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- The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury






The Shepherd’s Hut Outdoor Day Nursery opened in August 2018.
The nursery is very proud of their recent 'Outstanding' Ofsted award in October 2021 with a glowing report.
They offer tailored high-quality childcare for children aged 0 to 5 years.
Using nature to nurture, they provide children with a wonderful introduction to their first independent steps in the world. Having established Chiltern forest school they have watched school-age children thrive through outdoor learning...
Funding & Fees
£34 per half day
Government funding accepted
Contact The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury to get a personalised quote:
Type of Service
- Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all yearFull days available
YesHalf day sessions offered
NoGroup/Owner
- The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nurseries
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Kim Mabey & Erica Bailey (Director & Nursery Managers)
Number of Childcare Staff
- 20
Total Places for Children
- 30
Age Range
- from 0 years 0 months
- to 5 years 0 months
Meals Provided
NoConsumables provided
NoOpening Times
- Monday 08:00-16:30
- Tuesday 08:00-16:30
- Wednesday 08:00-16:30
- Thursday 08:00-16:30
- Friday 08:00-16:30
When Closed
- Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas
Parking
- There is a small car park on site. If this is full please park sensibly on the road being considerate of neighbours. Parking in the turning circle is strictly prohibited.
The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury Reviews (24)
The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.699) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury has 24 reviews.
We are so grateful to The Shepherd's Hut for the wonderful experiences they have allowed our boys to explore. Our two eldest boys have now gone to school but both were welcomed and supported with great care and kindness. They were provided with the perfect environment to grow confidently into themselves, develop vital skills for life and all while being allowed to get muddy!! Pick-up was always a joy as they came out with huge smiles and stories of their day that they couldn't wait to share. Thank you to all the staff, we couldn't recommend Shepherd's Hut highly enough.
Amazing nursery. My child absolutely loves going here. He started when he was 6 months old and he's now 3. We wanted him to go here because we loved that the majority of the learning would be outside because he loves being outdoors. The staff are amazing with all of the children and there's nothing that I can fault. My other child will be joining in September, and I'm excited to see her thrive as well.
The development of our son driven by the deep and meaningful nurturing of all the staff has been a pleasure to watch. My wife and I will forever be grateful to The Shepherd's Hut Nursery, where children are unfolded, not moulded.
Couldn't recommend The Shepherd's Hut highly enough. My son has grown into such a sweet, fun-loving little man with a huge passion for the outdoors - and we owe SO much of that to The Shepherd's Hut. I wouldn't even dream of sending him anywhere else. The variety of activities they offer on a daily basis, the open space they afford the children, the risky play and respect for the outdoors, crops and chickens etc. is just unmatched. To even consider putting my son into a four-walled nursery doesn't even compare to our expectations now. He'll be sat in a school setting for the next 10+ years!! To allow him to be a toddler and roam outside at his leisure for as long as we possibly can is all we could ever hope for! We'll be so so sorry to leave this year, but will definitely be sending baby no.2 to The Shepherd's Hut! We also love how ages integrate in this setting. Thanks so much to the whole team for bringing my son out of himself and helping him to build relationships with adults and children alike!
Our little girl goes to The Shepherd's Hut and we absolutely love it. The staff are nice, the children spend most of their time outside and the grounds are spacious and full of outdoor interests for the children. Our little girl is thriving there and we would highly recommend it.
Our experience has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff are incredibly caring and attentive, creating a nurturing environment. The outdoor setting is amazing, surrounded by nature. The children have the opportunity to explore and learn. Our child looks very happy in attending nursery, and we as parents couldn't be happier with our choice.
Such a lovely, welcoming setting, with incredibly dedicated and supportive staff. My son is so desperate to go in he always forgets to say goodbye to me and comes out beaming. Each week is themed and I love hearing about all the things my son has learned that week. They also have a lovely tradition of carols around the campfire at Christmas.
The Shepherd's Hut provides an absolutely brilliant setting that is exactly what childhood should be about: getting messy, exploring, making friends, having fun and learning about the world. Both my children absolutely love the setting and the wonderful people who look after them all day long. My 3-year-old daughter comes home each day singing and actually teaches us new songs she has learnt at the Shepherd's Hut. My only gripe is having to make lunches for the kids every day because I'm lazy!! Other than that, highly recommend!
We couldn't ask for a more magical and wonderful place to send our 3 children, our oldest has been attending for 3 years and has absolutely loved every day and he has thrived so much. Everything they do stands in line with our values, and more than anything you can see how much all the staff love and adore the children. The freedom to be a child is what we love the most, to think outside the box and help them understand kindness. We couldn't recommend it more highly to anyone and we feel so lucky that we could send our children there putting trust in others. They love it as much as we do!
It's an amazing place where our child can just be free and enjoy playing with other kids. Everyone is so helpful and kind we feel so lucky to have found The Shepard's Hut, it's a shame she will need to leave to go to school.
