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Head Start Day Nursery

The Old School House, Willen Road, Milton Keynes Village, Milton Keynes MK10 9AF
Head Start Day Nursery Logo
Head Start Day Nursery logo
Head Start Day Nursery, Milton Keynes
Head Start Day Nursery, Milton Keynes
Head Start Day Nursery, Milton Keynes

Head Start Day Nursery in Milton Keynes Village provides outstanding Early Years care in a warm, community-based setting. Operating from a historic Village Hall for nearly 30 years, the nursery is rated Good by Ofsted (July 2023) and supported by long-standing, qualified staff.

It offers well-resourced playrooms, a dedicated garden with mud kitchen and planting areas, and access to the village green. Children enjoy engaging programmes like Forest School, Boogie...  

Funding & Fees

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Type of Service

  • Nursery School

Opening Schedule

Open term time

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Carol Thorniley (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 9

Total Places for Children

  • 39

Age Range

  • from 1 years 6 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30-14:45
  • Tuesday 08:30-13:30
  • Wednesday 08:30-14:45
  • Thursday 08:30-14:45
  • Friday 08:30-14:45

When Closed

  • 2 weeks Easter, 2 weeks Christmas & Summer Holidays only

Head Start Day Nursery Reviews (49)

9.7

Head Start Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.691) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Head Start Day Nursery has 49 reviews.

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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I could talk for hours about how much I love Head Start! My son thrived there and now my daughter is exactly the same. The staff are amazing - friendly, kind, supportive, very professional and experienced, and you can really see how much they genuinely care for the children. I feel 100% confident every day that my daughter is in safe and loving hands. The activities, learning and development opportunities are fantastic - it's obvious that a huge amount of planning and work goes into giving the children the best experiences possible. There is also a real sense of community and belonging for the families, partly due to the extremely warm welcomes, updates and goodbyes we get from all the staff every day! The team recently held a children's first aid session for parents, with a qualified instructor, which was really impressive and helpful - and above and beyond any expectations! All in all, my child could not be happier and neither could I.

Reply from Charlie G, Nursery Support Team at Head Start Day Nursery

Thank you for your review of Head Start Day Nursery. We're delighted to hear that both of your children have thrived with us! Our warm and knowledgeable nursery team are so passionate about helping children to learn and grow. They work hard to form meaningful relationships with each child and take...  

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Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Best experience twice. My son used to love going there and always pickes him up with a big smile on his face. My daughter is now in the nursery and we are still loving everything about the place and the staff.

Reply from Charlie G, Nursery Support Team at Head Start Day Nursery

Thank you for your review of Head Start Day Nursery. It's lovely to hear that you've had such a fantastic experience with both of your children! Our dedicated nursery team work hard to provide a warm and welcoming nursery environment where children's development is nurtured and supported.

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Review from Dimitrina D (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Really positive experience with the nursery. Staff are always polite, positive and helpful. Always greeting parents and children with a smile. They really are connected with the community and this is also noticeable by the fact that children adore to go to the nursery.

My child loves to go there and I know he is really being looked after. From the stories he tells us, to the way he looks when I pick him up. I also love that the children have different fun activities planned throughout the each term. Like visiting the local Fire Station for example, Forest school, the local Church or having a special visitor to perform, or show something interesting to the children. I mean is absolutely incredible the amount of dedication, commitment, professionalism and pure love to what they doing and to the children! I'm feeling so grateful I have picked Head Start nursery for my child!

Reply from Charlie G, Nursery Support Team at Head Start Day Nursery

Thank you for your review of Head Start Day Nursery. We're delighted to hear that you and your family's nursery experience has been such a positive one! Our dedicated nursery team are warm, friendly and supportive, working hard to ensure that each child is happy and thriving in our care. Children...  

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Review from Sarah R (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
After viewing multiple nurseries in my area and not meeting my expectations, I decided to travel further out and I came across Head Start and I knew my son would thrive in this environment as soon as we arrived.
The care and attention management and all staff pour into the children everyday is 10/10.

It's a huge step trusting anyone with your child and I couldn't recommend this nursery enough. Thank you for giving my son the best start in life and now he is ready for Primary school all thanks to you all!! We will miss you!!

