Akeley Wood Nursery

Wicken Park Road, Wicken, Milton Keynes MK19 6DA
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9.7 29 Reviews
  • Akeley Wood Nursery, Milton Keynes
Akeley Wood Nursery in the village of Wicken, between Milton Keynes and Buckingham, is set in acres of private grounds. The driveway is flanked by open fields, with sheep and lambs as neighbours. It is open 51-weeks a year and children can join from 12 months old.

Children enjoy specialist teaching every week including PE, Music, French, Computing and Forest Adventures, led by the qualified forest school leader. This is a key benefit of being part of a leading independent day school. In school holidays the nursery practitioners take the children to specialist classrooms including Food Tech to bake.

Structured learning is introduced during the mornings in the pre-school room to prepare children for school.

The nursery was fully refurbished in summer 2016, creating a wonderful environment for play and early learning through free-flow activities.

Meals and snacks are freshly prepared on site.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Hannah Winnett (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 15

Total Places for Children

  • 65

Age Range

  • from 1 years 0 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • Our fees range is £70-£85 a day according to age and session uptake.

  • 15 hour funding from 12 months old accepted.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • There is ample free parking outside the nursery.

Akeley Wood Nursery Reviews (29)

9.7

Akeley Wood Nursery has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.733) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Akeley Wood Nursery has 29 reviews.

