Thrift Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School

Thrift Farm, Buckingham Road, Whaddon, Milton Keynes MK17 0EQ
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9.2 67 Reviews
  • Thrift Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School, Milton Keynes
Thrift Farm Day Nursery and Pre-school is a nursery based on the farm at Thrift Farm.

Thrift Farm Nursery were awarded ‘good’ by Ofsted in their most recent report (May 2024) for their quality and standards that give children the very best start in life. At every stage, children are encouraged to develop with structured educational play and overall enjoy the ‘second’ home environment.

Caring for children aged from six weeks to five-years-old, the qualified and experienced staff actively work in partnership with parents and guardians to ensure the children are healthy and happy and ready for mainstream school.

The nursery provides the children with fantastic learning experiences out on the farm, including daily visits to see the animals. Regular informative parents evenings and holiday activity camps are also provided by Thrift Farm.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Emma Hall (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 15

Total Places for Children

  • 60

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Breakfast club: 7:30 am - 8:00 am
    Full-day session: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
    Morning session: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Afternoon session: 1:00 pm - 6:30 pm

  • Each situation is different and bespoke to your childcare needs. To find out more about our fees, please do get in touch so we are able to build a profile and give you a breakdown of what we believe best suits your child’s needs.

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 & Christmas

Thrift Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School Reviews (67)

9.2

Thrift Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.212) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Thrift Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School has 67 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 67
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Reviewer Connection to Thrift Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School
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Total of 67, showing 21-40
Review from Alexander H (Father of Child) published on 14 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children had such a great time at Camp MK over the Christmas holidays. Every day was different and they always came home with piles of paintings, drawings and cooking. They can't wait to return. Thank you for making their time so enjoyable.
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Review from D D (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended nursery since September 2020 and overall I've always been very happy with the care she receives. In November 2021 she changed the routine to five days a week. The staff were very helpful to go through the change and helped her settle down. Very supportive team, helpful, kind,
and likeable. My daughter absolutely loves her days in nursery. I can see that she learns new things daily and develops very well. I definitely feel I made the right choice choosing this nursery and strongly recommend it to others.
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Review from T P (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child loves this nursery. Always wants to go, even on his days off. The staff are all lovely and friendly. They always do everything to help and make it a fun experience. Even with them moving they are accommodating the change in days for us and my son is looking forward to going to the farm.
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Review from Lyndsey K (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Little Chestnuts Day Nursery since February 2021 when she had just turned 1 year old. We were concerned about how she would settle being a lockdown baby and not having a lot of contact with others except immediate family and not being able to settle her in myself, but
am happy to say that all of the staff have been amazing with her and she is so settled and happy. She loves going there and always has a smile when I hand her over. I get feedback on how her day has been each time I pick her up. The staff are so friendly and helpful and nothing is too much. Her physical and social skills have progressed hugely since going to Little Chestnuts. Thank you to all the staff who work there.
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Review from Adela M (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely wonderful staff, I absolutely adore the fact that the nursery nurses are doing a great job and working very hard to keep the children happy, safe, clean, teaching them, complying with procedures, following rules etc. To go into more detail, the nursery is very complex by employing nursery
nurses who look after the kids in different ways. This way, they make sure the kids are not missing out on anything. They make a great team at Little Chestnuts, always super attentive, very cautious, extremely polite, and proactive. No issue is too big for them. At no point, I felt that my child was unsafe or not looked after in the best way possible. Thank you, ladies!
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Review from Chantal D (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has flourished since joining the nursery in June 2020. Staff are really friendly and care for the children extremely well. My daughter has learnt so much more since being here than at her previous nursery.
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Review from Clare S (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I absolutely love sending my daughter to Little Chestnuts day nursery, she always has the best time and has progressed in so many ways. All the members of staff, not only the ones who have looked after my daughter, have been amazing, so friendly and caring towards all the children.
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Review from G O (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We appreciate the time and care the staff all put into the nursery and every child that attends. My eldest child also went to Little Chestnuts, it's more like a family than a business. All staff are very welcoming and friendly and my daughter can’t wait to get to nursery. My daughter has built up such
great relationships with the staff within the whole nursery, not just her room. I consider this a home from home for her and I know what great care she receives every single day. I don't have the words to thank them enough.
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Review from Jaime H (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The ladies at Little Chestnuts are simply amazing. Considering the restrictions and all we are allowed to do is drop them at the gate (my one-year-old), not only do they comfort him but they also put my mind at ease knowing he is safe and happy. The ladies are also brilliant at tracking his development
and advising me where possible.
I couldn't recommend them more! Thank you so much.
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Review from Caroline J (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery at Little Chestnuts in January 2020. Being first-time parents we were unsure what to expect, we have been nothing but pleased with all the staff, the nursery itself and everything they offer.