Reply from Charlie G, Nursery Support Team at Head Start Day Nursery

Thank you for your review of Head Start Day Nursery. It's lovely to hear how confident you felt choosing Head Start Day Nursery and that you knew from the very beginning it would be the right environment for your son to thrive. We understand what a significant step it is to entrust your child into...  

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Review from Chloe B (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Such an amazing nursery to send your child(ren) to . The staff are always very warm and welcoming. My child started Headstart in October 2024 after being at a previous setting , and wow , what a difference . I felt he wasn't involved as much or learning as much at the previous nursery , he came to Headstart and he's come on leaps and bounds. He came with a lot of areas that needed improvement such as toilet training and speech and language, the wonderful staff at Headstart were there every step of the way to insure my child had the best help possible . They weren't just there for him and helped him get school ready , but helped me through some tough times . I'm absolutely gutted that my child wasn't there for longer than 9 months , but it's been the best 9 months for us both . I see a real positive change in my child since coming to this nursery and I'm gutted it's time for him to leave .

10000000/10 would recommend , we will forever miss you , thank you for everything x

Reply from Charlie G, Nursery Support Team at Head Start Day Nursery

Thank you for your review of Head Start Day Nursery and Preschool. Helping children to develop the skills they need to feel confident about starting school is such an important part of nursery, so we're very pleased to hear that our team have been made such a difference to your little one! We...  

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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I highly recommend Head Start Day Nursery Milton Keynes. We absolutely love the personal attention and exceptional care our child has received from every staff member. The staff take the time to get to know each child individually, understanding their unique personalities, interest and development needs. They fill days with fun, creative learning activities that our daughter absolutely loves. Communication from the nursery is very good and we always feel informed and involved. We couldn't ask for a better nursery experience and wholeheartedly recommend HeadStart Nursery Milton Keynes to any family seeking high-quality early years care and education.

Reply from Robyn Hattingh, Marketing Team Lead at Head Start Day Nursery

Thank you for your review of Head Start Day Nursery. We are so pleased to hear that you and your child are having such a wonderful experience with our nursery! Our team is dedicated to our mission of providing a healthy, safe, fun and high-quality educational environment to each child. Our team truly does care about each child!

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Review from Claire F (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Headstart have created such a happy nurturing environment for the children. I have full confidence that when I leave my child with them he will be safe, happy, cared for and given a wide variety of activities to do and spark his interests. The building is an idyllic village hall and the children absolutely love running about under the protection of the trees outside. The staff are all extremely approachable and friendly and very supportive. I honestly feel they have given my boy an excellent start and he leaves there happy and confident to start school.

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Our dedicated team work hard to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment where children can thrive. They provide a great variety of stimulating activities, which are informed by our bespoke education programmes, and offer plenty of...  

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Review from Eunice S (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My daughter has been going to Headstart Day Nursery for a year and today 24/07/24 is her last day.
The staff in the nursery are amazing in what they do and they are all positive in their outlook. They value the children and their families and take time to know them. My daughter has enjoyed every day of going to nursery and she has learnt so much and especially given space to express herself.
We recommend this nursery more than 100%. The location is brilliant with a play park in the compound which brings parents and children together and in the end, you become all friends.

I will miss you guys. Keep up the good work.

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Our kind, passionate team strive to build strong relationships with both children and their families. They provide great support to each individual child and devise fun, stimulating activities based on our bespoke education programmes. If any...  

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Review from Sharon B (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I can not recommend highly enough! This school has been amazing. My son has attended for the last 2 years and is now off to start school. The staff have been so supportive and caring throughout. They have helped me with potty training, food, even helped with bedtime and many more things! Communication is fantastic and never had a problem with speaking with anyone, either by phone or messaging system. They keep me posted with pictures of his activities and week.

They have given him the skills he needs to start school. My son didn't speak to anyone outside the house and the school helped build his confidence, it took a while but he now can speak to his teacher and friends with confidence. My son is excited to go to school every day and he absolutely adores his main teacher, to the point he tells me how much he loves her and she is his best friend! I can not thank the staff enough for their support and love. Thank you!

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It's fantastic to read that our team have been so brilliant in helping your little one develop his confidence! They take the time to support each child's individual needs and encourage them to go at their own pace helping them to feel valued. Our...  

