Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions from parents about our new Outdoor Nursery.
If your question isn't covered, feel free to get in touch by clicking here and scrolling down..
What will your opening hours be?
We are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 51 weeks per year. The nursery will close for one week before New Year.
We will initially be open Monday - Wednesday starting 01 September 2025. We plan to increase this to include Thursdays and Fridays by Spring 2026.
How will the day be structured?
Drop-off and pick-up take place at Grayshott Village Hall, providing a warm and dry indoor space to start and end the day.
From the hall, we take a 15-minute ‘adventure walk’ to our woodland site, following a public footpath after safely crossing Headley Road.
8:00 – 9:00 AM – Children arrive, get dressed, and prepare for their day outdoors.
9:00 AM – We head into the forest for a day of exploration, play, and learning.
3:30 – 4:00 PM – We return to the Village Hall (timing varies slightly with the seasons).
5:00 – 6:00 PM – Pick-up window at Grayshott Village Hall.
What ages do you accept?
We welcome children aged 2 to 5 years.
What about clothing? Will you provide kit?
Yes! As part of your registration fee, we provide a set of fleece-lined waterproofs to keep your child warm and dry all year round.
You will also receive a full seasonal kit list to ensure your child is dressed appropriately for all weather conditions.
Every child will be given a Hidden Valley hi-vis vest for safety.
What happens when it rains or gets really cold?
We embrace the weather! Inspired by Scandinavian forest schools—where children spend full days outdoors even in freezing conditions—we believe a little cold never stops big adventures!
Rain means puddle splashing, dam building, and mud pie making.
Chilly days bring frosty woodland explorations and discovering ice formations.
For extra warmth, we have a large bell tent with a wood-burning stove, cozy reading areas, soft rugs, and blankets. Our 10-metre basecamp also provides a fully covered, rainproof space for group activities, creative play, and storytelling.
Our Hidden Valley site is well-sheltered, but in rare cases of high wind warnings, we may need to temporarily close for safety. We will always provide advance notice, though we expect this to happen only a few times a year.
What about very hot weather?
We take sun safety seriously.
Children’s water bottles are refilled throughout the day, and we have clean drinking water available onsite.
Our site is naturally cool and shaded, thanks to a dense beech and oak canopy.
Due to our valley location, temperatures generally remain cool.