Enchanted Wood Nursery, Essex 

Growing through play and nature

A purpose-built nursery designed to support early learning through space, daylight, and direct access to nature.

Located within the grounds of The Deanes School in Essex, Enchanted Wood Nursery replaces a 1960s facility with a purpose-designed, contemporary setting for early years education.

By relocating the nursery closer to adjacent woodland, the new building offers a richer, more connected environment for exploration and play — supporting improved outcomes for children, families, and the wider community.

Designed for Young Learners

The 43-place nursery is arranged around four bright, spacious classrooms, each with:

  • Natural daylight and passive ventilation

  • High ceilings for a sense of openness and calm

  • Direct access to secure, age-appropriate outdoor play areas

Internal spaces are designed to be flexible and easily supervised, encouraging both structured learning and free movement. A dedicated Before and After School Club extends the building’s use, with its own external access and clear separation from core nursery activities.

A full external view of the Enchanted Wood Nursery, a single-story building with a combination of green, red, and wood exterior, surrounded by a lawn and trees, with paved walkways and a small playground area.

A Landscape That Invites Discovery

Hard and soft landscaping provides a rich outdoor environment, featuring:

  • A tricycle track and active play areas

  • Timber equipment and tactile surfacing

  • Planting beds and natural shade to encourage gardening and nature play

The design integrates the nursery with its woodland setting, fostering a connection to the natural world while maintaining secure boundaries.

“We are thrilled with our beautiful nursery building designed by our architect – it's bright, airy, and full of natural light, creating a warm and welcoming space for the children & families. The layout ensures easy access for all, supporting independence and movement throughout.”

“Thoughtfully designed to blend with our woodland setting and built with eco-friendly materials, it's both functional and inspiring. Families always comment on our wonderful facilities and how we differ from local settings. ”
Elly Parsons, Nursery Director & Manager

The building also includes a community-facing entrance area, which can be used for parent engagement, local events, or educational outreach outside of nursery hours — ensuring that the facility is an asset for the wider area.

Floor plan of Enchanted Wood Nursery with various rooms labeled for different purposes, including classrooms, nurse station, laundry, staff rooms, offices, lounges, a club area, a kitchen, and sleeping areas with raised platforms and storage.
A panoramic view of the Enchanted Wood Nursery from the inner play area, colourful modern preschool building with a playground in front, including slides, climbing structures, and benches, surrounded by a grassy yard and trees under a blue sky.
A side view of the children playing in a fenced outdoor area near a green building with red columns, surrounded by trees.
Architectural elevation drawing Enchanted Wood Nursery, single-story building with varied green and wood exterior walls, large windows, and a colourful tree line in the background.
Elevation view Enchanted Wood Nursery, colourful school building with children playing outside, featuring green, red, and grey exterior walls and large windows.
Children playing outside a colourful Enchanted Wood Nursery with toys and outdoor furniture.
The colourful Enchanted Wood Nursery with bright red supporting pillar in the foreground, with outdoor play area, including slides, toys, and children, under a clear blue sky.

“Bright, airy and full of natural light — a warm, welcoming and beautifully designed space that truly supports the children and reflects our woodland setting.”

Elly Parsons, Nursery Director & Manager

Quote…

Enchanted Wood Nursery outdoor area of a modern building with playground equipment, chairs, and a grassy space under a clear blue sky.
Enchanted Wood Nursery colourful outdoor area of a childcare or preschool with green walls and a red pole. There are toys, playground equipment, and a small splash pad on the grass. A white canopy provides shade, and a wooden fence.
A cozy indoor space decorated with a string of lights, pillows, and a canopy, with a large window showing the street outside. There are tables set for a meal, a play area with toys and books, and various shelves and storage units filled with children's items.

The details

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Client: Deanes School Essex/ Essex County Council
Location: The Deanes School site, Essex
Completion: March 2012
Building Type: Early Years Education / Nursery

Photography: Morley von Sternberg 

APPROACH & INFLUENCE

Project Type: Early years learning and community engagement

Design Approach: Nature-led play, daylight and ventilation, adaptable learning environments

PRESS COVERAGE

Early Years Education Today 2013

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