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Review from C I (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Couldn’t be happier that my child attends such an excellent nursery. We fell in love with Head Start Nursery from our first visit and haven’t been disappointed. All staff are very friendly and extremely caring. They are incredibly attentive to every child’s needs and the communication between the nursery and parents is brilliant. We regularly receive personal updates regarding our child's progression, learning, new skills and next steps. The day is child-led and the benefits of this approach are evident. The rooms are set up with different activities, focusing on the children’s interests. The garden is always made good use of daily. My child has enjoyed multiple experiences of trying new things and new foods, including joining in on a healthy breakfast provided by the nursery. As a first-time parent, I have been made to feel welcome and confident that my child is well looked after and we have both benefitted from the good advice, wealth of knowledge and experience of the staff.

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Our warm, nurturing team really take the time to get to know each child and their individual needs so they can provide the support they need to thrive. Maintaining reliable and informative communication with our families is so important in...  

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Review from Ghiulferana N (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
We love all the staff! Both children were very happy here! The nursery has such a family feel and is so warm and welcoming. Headstart is absolutely brilliant.

I fully recommend it with no reservations!

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Children thrive in our warm and welcoming nursery environment where their individual needs are nurtured and supported by our dedicated team.

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Review from Tori W (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Sending our fourth child here was the easiest decision to make as our others have all absolutely loved their time here over the years. The nursery has such a family feel and is so warm and welcoming. You know your child is valued and well looked after whilst they are there. The staff are incredible and go above and beyond. I couldn’t wish for a better, loving, safer environment for my little one to learn and thrive in.

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, thank you for taking the time the time to leave a review. It’s fantastic to hear that you and your family have had such a lovely experience with us! We take great pride in our friendly, hardworking team who work so hard to provide a supportive and nurturing environment to help children to learn, grow and thrive.

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Review from Lydia T (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Headstart is absolutely brilliant.
I fully recommend it with no reservations!
My son went from just after his 3rd birthday, and is now ready for school!
The staff are wonderful, caring, professional and utterly invested in every child.
They always take time at pick up and drop off to answer questions, and make sure they communicated any ways our son was struggling or succeeding, and what we could all do to support him.
My son thrived here. He went from having very few social skills with other kids to someone with his own group of friends! They supported his interests and helped him develop passions in things like maths and reading.
Our favourite things about Headstart:
- they follow the child's lead
- it has a great setting, with a lovely garden and outside area
- they spend as much time outside as they can
- the staff care genuinely about each child
- the staff are patient and work brilliantly as a team.

He's ready for school and we're so grateful for the role Headstart played.

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It’s so lovely to hear that your little one thrived with us! Our hardworking team is passionate about supporting and nurturing children to develop their interests and important skills for the future. We take great pride in our facilities and the fantastic experiences they provide for children.

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Review from V S (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Head Start Day Nursery is such a wonderful nursery. Finding somewhere to send your child isn't easy as you have all the worries about whether they are going to be ok but Head Start made the starting transition so easy with such supporting staff alongside the allocation of our child's key person. If I was ever worried or wanted to ask something, they were always very prompt to answer the phone/email and reassure me of anything I may have been concerned about. Knowing our child's journey has come to an end ready for big school, we can do nothing less than say a massive thank you for the love and learning you have gave for her starting journey in education.

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Our kind, caring team strive to ensure that each child’s transition to nursery is a smooth and seamless experience. That partnership between nursery and home is so important in helping to ensure children continue to learn and grow.

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Review from Danica A (Mother of Child) published on 9 April 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I could not recommend Head Start Day Nursery enough! My son started here last year and from the first visit, I instantly loved how welcoming they make you/your child feel. My son absolutely loves all the staff and his time there. His development has come on so much in such a short space of time and we all couldn’t be happier with the care. This is the best nursery I have come across! They are professional, caring and always there to help. It feels like I am dropping my son with family, They don’t make you feel like your child is just a number. We are so grateful for all the staff here and couldn’t thank them enough!

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, we are delighted to hear that you and your family have had such a lovely experience with us! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is very much appreciated.

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Review from N H (Grandmother of Child) published on 9 April 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My granddaughter has been coming to this nursery since September 2021 and all the staff have been very supportive of our circumstances. My granddaughter looks forward to coming every day and nothing is too much trouble. She loves playing outside, the forest school and all the activities they plan each day. She loves the snack provided every day and recently breakfast has been included which is a great success. They have recently replaced all the plastic toys to wooden and she loves the eco-warrior work they do with her. She loves story time and singing.

