Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes)

Byerly Place, Downs Barn, Milton Keynes MK14 7QE
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9.7 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.
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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)

9.7

Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.729) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) has 98 reviews.

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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes)
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Total of 98, showing 41-60
Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are always so welcoming and friendly. They show genuine interest in my daughter and the other children. The location and facilities are amazing. The rooms are set up ready for the children to explore each morning.
We would appreciate more feedback about our daughters day and what she's been
doing. Overall, we are very happy with sending our daughter to this nursery.
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Review from Catherine L (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started at the nursery shortly before her first birthday. We were lucky enough to visit the nursery twice before this and found the team incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable in answering questions. The team are flexible and always encourage us to call with any concerns or questions. They
also know who all the parents are when we arrive to collect our children, it really feels like we are part of the family and our child is being looked after by people who know and care for her. Every day, we are presented with a happy child and a bag of dirty clothes because she has been enjoying messy play or exploring the woodland behind the nursery. It's been especially important to us throughout lockdown that she has had these activities available to her.The menu is amazingly varied and we rarely hear that a meal wasn't polished off in full (if not seconds).
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Review from Michelle H (Mother of Child) published on 8 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) is a fantastic nursery, with both great facilities and an amazing team of staff! The team really get to know the children, they create a range of activities and varied themes to engage them. I've seen both my children's social skills and learning thrive from being
here. I feel the team really help kids progress at their own pace but also will encourage and support them excelling too. The preschool room does a fantastic job of getting them in a position to be school ready and they support parents too with what to expect. The forest school is fantastic, it's an exciting, large space with lots of areas for the kids to explore, play and learn outdoors. Prior to the pandemic I already felt the nursery was a safe and clean environment - I feel this has continued and the team have put extra measures in place, whilst maintaining high levels of childcare and support to parents. I would highly recommend Woodlands Day Nursery as a fun environment, with a highly skilled team, for children!
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Review from Kelley (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have watched both my children grow and develop under the care of the excellent staff at Woodlands. Thank you.
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Review from Helen W (Grandmother of Child) published on 13 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandson attends this nursery three days per wek and I thank them entirely for his confidence and character.
Great passion from all staff in the room, kitchen and office.
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Review from Mrinal D (Father of Child) published on 21 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Woodlands Day Nursery is excellent! Our son is going there since he's 9 months of age. The facility there is very good, staff are very welcoming, can't praise kitchen team and support team enough. Our son always comes home with a smile. Most importantly our son has grown in confidence, has become more
independent with every little thing. In my view alongside regular things that parents look for like wellbeing, hygiene, food etc. the structure that the nursery puts in place in nurturing the children in their development, early learning are excellent. Really pleased with the nursery. Business support is equally good and highly proactive with any queries and requests. I highly recommend the nursery to parents.
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Review from Silpa (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Some parents might be heart-broken at the prospect of their child not wanting to come home with them after a day at nursery, but my child's disappointment that the day has come to an end is simply a reflection of how wonderful Woodlands Day Nursery actually is - this is testament to all the staff who
make it such a wonderful place to be. I am a very content parent of a very content child.
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Review from Cara S (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Woodlands and their staff provide a welcoming environment. In addition to the excellent facilities including the forest school, they all take the time to get to know each child and provide tailored environments where they learn tons and are supported really well with cuddles when needed. From the key
workers to kitchen staff, everyone knows each child and you know how much they enjoy being there, as this rubs off on our kids who literally run into nursery every day. Any problems are discussed proactively and sensitively and truly creates an environment of partnership with parents. Highly recommend everyone to come and look round.
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Review from Graham W (Father of Child) published on 22 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All-round a fantastic nursery.
Staff are very attentive and forthcoming with feedback for my child.
We receive updates weekly on my son's progression.
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Review from Callie D (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. My daughter has just finished there before starting school. The staff are so friendly and always happy to help. I cannot recommend this nursery enough.
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Review from Colin S (Father of Child) published on 29 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can only say good things!


Since our little girl has joined Woodlands we've seen an incredible amount of progress in her development. The education led play seems to be very effective and it's a joy to watch her grow.


The staff are very attentive, supportive and welcoming. Every morning she will

leap into the arms of the staff on duty and equally we see the smiles on their faces when they greet her.


The food is very good - healthy, balanced and varied; each day we receive a report of she's eaten. But also we hear what she's been up to, and at the same time receive regular updates (with pictures) on their app.

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Review from Katherine S (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter loved Woodlands right from the start. The team are so friendly and have really taken the time to get to know her, in order that they can best meet her needs. Everyone there is passionate about offering the best experience for all the children, with a great range of activities (and lots
of messy and outdoor play!). My daughter's development has really come along during her first four months there and I genuinely put this down to the commitment of her key worker, and the whole team in the Caterpillars room. On top of this, communication with parents is fantastic, which really helps to put your mind at ease in those first few weeks!
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Review from Sarah W (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son simply has the best time in Butterflies but the best fun is had when they do forest school week. From campfires and hot chocolate to den building and learning about the outdoors - they come home happy and tired.
Love the Woodlands butterflies team and all they've done for my two boys.
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Review from P P (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has just left Woodlands to start school. Woodlands has been a fantastic start for my daughter in her transition to school. She has become independent, more confident and learnt lots of new things. She made some lovely friends whom she will no doubt keep in touch with. Thank you Woodlands!
We will miss you!
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Review from Gemma B (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We think Woodlands Day Nursery is brilliant!
The development of our daughter has been and continues to be excellent!
We know she enjoys her time at nursery and we appreciate all that your fantastic staff do.
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Review from Aysha Z (Father of Child) published on 1 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter loved being here! It is so reassuring to see her so happy at pick up!
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Review from Ian L (Father of Child) published on 28 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our children have been at Woodlands for over three years now and our experience has always been excellent. Recently our youngest changed key workers and initially found the transition quite difficult. The nursery was wonderful in helping ensure our child saw her old key worker to smooth the transition.
They
have also been great talking to both children about their little brother who is due in the next week or so.
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Review from Leesa H (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fabulous and friendly environment. My daughter is very happy here and tells me about the exciting days she has.
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Review from Andrea T (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Really pleased with the nursery. I now have two children that attend. I have no issues and always feel happy leaving both my girls. The majority of the staff seem to really enjoy their job and I feel they take good care and love the children.
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Review from Helen D (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son's experience at Woodlands Day Nursery (Milton Keynes) has been very positive. He started in the Bumblebee Room 6 months ago and his development has progressed leaps and bounds. He has so many varied experiences and always talks about the teachers and activities at nursery. The care from the
staff is wonderful, they really get to know each child and our son is always happy to be going to nursery.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.729)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.729) 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 4.8 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 4.779 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.875
    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

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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.

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.