Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes)

Byerly Place, Downs Barn, Milton Keynes MK14 7QE
Review Us
9.9 98 Reviews
  • Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes), Milton Keynes
A purpose built high-quality day nursery, friendly and well-established, Woodlands provides a happy, sociable environment where every child is treated as an individual.

The nursery has 4 main playrooms for each age group. Outside is a large, fully enclosed and well-equipped garden.

There is plenty of safe parking and easy access to ensure you have no problems delivering and collecting your child from the nursery. In addition to daily routines, Woodlands offers extra activities that include Tiny Mites Yoga every Monday from 2:15-3:15pm in the Bumblebee and Preschool rooms. They have a Childbase Specialised Woodland Play area which brings the classroom outside into the natural world with sessions led by a qualified Forest School Leader.
Show Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) on the Map

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Alyson Hefferon (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 46

Total Places for Children

  • 83

Age Range

  • from 2 months
  • to 5 years

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 2 Inset Days

Parking

  • Free parking is available onsite.

Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) Reviews (98)

9.9

Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.854) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) has 98 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 94
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 98
  • 4
  • 6
  • 15
  • 83
Reviewer Connection to Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes)
  • 64
  • 29
  • 4
  • 1
Total of 98, showing 1-20
Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 31 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending Woodlands Nursery since she was 1, and from day one, the care and attention she has received has been nothing short of fantastic. The team at Woodlands Nursery is exceptional - warm, nurturing, professional and it shows in how happy and confident our daughter is. If you're
looking for a nursery where your child will be genuinely cared for, supported, and encouraged to grow, this is it. I couldn't recommend them enough.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from David L (Father of Child) published on 31 October 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had an excellent experience with Woodlands Nursery. Our daughter absolutely loves going in each day, and we have seen her grow in confidence and in her development since starting. The staff are caring, attentive and always go the extra mile to make sure our daughter and other children feel happy
and supported. The activities are well thought out, and our daughter loves Boogie Mites as an example of communication is excellent with parents. We could be happier with the nurturing environment that they provide.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E S (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so pleased with the progress our son is making at Woodlands - he absolutely loves going to nursery, and it's truly so lovely to see the smile on his face when he is there! The key workers are so attentive, and kind - we feel so lucky that our son enjoys attending nursery, and a lot of that is
down to their approach! Thank you for taking such good care of our little boy, and helping him to grow - we are very grateful!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from G H (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy with Woodlands Day Nursery - our little boy is super happy and settled thanks to the lovely staff who put all of our worries at ease. The app is brilliant so we see updates through the day and we know our son is learning so much when he is there. Thank you Woodlands.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Hayley P (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing, caring, knowledgeable, well trained, supportive to name the staff at the nursery. My child has been attending since January 2024 and he has progressed so well everyone can see the difference. He loves attending and feel that he is well cared for. The facilities are amazing in the rooms, free
flow to the garden area and forest area!
Easy parking to drop and pick up.
Helpful and supported SENCo that listens and is pro active.
My child's key worker and other staff members in the room really care and invest in the children that it makes a great place for children.
All staff from manager, office and staff behind scenes all say hello and are polite. It's a nice feeling and I've visited many nurseries to say this is the best one for my child.
I am so sad to see my child leave to go to school but I know he has had the best start and thank Woodlands for everything they have done for my child. We will always be grateful!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so grateful for the amazing care Woodlands provided to our son! The girls are so attentive, kind and truly invested in his happiness and development. Our son tells us about his fun-filled days. We can see how the love, patience and support he received is helping him grow.
We highly recommend
Woodlands to any family seeking a supportive environment for their little ones.
Thank you for being a 2nd family to our son. :)
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were extremely nervous to send our daughter to nursery. We made comparisons between 8 different nurseries. We chose Woodlands Day Nursery after being blown away. The warm welcoming facilities really came to life due to the staff members magical touches in each area. We feel extremely safe and supported
having our daughter attend 3 days a week.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Alexandria C (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at the nursery since June 2023 just before he was one. I can honestly say that I couldn't be happier with the care, professionalism, cleanliness and supportive development of my son at every stage. He truly loves going and I never feel worried as I know he is in safe hands. The staff
are incredibly supportive of not only my son but of us as a family. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Woodlands and for every parent, the biggest hurdle is feeling relaxed knowing your child is well cared for. Woodlands will soon make you feel this. I can't thank the team enough for all the support and love they have shown us every day. Thank you.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Z K (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery. All teachers are professional and have great knowledge which they pass to our children beautifully. Before I chose this nursery, I went to visit others but I never enjoyed the rooms they had at other places as was small and crowded. Here, in Woodlands Day Nursery, all rooms have enough
space for all kids and the forest in the garden is the top bonus. My daughter loves it very much. I can highly recommend this place.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Vikki S (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in August 2023, only attending one day per week, I was worried it would take him longer to transition. The caterpillars team were amazing, greeting us with enthusiasm at the start and end of each day. The last few months, my son has turned a corner, he is able to sleep for longer