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, it's lovely to hear that your granddaughter enjoys all of the fun and engaging activities our team provides! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is very much appreciated.

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Review from Suzanne W (Mother of Child) published on 9 April 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Thanks to all the kind hearted staff at Head Start Day Nursery. Our daughter absolutely loves going to preschool and really enjoys the activities and playing out in the garden. She’s always really happy (and tired!) when we pick her up. The observation feedback we get is very detailed and shows a lot of care. Would highly recommend.

Reply from Jessica Lawrence, Marketing Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hello, we are so pleased to hear that your daughter loves attending preschool and benefits from our activities. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is truly appreciated and we will pass this on to the nursery team.

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Review from Chloe H (Mother of Child) published on 9 April 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We moved to Head Start Day Nursery after our son previously attended another nursery. We are so glad we moved him! Our son gets to take part in Forest School sessions, bake, enjoy the local outdoors and be cared for by lovely teachers. The teachers go above and beyond to ensure our son is well looked after and we are kept informed as parents. They seem to genuinely care about the children. We can’t wait to send our daughter there!

Reply from Jessica Lawrence, Marketing Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hello, we are so delighted to hear that your son is thriving and enjoying his time at nursery and that you can't wait for your daughter to join. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is truly appreciated and we will pass this on to the nursery team.

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Review from Anvitha A (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Thanks a lot to the Head Start Day Nursery team for looking after my little girl so well with love, care, support, a fun environment, excellent child development, very professional, genuinely passionate and most importantly like mother care. My little girl enjoyed every day with them and wants to stay longer as they always engage her in many activities. When she has any problems, they solve them immediately. My little girl joined this nursery in September 2021. She is improving communication, is confident, learned her English with complete sentences and is an independent girl. The location of this nursery is fantastic as they have a public play area with a calm place and no traffic roads. These keep my mind peaceful after dropping her nursery in the morning and returning to my regular work. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nursery in Milton Keynes, and I feel very lucky to have been part of something so special.

Reply from Jessica Lawrence, Marketing Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hello, thank you for leaving such a wonderful review. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your daughter has had a great time at our nursery and that you have enjoyed your experience. We will pass your comments on to the nursery team.

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Review from N M (Mother of Child) published on 6 April 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We have no complaints about the nursery. My son loves going to nursery. We receive his regular updates and pictures from the nursery, which helps us to understand what my son is doing in school. The staff are very good.

Reply from Charlotte Whyatt, Marketing and Communications Executive at Head Start Day Nursery

Hi, we are so glad to read that your little one loves attending our nursery! Our team strives to maintain strong parent partnerships, and sharing regular updates and photos of your little one is an important part of that. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is very much appreciated.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (5) & Events (0)

News
  • Posted: Friday 20 Feb 2026Grandir UK offers employment options designed for today’s childcare professionals. Grandir UK has launched GrandFlex, a suite of flexible working options designed to empower childcare professionals with greater control over...
  • Posted: Monday 20 Oct 2025Grandir UK is delighted to announce that we’ve been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Education and Training™ by Great Place to Work® UK for 2025. Our...
  • Posted: Monday 28 Jul 2025Leading childcare provider Grandir UK, home of multiple nursery brands like Kiddi Caru and Dicky Birds, has been Great Place to Work-Certified™ for a third consecutive year. This accreditation is...
Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Head Start Day Nursery.

Awards / Recognitions (13)

  • Recipient: Grandir UKDate: Tuesday 31 Mar 2026
  • Recipient: Grandir UKDate: Sunday 01 Jun 2025
  • Recipient: Grandir UKDate: Sunday 01 Jun 2025

Meet the Team (1)

Carol Job Title: Nursery Manager
Carol

Carol has spent her entire career in childcare and still loves the experiences, challenges and rewards it brings each day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Head Start Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Head Start Day Nursery accepts?

Head Start Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 1 year 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Head Start Day Nursery Open?

Head Start Day Nursery is open: Monday 08:30-14:45, Tuesday 08:30-13:30, Wednesday 08:30-14:45, Thursday 08:30-14:45, Friday 08:30-14:45.

How many Children does Head Start Day Nursery have capacity for?

Head Start Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 39 Children.

How far is Head Start Day Nursery to the centre of Milton Keynes?

2.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Head Start Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Head Start Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.