Family Tree Day Nursery

The Old School at East Lodge, Ampthill Road, Shefford SG17 5BH
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9.7 68 Reviews
  • Family Tree Day Nursery, Shefford
Family Tree Day Nursery in Shefford aims to provide premium childcare at family prices which are inclusive of all meals, snacks, nappies, wipes and creams.

Located next to the beautiful Campton Woods, the children have frequent opportunities for woodland adventures. During these outings, babies can be carried in slings and toddlers and pre-schoolers all wear branded high visibility vests. The inside of the nursery also reflects the natural environment with natural, calming tones and lots of natural resources for children to investigate and stretch their wonder and curiosity.

Two large, fully enclosed gardens allow lots of opportunities for outdoor learning and new challenges.

All staff are qualified (or in the process of) to level three or above and have been certified in first aid, safeguarding and food hygiene. They also receive specialist training in enhancing children's speech and language development from a qualified speech and language therapist.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Owner

  • More Than Talking Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Sarah Kingsley (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 25

Total Places for Children

  • 56

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Our core hours are 8.00am – 6.00pm. We operate a minimum attendance policy of 2 days per week


    Session Times:
    8.00am – 6pm


    Our competitive fees are:
    Full day price = £92
    Early Start (7.30am – 8.00am) = £10

  • Please see our website for further fee information.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Family Tree Day Nursery Reviews (68)

