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Communication and Language

involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

[H2] The four SPECIFIC areas are:

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Literacy Development

involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

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Mathematics

involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting; understanding and using numbers; calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces and measures.

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Understanding the World

involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

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Expressive Arts and Design

involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play and design and technology.

[H2] Well balanced nutritional meals

Good nutrition is essential during childhood, as it is a time of rapid growth, development and activity. This is also a vital time for healthy tooth development and prevention of decay. General eating habits and patterns are formed in the first few years of life. A nutritious diet, together with good hydration, provides your child with good eating habits for life, healthy skin, a healthy weight, secure emotional well-being, and improved behaviour.The nursery staff have a key role in introducing young children to a wide variety of foods and establishing a pattern of regular meals and healthy snacks. Eating is about more than food, it is a social event too, and nursery staff join your child’s mealtimes. Staff encourage interaction between the children, good table manners and the development of social skills. Staff are also on hand to support and assist, if needed.Your child’s transition to solid foods can be challenging. We will work with you during the weaning period to ensure you are fully leading the next stage of your child’s development with their meals. The arrangements for children’s meals and snacks will, of course, be dependent on your child’s sessions whilst attending the nursery. The Nursery Manager will discuss this information with you before your child starts at the nursery.

[H2] Meal times

Meal and snack times are an important part of our daily routine across all age groups. Children take an active role in the preparation of snacks, and, with adult support, serve themselves at lunch time. In our older age rooms, children take it in turns to set tables and then work together to clear away at the end of a meal. This enhances the development of social skills by helping to increase children’s confidence, self- esteem, independence and decision making skills, and is the next step for school readiness.

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Our nursery chef

Hayley, our nursery chef has a Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality and is passionate about preparing healthy and delicious food for our children. Hayley prepares all our meals fresh on the premises each day and loves to see the children enjoying the meals she has prepared.

[H2] Our menus

To give every parent peace of mind, our seasonal menus are nutritionally well balanced. They rotate on a four-week cycle and are prepared by our qualified chefs to ensure we meet all children’s dietary and cultural needs, as well as exploring different tastes at mealtimes.

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Menu : week 1

TAKE A LOOK

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Menu : week 3

TAKE A LOOK

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Menu : week 2

TAKE A LOOK

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Menu : week 4

TAKE A LOOK