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 41-60
Review from C B (Father of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The service ar Monkey Puzzle has really bought my son out of himself. He is more confident around others and his speech is progressing really well.
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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
At the beginning of the year there was a high turn over of staff. This had a huge impact on my son. This all changed last term. The team is great, they work with the parents and keep you regularly updated which is great. The outdoor area is fantastic and they have been doing great activities outside.
I would now 100% recommend to anyone looking for a nursery.
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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has really flourished in the pre-school room, growing in confidence and learning new things every day.
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Review from R P (Father of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Everyone who works with the children are always happy to help. They all seem to know all the children and are friendly, either on the drop of or pick up the children are active and seem to all have a keen interest in activities and investigating areas either inside or outside. There always seems to
be a pleasant feeling whenever I have been.
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Review from R K (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son is very happy at Monkey Puzzle Shefford. He talks about his friends, the ladies and the activities he does during the day. The staff have his best interests at heart. A recent change to the management team has led to me and my husband having more faith and trust in the setting.
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Review from Claire W (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When we first visited the nursery, I knew this was the right nursery for us. She's been there 16 months, and really loves it and will often come home with paint or glitter on her from the craft activities that day! She really enjoys different messy play activities, with water in particular!


She settled

in well and formed good bonds will all staff, and key worker. Staff are happy, caring, supportive and positive role models and the nursery is a warm, safe, nurturing and a happy place to be.


All meals and snacks are cooked on site, it has good outdoor space, and also that the nursery is next to the woods where children can explore and listen to the sounds. We also like that we're sent regular updates and photos via tapestry of what our daughter's been doing and learned that day. These are all reasons why we chose Monkey Puzzle.


Without a shadow of a doubt, this is an excellent nursery for little ones to grow and thrive and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other parents/carers.

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Review from Harriett B (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son really enjoys going to Monkey Puzzle. He always asks when he goes to bed where he will be going in the morning and gets so excited when I say Monkey Puzzle. We love the extra touches like the bear he was given when he started and the attention they pay to his own interests.


The staff are

really lovely and he will happily go to any of them. We love the garden and the visits to the woods and can't wait for the football club to start.
Management is supportive and shows great flexibility. We love the different approach with the natural resources as it encourages his imagination more.
Would definitely recommend to others.
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Review from Chris C (Father of Child) published on 28 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been going since just after her 1st birthday, she is 2 and a half now and loves going. She has come on leaps and bounds in her time here and is always happy to go. She eats well, sleeps well and loves all the staff.
The nursery itself is warm, inviting, clean and seems to engage the
children.
The range of play activities is varied and a great mix of play and education.
We like the personal handover at the end of each day, a nice personal touch and used to catch up what they have been up too.
Our hours are pretty fixed but they have been flexible with our work when we have required.
The staff are worthy of a mention and really make it what it is for the children. They are always happy, engaging and full of enthusiasm.
If I have one criticism it would be around the staff turnover, but this has been softened somewhat by the quality of the staff which have come in and replaced the outgoing.
I feel genuinely warmed that our daughter is safe, happy and really loves going.
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Review from Hayley B (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has settled into Monkey Puzzle life so well and that has so much to do with the staff working at the nursery. He is always happy to be dropped off in the mornings and loves the cuddles given by all staff members.