Nothing is too much for any of them and I really love the fact all the staff know

all the children regardless of section and all are familar with whose parent/carer is who. Everyone is friendly and polite.


My son's development has been astounding with the support of the nursery. I am always impressed by the differentiation in activities each day.


My son is also a big fan of the nursery and always reels off most of the names of the staff when we talk about nursery. Although his favourite thing at nursery is going in for breakfast and usually picking flowers for the Baby Room leader on his way out.


Thank you to everyone at the nursery they really are fabulous!

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Review from N T (Stepfather of Child) published on 18 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child loves going to Little Chestnuts, and I can't thank the staff enough for all the care they give him. Helping him grow and become the independent young man he is becoming. Lots of interaction from the staff and always kept up-to-date.
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Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started Little Chestnuts in September 2019. The staff offered plenty of settling in sessions and helped her adjust. My daughter now loves to go to nursery. I was pleased to see several members of staff there from when my older children use to go and they are 9 and 14.
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Review from N B (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The nursery work in conjunction with parents to determine target areas for your child. During a focus week, I am asked for things that I would like my daughter to progress in, the nursery works on these areas and then they are shared with me during a review meeting. I am also asked to send in photographs
of things we do outside nursery so they can be used for discussion. I feel the staff are passionate about celebrating each child in their care and ensuring that they are 'school ready'. My daughter has come on in leaps and bounds with both her learning as well as developing her social and emotional skills. She is always happy to go to Little Chestnuts and the staff always welcome her enthusiastically.
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Review from I R (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
From the beginning, my experience with the nursery was amazing. The staff are very friendly and lovely. I'm more than happy because my child is playing, learning and doing lots of activities and enjoys everything.
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Review from Habiba B (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am writing to let everyone who may be looking to find a suitable place for their children know that at Little Chestnuts you NEVER have to worry about what kind of day the children have had. I found this after school club after searching on the net for one that was near to the school and our home luckily
it also became one that is extremely trustworthy, reliable, friendly and consistent in having the same after school staff.
My children started attending the after school and holiday club in 2016 when required after I decided to return to Education myself. The staff are really down to earth, they have the best time here and always talk about Anne when they get home. The practice is hassle-free and no tied down contracts, here you know your child is cared for and stimulated. I HIGHLY recommend this place I would never go to any other after school or holiday club. Thank you for making my children and me happy.
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Review from Charlene D (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can not thank Little Chestnuts Nursery enough and the staff are so polite.
They are very good with our daughter they help with toilet training and they are very good at dietary requirements. I love the idea of nursery reports so we can see how our daughter is progressing in her learning. The staff
are always bubbly and very friendly.
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Review from T C (Father of Child) published on 17 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My child has just started nursery and he has settled in so well, this is because of the love and care the staff and his key person have given him throughout his settles and when he started.
He is very happy and enjoys all of the activities especially the messy ones. The nursery is a very friendly place
and I'm looking forward to watching him grow and develop throughout the rooms and learning new things every day.
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Review from N J (Father of Child) published on 4 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been coming to this nursery since she was 11 months old, she is always clean when she comes home and staff provide lots of activities for her. Her development has grown so much since attending here. Management is always helpful when I have questions.
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Review from Aimee H (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The ladies at Little Chestnuts have lovingly welcomed my little 6 month old into their arms, trying to make sure his feeding and napping is as close to home life as possible and providing lots of cuddles and giggles for him.
Both my 9-year-old and my now 7 month old have been well looked after by the
whole team at little Chesnuts and enjoy all their time spent there.
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Review from Raluca B (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Chestnuts Day Nursery is a very friendly environment for both parents and toddlers.
All are very friendly and welcoming all the time.
My little girl enjoys going to nursery, she learned a lot from nursery care, she became more confident and her speech improved.
A big thank you to all the wonderful
staff at Little Chestnuts Nursery.
Highly recommended.
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Current Review Score: 9.2 (9.212)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.2 (9.212) out of 10 for Thrift Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 7 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.3 out of 5 from 7 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 4.929 for Thrift Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (78 Excellents x 5) + (6 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 84 Ratings = 4.929
  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 4.283 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Thrift Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School is based on 7 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 = 3.7
    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 60 number of registered child places is 12. 7 Positive Reviews ÷ 12 = 0.583
  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 (1)

Emma

Emma Hall

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Having worked in childcare for 20 years, Emma has a degree in Early Years Studies and Early Years Teachers Status. Emma loves spending time with friends and family and has two little girls who attended Little Chestnut’s Day Nursery. Emma's passion is watching children grow and develop their own personalities.

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