Auchlone Nature Kindergarten

Nurture Through Nature

Welcome to Auchlone Nature Kindergarten - Scotland’s leading outdoor nursery, where children’s voices lead the way.

At Auchlone, we believe children deserve the freedom to explore, the time to think, and the space to grow. That’s why we created a nursery built entirely around outdoor, child-led learning.

Every day, children at Auchlone play, investigate, create, and problem-solve in our woodland setting. From den building and fire cooking to storytelling and scientific discovery, our approach encourages children to follow their interests and ask their own questions.

Our experienced team supports each child to develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self. We don’t rush learning — we listen, observe, and plan with children, creating meaningful learning experiences that respond to what matters most to them.

Founded by Dr Claire Warden, one of the world’s leading experts in child-led and nature-based education, Auchlone has inspired educators and families around the world. But at its heart, we’re a small, nurturing community where children are known, trusted, and celebrated.

We’re proud to offer a unique early years experience — one that prioritises well-being, deep connection with nature, and the voice of every child.

What Makes Auchlone Special

Auchlone was created to offer a different kind of early years experience - one where children’s interests shape the curriculum, and nature provides the richest learning environment of all.

Our team uses observation and responsive planning to work with children, not just for them. 

We use tools like Floorbooks™ to record children’s voices and guide next steps. Whether it’s a fascination with worms or questions about the weather, every idea is a starting point for deep, meaningful learning.

Our approach builds:

  • Confidence through independence and supported risk-taking
  • Resilience through real challenges and problem-solving
  • Wellbeing through connection to nature and time to play

At Auchlone children take the lead, and we meet them where they are.

Read More About Our Approach

A Day at Auchlone: What to Expect

Every day at Auchlone is different — shaped by the weather, the season, and the children themselves.

  • Mornings begin with a gathering to set the foundations and plans for the day. Children might decide to journey out to the forest, the squirrel wood or the Dragon tree. On the way they gather sticks for a fire, dig in the mud, share stories and share their discoveries.
  • Midday brings shared meals or picnic lunch and moments of storytelling, conversation, and rest.
  • Afternoons are full of more adventures but can often be more calm, reflective, and creative — children might revisit earlier ideas, sketch what they’ve found, or plan new adventures for tomorrow.

We follow Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence and Realising the Ambition— but we do it outdoors, through play, inquiry, and meaningful experiences.

Read our FAQ’s

About Dr Claire Warden

Auchlone is the flagship nursery of Dr Claire Warden, an internationally recognised leader in early years education.

With over 35 years’ experience, Claire has championed approaches that place children’s ideas and experiences at the centre of learning.

Her work - including the pioneering Floorbook Approach™ - is used in nurseries and schools around the world.

Meet Dr Claire Warden

Get in Touch

Places at Auchlone are limited, and our waiting list fills up quickly. If you’re looking for a nursery that will support your child (2 to 5 years old)  to be confident, curious, and connected to the world around them — we’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’d like to arrange a visit or just ask a few questions, get in touch today.

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