Forest Friends Pre-School in Grotton, Saddleworth, is celebrating after receiving its first ever Ofsted report, which awarded the setting a "strong standard" rating in every category following an inspection in May. The nursery, which offers a unique forest school approach to early years education, was praised for its achievements, pupils' behaviour and welfare, the quality of teaching, inclusive practices, and leadership.

Inspectors noted that children at Forest Friends make good progress from their starting points, that they behave well and feel safe, and that staff provide a stimulating environment that encourages learning both indoors and outdoors. The report highlights how the forest school ethos - focusing on outdoor learning, play, and connection with nature - helps children develop confidence, resilience, and a love of exploration.

This first Ofsted report is a significant milestone for the nursery, which opened as a forest school pre-school and has quickly established itself as a valued part of the local early years landscape. Located in Grotton, the setting serves families from across the Oldham borough, including the nearby villages of Uppermill, Delph, and Dobcross, as well as the wider Saddleworth area.

The positive inspection outcome reflects the dedication of the team at Forest Friends, who have worked hard to create a caring, inclusive, and high‑quality learning environment. Parents can feel reassured that their children are receiving excellent care and early education in a setting that places strong emphasis on personal development, outdoor activity, and social skills.

As a forest school, Forest Friends adopts a child‑led approach to learning, with plenty of time spent outside in the natural surroundings of Grotton. This method is increasingly recognised for its benefits in building independence, teamwork, and a lasting appreciation of the outdoors. The Ofsted report acknowledges the effectiveness of this approach in supporting children's overall development.

Neighbouring early years providers and schools have also congratulated the nursery on its achievement. The report's strong ratings for teaching and leadership underline the priority given to staff development and the careful planning of activities that challenge and engage children from an early age.

For families in Oldham and Saddleworth looking for early years places, the glowing first report provides a clear indicator of quality. The nursery's success is a welcome addition to the range of strong early years options available in the area and demonstrates the benefits of embracing innovative educational models tailored to young children's needs.

Forest Friends Pre‑School's staff and management have expressed their delight at the report, which they see as confirmation of their commitment to providing the best possible start for local children. The setting now looks forward to building on this strong foundation as it continues to serve the community.