The Shepherd's Hut is absolutely perfect for me and my little ones. I love that they spend the majority of their time outdoors, and it has nurtured a real love for nature in my eldest especially. They have chickens on site and are constantly planting, growing and even eating their own produce at snack times. Such a wonderful learning environment, and I personally would choose this any day over putting my children in a stuffy classroom when they're so little. The staff are like best friends to my girls and they constantly beam about what they did during their day and who they can't wait to see when they go back. Would 10000% recommend this nursery to other parents.
I can't speak highly enough of Shepherd's Hut. My son has been here for a year now and he seems very happy. I always feel really excited to receive pictures of what he gets up to and to speak to the staff at the end of the day. Everyone is lovely and it's a very special place.
The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery has been an amazing experience for us as a family. Both our children have blossomed in so many ways since starting here almost two years ago. As parents it has been so nice knowing that we are sending our children into a nurturing environment that focuses on learning through playing/exploring outdoors. We wish we could stay for longer... but time to move to the next adventure. We will be taking with us fond memories and a growing love for outdoor exploration. This is a beautiful place with amazing staff... We would highly recommend.
Thank you so much for your kind words. They have been a big part of The Shepherds Hut and will be dearly missed. It's a pleasure to have been a part of their journey and we wish them all the best on their next adventure!
Both my boys have attended Shepherds Hut since they were very young. My youngest joined Baby Barn when he was only a few months old. They have both loved it since the moment they arrived. We never had any issues with leaving them and they have always been so excited when we tell them it's a forest school day. Our journeys home from the Shepherds Hut have become my favourite time with the boys as they would be so excited to tell me all about their day. The staff have always been happy, professional, fun and caring. The setting is wonderful with the cosy yurt and lovely Baby Barn. I couldn't ask for anything more and I cannot fault this setting. We would have them there five days a week if we could, it's only our personal logistics that stop this from being the case. Thank you Shepherds Hut for always taking such good care of my babies, we will miss you enormously.
Thank you so much for your kind words. They have been a big part of The Shepherds Hut nursery and will be dearly missed. It's a pleasure to have been a part of their journey and we wish them all the best on their next adventure!
Our son has been attending Shepherd's Hut for a year now and we can't recommend it enough! The staff team did their best to help Hugo settle in and we feel they really go above and beyond with ensuring the children engage in a variety of creative and learning practices, all in a beautiful outdoor setting. The children he meets seem lovely and some of the parents are keen to meet up with their children for playdates. We have no hesitation recommending it and will be sending his younger brother there soon too. I wish places like this existed for primary school too!
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We're so pleased to be a part of their journey.
Both of our children have attended the Shepherds Hut outdoor day nursery and its been absolutely brilliant! Everything about the place is fantastic. The owners are both heavily involved and people you immediately know you can trust your children's wellbeing and development with. They hire fantastic staff and run a brilliant nursery. You can tell that all of the team genuinely care about the children they look after, and the children in turn benefit hugely from the environment. Our youngest is banging on the door at home at 7am desperate to get outside! Could not recommend them highly enough, it's a magical place.
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We're so pleased to be a part of their journey.
I would highly recommend The Shepherds Hut, my 2 boys have been attending the holiday club for 2 summers and absolutely love the adventure and the experience they provide. They always come home beaming about different activities and are full of knowledge about the environment around us. The teachers are lovely and genuinely care and support all the children.
The staff are fantastic and great with the children.
Thank you for your kind words, your son's are a pleasure to have and we look forward to seeing them soon.
The nursery staff made my 4-year-old son feel welcome and happy from the moment he arrived on his first day. The day is well-structured, and I love the balance between free play (great variety of activities to choose from), and communal times when they eat, sing and chat together. He learnt lots about nature and the environment by harvesting potatoes, digging and having campfires. He went in all sorts of weathers and always had a fantastic time being outside the whole time. All the staff knew who he was after just one session and made me feel like they really got to know him and care for him. He made lovely friends, and at the end of every day, he told me it had been "great"! He is starting school now, but we hope to be back in the holidays.
Thank you so much, we're so pleased to have been able to be part of your sons journey and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Both my sons have attended the holiday club at Shepherds Hut for 2-years. They both love it there. They do a wide range of different activities, and I think it’s great that a lot of them are child-led. It’s such a fun experience for them. My youngest has made lots of friends during his sessions there. My eldest son has additional needs and the staff have been absolutely fantastic with him. It’s one of the only places I feel totally relaxed about him being without me there. I know he’s engaged in lots of activities and well looked after. I can’t recommend the holiday club enough, and we will definitely be coming each Easter and summer.
Thank you for your kind words, your sons are a pleasure to have and we look forward to seeing them soon.
Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
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Awards / Recognitions (1)
- Recipient: The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - AylesburyDate: Thursday 04 Mar 2021
Meet the Team (15)
Erica is a fully qualified Teacher with over 20 years of experience. She has also trained and qualified as a Forest School Leader (in 2010) and runs Forest School programmes in schools alongside our teaching commitments. In 2014 Chiltern Forest School Ltd was born. Our aim is to offer the Forest School experience to a wider range of children and this led to the opening of The Shepherd’s Hut Outdoor Day Nursery.