9.7

Family Tree Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.742) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Family Tree Day Nursery has 68 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 68
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Reviewer Connection to Family Tree Day Nursery
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Total of 68, showing 21-40
Review from M F (Father of Child) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery. Happy, friendly and fun staff who are great. Feel very at ease dropping my son off here. They get him to eat a wide range of food and he loves going to the woods and playing outside. I would highly recommend Monkey Puzzle to anyone.
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you for your kind words. We really appreciate your feedback and are so glad you both enjoy the Monkey Puzzle experience.
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Review from K R (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have loved my experience at Monkey Puzzle Shefford. Both of my children have been all the way through the nursery and I feel sad my time with them will end when my youngest goes to school in September. The team are amazing, so friendly and kind and I never feel like I can't ask silly questions. The
staff have great knowledge and understanding of the needs of the children. The management team are great always helping where they can, and going above and beyond to ensure all children are cared for. I'm sure my children will miss their Monkey Puzzle family as my eldest still speaks about them even after being at school for two years.
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you for your lovely words. I am so glad you and your children have enjoyed your experience with us.
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Review from G C (Mother of Child) published on 18 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter had attended Monkey Puzzle since 9 months old, she is now in her last year. She has loved every second, has come on leaps and bounds and thoroughly enjoys each day.
Staff are always super helpful, caring and friendly.
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you for your kind words. We have enjoyed every second of having your daughter with us.
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Review from Sonya P (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended Monkey Puzzle from May 2018 to September 2021 so went through the three rooms of Squirrels, Hedgehogs and Owls and thoroughly enjoyed every room! My daughter has additional needs and the manager and her team were so supportive throughout her whole time there even to the extent of
getting her an education health care plan in place before she started school in September. Lovely setting next to the woods, the car parking could sometimes be fun to navigate but yet it worked at the same time. The staff were supportive, reassuring and fun and we have many happy memories of her years there so thank you!
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you so much for your review. Yes, we do enjoy getting outside and getting dirty!
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Review from Rebecca F (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery! My son absolutely loves it there. He looks forward to going and comes home happy. The staff are all lovely and provide you with updates regularly on their learning and development. They provide a wide range of activities with an emphasis on getting outside and exploring the natural
world. He comes home in a mess most days but that’s due to his exploring!
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Review from Helen S (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have no hestitation in recommending Monkey Puzzle Day nursery to other parents. My twin boys attended here from the age of 10 months until 4 years old. They were very well cared for and felt secure. The boys were provided with many wonderful learning experiences and especially loved the outside learning
area. I love that the nursery uses everyday, natural learning experiences which include gardening, forest walks, building and physical play using every day objects. My boys are very active and enjoyed getting messy, expressing themselves and meditaion/yoga sessions. The staff have always been approachable and shown genuine warmth towards the children they work with. Monkey Puzzle provided them with the skills needed for starting school and helped them grow in confidence and as individuals.
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you so much we loved having the boys with us and hope they continue to progress well at school.
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Review from Rebecca N (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My boys are really settled and happy at the nursery. The staff are really responsive to SEN needs and my son is progressing well. The staff set activities that reflect my sons’ interests and their own targets. Regular updates given, with photos, as to how their day has gone too which is always lovely
to see.
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you for your review. It is a pleasure to have both of your boys with us.
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Review from D P (Mother of Child) published on 6 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Monkey Puzzle is a great little nursery located in a lovely setting. My youngest child is at Monkey Puzzle and her older sister previously attended and loved her time there. The staff are very friendly and caring, as well as encouraging independence and learning. Both my children started the nursery
when they were 1 year old and through the different stages, it’s been wonderful to see their development from little babies through to preparing them for school. I would definitely recommend Monkey Puzzle.
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you for your kind review. we have loved having your children with us and watching them grow.
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Review from Joe G (Father of Child) published on 30 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved down to the area just over a year ago and not only did we have to contemplate the logistics of moving, the pandemic still going on and new careers for myself and my partner we also had to find the best and most suitable nursery for son. We came across Monkey Puzzle as it was not far away from
where we were moving to. First contact with the nursery we found them very warming and friendly and the facilities were great. Our son has been at the nursery now for over a year, he goes 4 days a week and loves it! He is always excited to go to nursery, has a smile on his face and loves the staff. Since starting nursery his speech has come on so well. We are really happy we chose Monkey Puzzle and would highly recommend them!
Reply from Caroline Musgrove, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you for your review. It is a pleasure to have your son with us.
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Review from Victoria M (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Monkey Puzzle in April this year, after visiting back in October last year.
The staff were warm and welcoming, and I could see that he felt at ease from the moment we walked in during our visit.
Despite only attending sessions twice weekly, and having an emotional start (super
clingy, thanks to Covid lockdowns) he settled in very quickly, forming attachments to key workers and other children, and he comes out smiling after every session!
From using the smart doorbell to manage drop-offs and collections, to the parent app used for documenting the sessions, we couldn’t be happier that he’s part of the Monkey Puzzle family. Highly recommend!
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you Victoria, it's a pleasure to have him with us.
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Review from S R (Father of Child) published on 29 January 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have attended a few different nurseries and enjoy Monkey Puzzle the most. When your son gets upset, it is not 'a nursery day' you know that's a good thing!
Reply from Caroline Musgrove, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thanks, S R, we love having your children with us.
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Review from Michelle W (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son only started nursery in January this year and at such a worrying time with also going back to work. Monkey Puzzle has been amazing at making the experience smooth sailing for both of us. The staff have been so welcoming and supportive of my son who is already loving it. They also focus on his
development daily and I can already see such a positive difference. Thank you!
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Review from Victoria B (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My little boy loves going to nursery. He has learnt so much and is progressing well.
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Review from Amy (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son currently attends nursery in the 'Squirrels' baby room and he absolutely loves it. The staff are all absolutely lovely and they always have loads of different play stations set up every morning for the day when we go in. My son's development has come on leaps and bounds there and always has a
great day... would certainly recommend.
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Review from E D (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves her time at nursery! They always seem to be doing fun activities and I like how much time they spend outside. My little girl has a lovely bond with her key worker, but all the girls in the baby room are great.
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Review from P M (Father of Child) published on 4 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son has made his best friends in this safe friendly environment, he speaks about the staff and children all the time and enjoys nursery so much he is reluctant to leave in the afternoons. The staff are amazing for giving accurate and detailed accounts of what he has done during the day and his development.
Both myself and my son's mother have complete peace of mind that our son is safe, being cared for and developing while at the nursery.
Reply from Caroline Mathieson at Family Tree Day Nursery
We are so pleased that you are happy with the care provided. We are sorry you are not happy with the food provided. Our menus are planned in conjunction with a nutritionist to ensure children are…read more
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Review from Iain T (Father of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent facilities and very friendly, warm staff. A fantastic development for children.
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Review from T W (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is very happy at Monkey Puzzle. Every time she comes there are different activities for her to get involved in and the team in the baby room are very creative. The staff are lovely and my daughter has a great relationship with her key worker. It's lovely to pick my daughter up at the end
of the day and hear all about her day.
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Review from Claire M (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled in well to the nursery and is progressing well with the support of the staff. Lots of activities provided and happy caring staff.
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Review from C S (Father of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our son has a range of experiences and is engaged with them all. The staff work hard to keep us informed and updated. Any issues are always quickly resolved and communicated.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.742)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.742) out of 10 for Family Tree Day 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 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 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 4.742 for Family Tree Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (137 Excellents x 5) + (36 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 178 Ratings = 4.742
  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 Family Tree Day Nursery 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 56 number of registered child places is 11.2, which has been reached with 15 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)

Caroline

Caroline Musgrove

Job Title: Director Joined: 2015

Caroline has worked as a paediatric Speech and Language for over 20 years and has a passion for early years and early intervention. She has worked in many nurseries and pre-school settings and has a strong understanding of the EYFS. Caroline has high standards for the nursery and works hard to achieve them. Her ethos is to provide the high standards of care and teaching in a natural friendly environment where children can explore their curiosity and use their imagination to learn in a way that is led by the child.

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Sarah Kingsley

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2018

Sarah has a foundation degree in Early years and has over 10 years of experience working in day nurseries. She has a young daughter who attends the setting and shares Caroline's ethos of delivering high standards in a natural environment.
Sarah is our designated safeguarding officer and supports the nursery SENCo.
As a parent herself Sarah knows the importance of working closely with parents and has implemented lots of opportunities for parents to come in and share in their children's learning if they wish.

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