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Total of 29, showing 1-20
Review from Karen B (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Akeley Nursery is simply outstanding in every way. My daughter loves attending full time and thrives. The staff are welcoming, attentive and nurturing. She has a holistic, well rounded experience as the staff focus on education and play based learning. She has made great connections with peers. The
team keep parents informed about progress, challenges and always offer solutions to any concerns. I couldn't praise the team enough
Reply from Sarah Archer, Marketing Manager at Akeley Wood Nursery
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We are delighted you are so happy with Akeley Nursery.
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Review from Lakshmi N (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery where my child has settled in really well, the staff are all so attentive and give such a comprehensive breakdown of the day, hours are very amenable access to facilities and the use of the extensive grounds really contributes to the nurturing of the children.
Reply from Karen Langan, Communications and Events Coordinator at Akeley Wood Nursery
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We're so pleased to hear that your child has settled in well and that you value our staff's care, communication and the opportunities provided by our extensive…read more
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Review from Z A (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been incredibly happy with our experience at Akeley Wood Nursery. All three of our children have attended, with two now having moved on to school and our youngest still there. The staff are caring, attentive and create a warm, nurturing environment where the children thrive. It's been wonderful
to see their confidence and skills develop so naturally. The nursery's communication has always been excellent and we feel reassured knowing our children are so well looked after. We can't recommend Akeley Wood Nursery highly enough.
Reply from Karen Langan, Communications and Events Coordinator at Akeley Wood Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support of Akeley Wood Nursery. It's been such a joy to be part of your children's early years, watching their confidence and skills flourish. We're…read more
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Review from F P (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having had both my boys attend the nursery with one just starting his Akeley Wood Nursery journey this academic year. We have been so pleased with the level of care, nurturing team and the commitment to deliver an exciting and strengthening curriculum to allow the boys the flourish at such a young age.
The opportunities on offer for the children are fantastic from weekly forest school lessons in a beautiful setting to French and PE lessons too, all delivered by qualified professionals. The setting is warm and homely with small numbers per room. The team of staff are fantastic and go above and beyond to ensure every child is nurtured. It's so reassuring to know that when you drop them off they are in the very best of hands.
Reply from Karen Langan, Communications and Events Coordinator at Akeley Wood Nursery
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We are delighted to hear that both your boys have had such a positive experience at Akeley Wood Nursery. Knowing that they are thriving and enjoying the…read more
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Review from Natalie Alice C (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Had the pleasure of sending my eldest daughter whom, through the care of the nursery now attends the school and my youngest daughter to Akeley Wood Nursery. The nurturing environment combined with structured day and outstanding facilities both internally and externally makes for a well rounded and wonderful
environment for any child attending. The small class sizes are ideal for 1-1 learning. Thoroughly recommend.
Reply from Karen Langan, Communications and Events Coordinator at Akeley Wood Nursery
Thank you for your kind review! We are thrilled to hear how both your daughters have benefited from their time at Akeley Wood Nursery. It's wonderful to know our nurturing environment, small class…read more
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Review from Adam K (Father of Child) published on 22 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
As a dismayed parent, I must caution others about the nursery's severe shortcomings. The poor management from top to bottom created chaos. An overbearing routine stifled creativity, lacking personalised care for each child. Unrealistic behaviour expectations caused undue stress. Communication was incredibly
poor, leading to confusion. OFSTED intervention highlighted systemic failures. Our traumatic experience led us to remove our son immediately, now thriving elsewhere. I strongly advise avoiding this nursery.
Reply from Karen Langan, Communications and Events Coordinator at Akeley Wood Nursery
We are sorry that your experience didn't meet our high standards. Sincere actions were taken by the school to remediate the situation following your complaint in 2022. Since then, we are delighted to…read more
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Review from Nicola H (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children have both attended Akeley Nursery and if I had to choose one thing as the best part of their time there, the best would be how at home, comfortable, protected and safe my children feel/felt there. This is the most important point for me, however, there are many more such as their amazing
focus on transitioning the children, preparing them for the next phase such as going up through nursery and preparing them for school. I love their passion for outdoor learning and I can honestly say that my children have developed over and beyond my expectations. Akeley’s all-round approach and focus on each child is something to certainly commend them for. Great team of lovely caring people with the backing of a fantastic school regardless of whether the child stays or moves on to another school. Nursery has been such a special time thanks to Akeley Wood!
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Review from Holly H (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at the nursery since she turned one and is now in the preschool year. I have been nothing less than impressed with the level of care and kindness of staff and she has come on leaps and bounds - full of personality and confidence which is fully embraced by the staff.
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Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughters have both thrived at the nursery at Akeley under the care of staff and the excellent facilities, particularly the outdoor space and specialist subjects with the school teachers. Highly recommend.
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Review from L O (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are really pleased with the nursery. Our son has been attending for 2 years and all of the staff have been extremely caring and helpful, making it an enjoyable experience for the little ones. The range of activities that they get involved in is excellent, from forest school to music and PE lessons.
Thank you, Akeley.
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Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love the nursery! My girls have flourished as a result of them being in the nursery! They have supported us in raising confident, strong, independent young women ready for the world. A wonderful place for young minds to grow.
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Review from Meena C (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Akeley Wood Nursery has been a true blessing for my child. The caring staff, stimulating activities and welcoming atmosphere have created a nurturing environment where my little one thrives. It is evident there is a genuine commitment to each child’s well-being and growth. The communication via the
app is exceptional, I am always looking forward to seeing the pictures and updates.
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Review from Sarah P (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves her days at Akeley Nursery. She always runs in with a smile and tells me she has had a great day. They work with us to help us focus on the latest developments and encourage her to prosper. It’s a minefield picking childcare, but we are very happy we selected Akeley.
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Review from M D (Father of Child) published on 23 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff go above and beyond with the children, ensuring they engage with outside learning, key stage learning and emotional wellbeing learning. Our child has been going to the nursery for over 14 months now and we cannot thank them all enough for the time and effort they have put into our child. The
support is fantastic and the learning results through the ‘tracker’ speak for themselves. Thank you to all of the nursery team. We appreciate you.
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Review from Lucy H (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at Akeley Wood are outstanding, the care and attention that they give the children is second to none. My son has thrived there in their nurturing environment. Our key person has made sure that he is on track in all areas, and supported his development beyond our expectations. The facilities
such as the Forest School are excellent. I highly recommend the nursery.
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Review from M B (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started only a few weeks ago but he has really come on so much. He comes out every day so happy and his speech has come on so much. The ladies are lovely and I get a sense they really care.
I feel comfortable knowing he is happy.
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Review from Agustina M (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Akeley School has been an exceptional experience for our family. The teachers are excellent, and dedicated, and have played a crucial role in the development of our daughter, who arrived with no knowledge of English. We are eternally grateful; our daughter loves attending and always comes home with
a smile.
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Review from Sarah M (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The strength of this nursery is that each child is treated as an individual and nurtured to develop confidence, social skills, kindness, and understand their feelings and emotions. This is balanced with a very healthy approach to outdoor activities, sports, forest school, etc. My daughter has progressed
rapidly and the staff's encouragement has been perfect in every way for her to progress to the next stage of her education. I would highly highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Mike Holland, Marketing and Admissions Manager at Akeley Wood Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. I am so pleased that your daughter is progressing rapidly. We have lots of fun in the nursery and love seeing the children develop.
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Review from Andrew G (Father of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery, the staff are really friendly and caring and we receive lots of pictures and updates throughout the week to keep us informed. The location is very picturesque and yet safely away from the busier local areas. I would recommend this nursery.
Reply from Mike Holland, Marketing and Admissions Manager at Akeley Wood Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review! The staff love what they do and love sharing with parents what has been going on in the nursery.
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Review from Jo H (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We would recommend this nursery without question. Our son absolutely loves it here and has a great relationship with his teachers and carers. We love to see the photos of his nursery day on the online learning portal and all the lovely arts and crafts that he brings home. There's such a wide range of
activities that I feel are helping to shape our son into a super little person.
Reply from Mike Holland, Marketing and Admissions Manager at Akeley Wood Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. I am so pleased your son loves the nursery. Keeping parents informed of what their children are doing is so important to us, so delighted you are happy!
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.733)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.733) out of 10 for Akeley Wood Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.733 for Akeley Wood Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (182 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (10 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 202 Ratings = 4.733
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Akeley Wood Nursery is based on 16 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 65 number of registered child places is 13, which has been reached with 16 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (2)

