Forest Friends Childcare Billingham

To our Forest Friends families 🤍

As part of some important changes at Forest Friends, we have been reflecting on how we document and share children’s experiences online.

After careful consideration, we have made the decision to significantly reduce the use of identifiable photographs of children across our social media and wider online platforms.

This decision comes from our commitment to safeguarding and protecting children’s wellbeing in an increasingly digital world. Technology, including AI and facial recognition, continues to evolve rapidly and we believe our safeguarding practices should evolve alongside it.

We believe children deserve the opportunity to grow up with privacy, dignity and the freedom to decide for themselves what parts of their lives they wish to share online in the future.

This does not mean we will stop celebrating the beautiful learning that happens every day at Forest Friends.

Instead, our approach to documentation will become more intentional, focusing on learning experiences, environments, children’s creations, moments of discovery, muddy boots, tiny hands and the magic of childhood itself, rather than identifiable images of faces.

We are also reflecting on the wider culture of constant digital updates. In a world where every moment can feel expected to be photographed and shared, we believe childhood should still leave space for privacy, presence and genuine connection. Documentation should be meaningful, purposeful and respectful, not simply a daily online photo album.

Please be reassured that families will continue to receive personalised updates and identifiable photographs of their own child securely through iConnect, ensuring you remain connected to your child’s experiences, achievements and development.

We understand this may feel different for some families and we welcome open conversations and questions. As always, our responsibility is to place children’s safety, wellbeing and rights at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

With warmth,
The Forest Friends Team 🌿

Still Outstanding 💚

Following our recent Ofsted visit a few weeks ago, we’re so proud to share that our Billingham setting remains officially rated Outstanding.

The inspector praised just how happy and settled the children are, noting how they come through the door with huge smiles, excited to start their day — which says everything about the environment our team create.

They recognised the warm, nurturing relationships across the setting, where children feel safe, confident and truly at home.

It’s not just Ofsted either — even this week, other professional agencies have commented on what an amazing setting this is and how we are setting the standard high.

A huge well done to our incredible team 💚🌿

🌍💚 Our little hands can and WILL change the world! Happy Earth Day 💚🌿

Today (and every day), we celebrate the little moments — muddy boots, tiny hands planting seeds, curious minds exploring nature 🍃

Our children remind us that caring for the earth starts small… with wonder, respect, and a love for the world around us 🌎

Together, we’re growing the next generation of earth protectors 🌱
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🌿 Meet the Team – Julie & Gary 🌿
At the heart of Forest Friends Childcare is something really special… family 💚

Julie and Gary, our Directors, bring a deep sense of care, values, and togetherness that runs throughout everything we do. As parents of our Managing Director, their influence has helped shape Forest Friends into the warm, nurturing, and community-led environment it is today.

Their support goes far beyond the day-to-day — helping to create strong foundations, a clear vision, and a setting where both children and staff feel truly valued and supported 🌱

You may not always see them in the rooms, but their presence is felt in the ethos, the environment, and the family feel that makes Forest Friends so unique.

We’re so proud to have such strong family roots at the centre of our journey 💚

🌿 We’re Hiring – SEN Practitioner 🌿
📍 Billingham Setting
🕒 15 hours per week (with potential for additional hours)

At Forest Friends Childcare, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, be understood and feel a true sense of belonging 💚
We are looking for a passionate and dedicated SEN Practitioner to support children with additional needs within our nurturing, inclusive environment.

✨ About the role:
This is a meaningful role where you will work closely with children on a 1:1 basis or through targeted interventions, supporting their individual development in line with their needs, support plans and EHCP outcomes.

✨ What we’re looking for:
•⁠ ⁠Minimum Level 2 Early Years Qualification
•⁠ ⁠Experience supporting children with SEND (or strong willingness to develop)
•⁠ ⁠A calm, patient and nurturing approach
•⁠ ⁠Strong communication and teamwork skills
•⁠ ⁠A genuine passion for making a difference in children’s lives

🌿 This is more than a role — it’s an opportunity to be part of a setting where relationships, wellbeing and individuality are at the heart of everything we do.
As demand for SEN support continues to grow, there is potential for additional hours within the setting.

📩 For more information or to apply, please send your CV to [email protected]

🌿 Meet the Team – Big Bears 🐻
In our Big Bears room, we’re supporting children as they get ready for their next big step… school ✨

This is where confidence grows, independence shines, and little personalities really come to life 💫

Our children are encouraged to think for themselves, build strong friendships, and develop the skills they’ll carry with them into their next chapter 💚

Our wonderful team are there every step of the way — guiding, supporting and celebrating each child as a capable, curious learner 🌱

Swipe to see some of the lovely faces from our Big Bears team ✨
(Alongside them we also have Ryan who supports within this room day to day 💚)

No such thing as your average day at Forest Friends Billingham… 🦎✨
Recently, the children had a very special visitor… a bearded dragon!

There were lots of curious faces, gentle hands and plenty of “wow!” moments as the children experienced something a little different up close 💚

Opportunities like this spark curiosity, build confidence and create meaningful learning experiences that the children will remember 🌿

Because at Forest Friends… no two days are ever the same ✨

🐻💚 Little Bears (2–3 years)
Where confidence grows, friendships deepen and little voices are truly heard ✨

Our Little Bears room is full of personality, laughter and those lovely moments where children begin to show who they are 🌿

It’s a space where independence is gently encouraged, curiosity is celebrated and every day brings something new to discover 💛

What makes this team so special is the energy they bring — they embrace the fun, the chaos and the calm in equal measure, creating a space that feels both exciting and secure ✨

They meet children exactly where they are, supporting their emotions, celebrating their achievements and building strong, trusting relationships every step of the way 💚

👉 Swipe to meet the amazing team behind our Little Bears room 🐻

Some words just say it all… 💚

Through the eyes of a child, Forest Friends is more than just a nursery - it’s a place of love, belonging and growing confidence 🌿

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🐣🌿 Happy Easter from all of us at Forest Friends 💚

We hope everyone has had a lovely Easter and enjoyed the long bank holiday weekend with family, fun and a few chocolate treats along the way 🍫✨

We are back open tomorrow for our half term children and can’t wait to hear all about your adventures, special moments and what the Easter Bunny brought 🐰💛

See you all soon for another week of fun, learning and memory making 🌿