at nursery and barely looks back to say goodbye at drop-offs. It's such a reassurance knowing he feels safe and confident with the caterpillars team. They have supported him to transition into his new room at ladybirds and I'm looking forward to him going from strength to strength at Woodlands Day Nursery. The manager and her team have a fantastic ethos and create such a positive environment for children and their families from the second you step in the door.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Punita L (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in October and has settled in so well with the help of such friendly staff in caterpillar room and at reception! The nursery is clean and well maintained, the menu is so varied that my son is able to try out a variety of foods.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L P (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved our son to this nursery less than a year ago and so happy we did!
The staff are amazing and the facilities are lovely and well-maintained. The way in which the children are looked after and the parents are kept informed is fantastic!
Our son loves the outdoor space and his development has
moved forward so quickly since moving here. The team are all so friendly, kind and caring and always greet you with a smile.
The resources that are offered to parents are fantastic and we particularly like the weekly newsletter.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M P (Father of Child) published on 3 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our baby has been at Woodlands for a few months now and has settled wonderfully into the room. She has built lovely relationships with the staff based in the room, I feel they know her well and are good at knowing what she needs to help her have a good day at nursery. The staff have helped our baby
develop new skills and I know she is well cared for.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from D R (Father of Child) published on 3 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is amazing, the staff are so friendly - our son loves it so much. The outside space is great and the woodland area is a perfect place to play and have fun. We have been very impressed with the food and nutrition offered.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Charlotte C (Mother of Child) published on 2 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little girl started at Woodlands in October and has settled in really well which is credit to the Woodlands team. All the staff know her by name, even those who don’t work in the same room, and are so welcoming which makes it feel like a home from home. She has amazing meals every day, and we have
noticed a leap in her development since starting. We are very happy with our experience of Woodlands!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from P V (Father of Child) published on 22 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Woodlands Day Nursery is a fantastic nursery for child development. My son came to Woodlands at 10 months old and we have watched him grow over the last four years. He has turned into a happy, confident and caring little boy without the support from all his nursery teachers, this would not have been
possible.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Richard F (Father of Child) published on 22 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has had a great few years at Woodlands and has just graduated. The team have prepared him for each stage and he is now so ready to start school with the solid foundation the team have given him. They have helped us to raise a happy and confident little boy! Thanks Woodlands!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from O H (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Woodlands is amazing! My son attended for 3 and a half years and absolutely loved it. All the staff are so friendly and welcoming and have a real passion for developing your child. By attending Woodlands, this has really supported him with his transition to school. I would highly recommend this nursery
to everyone!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A S (Father of Child) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter loved her time at Woodlands, we were always confident in her getting the best experience for her development at this nursery. The staff are brilliant and can’t recommend this place highly enough.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from David W (Father of Child) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Woodlands Day Nursery in Milton Keynes has delivered a truly wonderful experience to both our children over the last 3-4 years. Our youngest graduated in September 2023 and our eldest a couple of years ago.
Consistently over-delivering over the years from the manager whom we first met to all the
key carers and kitchen team. Woodlands Day Nursery really do understand the needs of not just the children but the parents too.
We believe our children have had a head start to school thanks to the work that Woodlands put into helping prepare them for the change. From learning the phonics and numbers to colours and shapes. Our children have also learned how to interact with other groups of children which is as equally important as the classroom stuff. Most of all they have had bags of fun with big smiles and laughter shared all the time.
We wholeheartedly recommend Woodlands Day Nursery in Milton Keynes and are forever thankful for the experiences they created for our children.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.854)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.854) out of 10 for Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.950 for Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) is calculated as follows: ( (171 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 180 Ratings = 4.95
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 4.904 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) is based on 15 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 83 number of registered child places is 16.6. 15 Positive Reviews ÷ 16.6 = 0.904
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (21)

Meet the Team (1)

Alyson

Alyson Hefferon

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2007

Alyson is the Manager of Woodlands Day Nursery in Milton Keynes and has a wealth of experience, having worked in the early years sector for 23 years. Alyson has numerous qualifications, including a BA (Hons) in Professional Studies in Childcare, HND Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Professional Status. Alyson has worked for Childbase Partnership for 13 years.


What is your favourite feature of Woodlands?
My team, the setting and our Woodland area.


What are you most proud of about your nursery/team?
The long-standing team and our continued commitment to the families that attend here.


Every child and colleague is valued for their individual skills and personality. I love how every member of the team knows every child and will greet the families, and be part of their nursery experience. Great relationships with the families last long after the children have left for school.

Frequently Asked Questions about Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes)

What is the Age Range of Children that Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) accepts?

Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) accepts Children aged from 2 months to 5 years.

What Days & Hours is Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) Open?

Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) have capacity for?

Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) has capacity for a total of 83 Children.

How far is Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) to the centre of Milton Keynes?

1.5 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 Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) has an Enhanced Service - more info.