Hannah

Hannah Winnett

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2009

Hannah began her career by studying Childcare at Banbury College in 2002-2004. She then went straight to work in the local Pre-School in Oxfordshire, which helped develop her passion for helping children increase their skills and knowledge. Hannah has been at Akeley Wood for 11 years which has seen her work up from a Nursery Nurse, to Deputy Manager and then to Nursery Manager. Throughout her time at Akeley Hannah has worked in all the rooms. In 2011 Hannah completed her NVQ4 through the Open University. Hannah is very passionate about Safeguarding and keeping the children safe within the setting. Hannah is the Early Years Designated Safeguarding Lead. Hannah has a big family which takes over most of her weekends and she loves to go out exploring the local area with her 5-year-old son and husband.

Marilisa

Marilisa Colucci

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager and Caterpillar’s Room Manager Joined: 2011

Marilisa, also known as Lisa studied her NVQ Level 2 at Happy Child Training College in London whilst attending her first Nursery setting four days a week. Lisa then went on to study childcare further by studying her NVQ Level 3. She started her career in childcare 13 years ago and has worked with children aged 12 months to 5 years. Lisa moved to Milton Keynes in 2011 and since then has enjoyed building up her career within Akeley Wood Junior School. She has enjoyed taking on new roles and experiences such as Room Manager and recently Deputy Manager. One of Lisa’s favourite activities is singing and teaching children new songs. Outside of school Lisa is kept busy by her big family including her triplet brothers and going on yearly holidays to Italy to visit her family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Akeley Wood Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Akeley Wood Nursery accepts?

Akeley Wood Nursery accepts Children aged from 1 year 0 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Akeley Wood Nursery Open?

Akeley Wood Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Akeley Wood Nursery have capacity for?

Akeley Wood Nursery has capacity for a total of 65 Children.

How far is Akeley Wood Nursery to the centre of Milton Keynes?

7.1 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 Akeley Wood Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Akeley Wood Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.