My only slight issues with Monkey Puzzle is the car parking situation primarily

at picking up time (5pm ish) as sometimes it is a struggle to park.
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you, Hayley. As you are aware we are trying to address the carpark situation but thank you for your lovely review it has been a joy having both your boys in the nursery.
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Review from Heather J (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter started in September 2017.
She loves it here.
She began in the toddler room and is now in the preschool room with the older kids where she can communicate and play with confidence.
The room leader is kind and caring as are the other staff members.
When I collect my daughter information
is relayed to me.
My daughter is at nursery for 3 full days and stays for lunch and dinner which she enjoys.
As long as my daughter is happy then so am I.
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Review from Rhianna E (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending the nursery for 10 months and is absolutely thriving. She had no trouble settling in thanks to the welcoming and caring staff. The children have lots of access to the outdoors and sometimes go for walks in the woods. They enjoy a lot of crafts and messy play that I wouldn't
be able to provide at home.
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Review from L S (Grandmother of Child) published on 15 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandmother attends Monkey Puzzle and it is the most amazing place. She loves all the different activities and it has encouraged her creativity and imagination. She is always talking about school and what she had done with her friends and we love seeing the photos on Tapestry.
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Review from Claire C (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending since she was 13 months old, she is now 3 and a half. The nursery was amazing and helped us out straight away with our daughter - due to personal circumstances our previous childcare could not continue. The nursery was warm and welcoming and helped to make our daughter
feel safe and happy.
She enjoys every minute of being there, she loves the staff, the activities - she usually comes home covered in paint, glitter or something from what she has been doing that day. She enjoys playing outside and walking around the woods. She comes out every day with lots of smiles and happy from the day she's had.
She has plenty to eat each day with home cooked meals with healthy snacks in between, she enjoys eating with her friends.
I couldn't have asked for a better nursery to send our daughter too, helping us out when needed and been supportive of mine and my husbands shift work. I highly recommend Monkey Puzzle for your little ones to go too, thank you to all staff for all you do.
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Review from Anna H (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son has been attending the nursery for almost 2 years and my baby daughter has just begun. I like that there is a dedicated baby room unlike some mixed age nurseries as it feels safer. I have always found the baby care staff very sweet.


In fact, it has been the care staff that has always been

the best thing about the nursery. It took my son well over a year to settle & they were always patient and kind about this. Similarly now with my daughter


My son has learnt from the staff there too now he is in the preschool age room.

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Review from Charlie G (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little guy has been attending Monkey Puzzle Nursery 2 days a week for nearly a year. We chose Monkey Puzzle for the friendly caring staff and the excellent facilities in the baby room. We have since moved up to toddlers which is equally well stocked. My son has built really I I love getting the online
observations of his learning and play. We are really happy at Money Puzzle and look forward to many more happy days there.
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Review from Jennifer K (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I viewed three nurseries before making a visit to Monkey Puzzle in Shefford. Immediately I knew it was the right place to send my daughter. The environment is warm, nurturing and welcoming. It encompasses all areas that I feel my daughter needs to feel safe and to thrive. The environment is calm, yet
stimulating, with the potential for the children to feel more independent and explore. I would highly recommend this nursery to all carers and parents.
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Review from K D (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sending our son to this nursery was such a great decision! We were at ease as soon as we walked through the door and the staff were extremely positive and engaging. They have a fab variety of activities, including outdoor trips to the woods which our son loves! The baby outdoor play area is great
too and gives the babies a decent sized, safe area to explore. All the staff encourage the babies' development in a number of ways, particularly at meal times, during messy play and through reading, as well as play adventures in the soft play area. We are amazed at how much our boy has developed in only a few months. He is incredibly sociable, not a fussy eater at all and is walking and babbling way ahead of the curve. At the same time, he is considerate and loves cuddles - always full of smiles and hugs for his key worker. We know that he has absolutely loved it here!
Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery
Thank you Kate. We hope you have all settled well into your new home and really appreciate your kind comments
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Review from Kelly Q (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy parent, very happy child, lovely staff who are always happy and welcoming,very flexible nursery. Activities are amazing and we are always bringing home something new and exciting with home cooked food excellent. What more could a happy parent ask for!!!!!!!!
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Review from Hollie P (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter attends the nursery once a week. The staff are always friendly and helpful and she always talks about her day when she gets home. She really enjoys the outside area and has enjoyed going to the woods.
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Review from Kier F (Mother of Child) published on 3 October 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy went to Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Shefford when I went back to work. He loved it! The girls in the baby room are all so wonderful and he was so well cared for. They are a great team and my little boy bonded with all of them, especially his key worker. A real relief for a first time mum
trying to balance work and baby. Everyday there were wonderful activities that encouraged his development and he now has a wonderful learning journal with some fantastic photos and comments from his key worker for us to look back on. They helped carry on what we had started at home with weaning and establishing nap routines. They are a small, friendly and caring nursery with a lovely open plan baby room, varied menu options, great little baby garden and plenty of varied activities and toys. A fantastic little nursery. Can recommend highly!
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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.