Bus Stop Pre-School and Forest School







What Parents Say…
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“We’ve had an absolutely wonderful experience at Bus Stop for both of our children. The nature-based learning environment has helped them be confident and comfortable in the outdoors. They’ve developed a deep connection to nature, and it’s amazing to see them teach me new facts about plants, bugs and the natural world when we’re out on our family walks. It’s like they’ve truly become little nature experts!
The School’s new fully outdoor location is so peaceful. I’ve had the chance to join the Friday Stay and Play sessions, and I’ve always felt calm and grounded as I settle my daughter in. I’ve also found that the short walk through the woods during drop-off and pick-up is such a lovely moment of reflection – almost like meditation that helps me reset during a busy workday.
One thing I really appreciate is how cosy and comfortable the children are in the daytime Bell tent. Despite being outdoors, they have never once complained of being cold, and it’s clear they feel snug and safe in their space.
We are so grateful for the growth our children have experienced here, the staff are absolutely fantastic and we highly recommend Bus Stop Pre-School & Forest School". Written by Nikki and Tim, January 2025.
“The wonders of nature and the hands-on opportunities has made our daughter resilient, confident and creative. This is testament to the efforts and experience of the team, who have really enhanced the educational experience. We cannot wait for our son to join his big sister soon!" Written by Jamie and Sophie, February 2025.
“Our daughter is now in her third year at Bus Stop, she looks forward to spending time at Nursery, often asking when she will next be there. She thrives in the outdoor and loves learning about her surroundings, how things grow and the wildlife that lives in the woodlands.
She has yet to complain about feeling cold and relishes the opportunity to explore Polesden Lacey and the surrounding community with her friends. As her parents we have felt truly lucky to have access to such a beautiful Nursery on our doorstep and appreciate the Bus Stop team for their support and care towards the children that attend”. Written by Mimsi and Alex, February 2025.
“Bus Stop Pre-School has provided such a wonderful, wholesome and nurturing environment for my son to learn and play in his pre School years. He has enjoyed walking the Polesden Lacey grounds with his Bus Stop friends and loves to explore the beautiful, natural environment around him guided by his lovely teachers.
Recently when visiting the Estate with friends, he found a (very large) stick; too big to bring home. After much debate about where to leave it, he told me the only place it would be safe would be Bus Stop school so his teachers could look after it for him. So, we walked all the way there so he could safely leave his stick somewhere for the teachers to find. It was so wonderful as a parent to know that Bus Stop is somewhere he feels safe, and that he clearly trusts his teachers if they were chosen to look after such a prized possession!!
We highly recommend Bus Stop Pre-School and cannot wait for our littlest to start there soon”. Written by Sam and Adam, February 2025.
"We have felt so lucky that both our children have enjoyed the unique forest school approach at Bus Stops. The days are filled with fun, nature, wholesome activities in a safe and secure environment. In an ever fast pacing, technology driven world, Bus Stops provides the most wonderful anecdote to this, in it's picturesque setting where children can run free and experience nature all day everyday.
Bus Stops provides the most wonderful pre school setting for any child, I honestly wouldn't have wanted my children to go anywhere else - I wish they could have stayed for their reception year". Written by Harriet & Ed, March 2025.
"Our decision to send our son to Bus Stop was an easy one - from the moment we walked through the doors, we knew it was where we'd send him - it's perfect!
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The setting itself is wonderful. The Bus Stop Team have lovingly built an idyllic camp for the children to play and learn. There are so many areas for them to use - sandpit, water area, construction site and more - all are designed to promote safe but exciting playing and learning. The children are taught how to stay safe around the camp fire and the tool space; we have always been so impressed that the staff enable the whole group to safely use real tools to craft their projects.
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The children are regularly taken out for 'wonder walks' around the Polesden Lacey estate. They do a range of activities on these walks that apply to the theme of the term, as well as enjoying climbing on logs, searching for animal tracks, rolling down hills and collecting natural materials for their crafting.
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Our son has thrived in his years at Bus Stop. He can walk for miles, has a genuine love for the outdoors, and looks forward to going to nursery every day. He is also so well prepared for starting school next year. We're very grateful to the Bus Stop team to have built such a truly beautiful space". Written by Rosie and Ollie, March 2025.
"We are so pleased to have access to a setting like bus stop. We are confident leaving our children in the care of the bus stop team, knowing they are safe and supported throughout the day. We love that the children’s time at bus stop is structured enough to teach routines but allows ample time to explore their own interests through free play in nature.
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I am kept well informed on my child’s development and it has been lovely to see them learn and improve their skills against the EYFS framework. Both my children who have attended the setting have benefited from the nurturing environment and have developed great resilience and a love and understanding of the natural world. The personal development both children have made has readied them for school without infringing on their Nursery free play experience". Written by Robyn and Charles, March 2025.
"My children have been attending Bus Stop for the last three years, they love it there. The staff really get to know the children individually and it has a real family feel to it. The outdoors setting is unique and special and gives the children the chance to explore the outdoors, listen to the birds and see the wildlife. From wander walks to see the baby lambs at Easter, to puddle hunting in the rain, to an elf rescue mission at Christmas, the team are so creative and never fail to deliver a fun day. I also know the team really care for the children and am told by my children that Kelly “checks their feet are warm” throughout the day. The setting really offers a chance for the children to be independent, (getting their waterproofs on themselves), explore and run around with their friends. My children especially love the dancing and singing sessions with Julie and crafting in the Bell Tent. My children always come home from Bus Stop happy and exhausted and always say they’ve had a lovely day". Written by Natalie and James, March 2025.
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