My experiences have shown me the huge benefits of learning in an outdoor, natural environment generally and of the Forest School ethos specifically. Recently there have been numerous studies which indicate that time spent in a woodland or other outdoor environment has an extremely important and positive effect on mental well-being.
Kim is a fully trained and qualified Forest School Leader (in 2013) and runs Forest School programmes in schools alongside our teaching commitments. In 2014 Chiltern Forest School Ltd was born. Our aim is to offer the Forest School experience to a wider range of children and this led to the opening of The Shepherd’s Hut Outdoor Day Nursery.
My experiences have shown me the huge benefits of learning in an outdoor, natural environment generally and of the Forest School ethos specifically. Recently there have been numerous studies which indicate that time spent in a woodland or other outdoor environment has an extremely important and positive effect on mental well-being.
Callie has many years of experience in management and admin roles. She enjoys ensuring that all aspects of The Shepherd’s Hut are running smoothly and everything is present and correct! Callie is in the office most mornings to answer your queries.
Lauren was born and raised in Zimbabwe. She studied at the London Montessori Centre achieving a Level 3 qualification. After which she went sailing for several years before starting a family. She has worked in schools and nurseries in Africa, the Middle East and the UK.
Lauren enjoys time with her now adult children, exploring local woodland walks, reading, live music events and singing very badly!
As a new staff member, Esther is a great addition to the team!
Olivia supports Callie in the office with daily duties, new enquiries and other administration requirements.
Kat prepares meal times and ensures the smooth running of the routines. Kat devises a healthy balance of snacks throughout the day and always provides a variety. Kat has her Level 2 certificate in food safety and hygiene and always has the kitchen in spotless condition.
Aiman completed her Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship with us and is now a qualified Practitioner.
Lauren initially studied for an arts degree and then switched to childcare in which she secured her Level 3 qualification. Lauren has since worked in nurseries obtaining over 4 years of experience.
In her free time, Lauren enjoys going on walks, doing yoga, drawing, roller skating and reading. Lauren also offers volunteer work for local art centres painting sets for the Christmas Pantomimes.
Penny has enjoyed many years of experience in nurseries and has joined us to complete her Level 3 qualification in childcare. Although never having worked at an outdoor nursery before, Penny understands the enormous benefits being outside brought to the children. Having always loved the outdoors and outdoor activities Penny was able to foster the same love in my 3 sons who are all grown up now!
In her spare time, Penny's interests include walking with her dogs and friends as well as enjoying music and films.
Jade is a fun, caring, enthusiastic individual who has joined us after working in Forestry environments.
Hannah has joined us from a Waldorf-style childcare setting.
She shares our passion for children learning through play and being outdoors.
Henny was born in Worcestershire and grew up on a mixed farm developing a natural love of the countryside and all living things from an early age. At the age of 4, Henny's love of dance was established and she gained a scholarship to study at The Arts Educational School of Performing Arts. After graduating in classical & modern ballet, Henny went abroad to Germany and Ireland to dance in various companies working up the ranks to become principal soloist. Henny has experience teaching drama and speech, putting on school productions and taking mime workshops.
In 2000 Henny began working at Maryland Pre-school near Amersham and went on to complete her Level 2 in Early Years Education. This was followed by becoming a Forest School Leader in 2015. During the 24 years there, Henny developed the garden, going on to be awarded a silver and two gold medals in the schools category for the R.H.S.
Henny loves to spend time with her family, in the garden, walking with her dog Jesse and volunteering as a Sunday school teacher at her local church.
Jackie supports the nursery's daily routines. She is extremely organised and keeps our resources stocked and tidy. With a certificate in Food Hygiene and Safety, snacks and lunches are prepared appropriately.
Jackie joins us after working many years with horses and understands the benefits of spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Natalie has worked in childcare for nearly 20 years, ranging from running pre-schools/after-school clubs and crèches all over the UK to running kids clubs all over Europe. Her favourite place was being an Elf in Lapland!
She has a Foundation Degree from her Early Years as well as qualifications in Performing Arts and British Sign Language.
Since having her two sons, Natalie has spent time working in Children's Centres and Learning Support in schools as well as regularly volunteering for local forest school sessions. Through her sons, Natalie has learnt the benefits of outdoor learning as well as the value of storytelling wherever you are.
Some of Natalie’s hobbies are music, dancing and venturing off with her family in their camper van come rain or shine!
Frequently Asked Questions about The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury
What is the Age Range of Children that The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury accepts?
The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.
What Days & Hours is The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury Open?
The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury is open: Monday 08:00-16:30, Tuesday 08:00-16:30, Wednesday 08:00-16:30, Thursday 08:00-16:30, Friday 08:00-16:30.
How many Children does The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury have capacity for?
The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury has capacity for a total of 30 Children.
How far is The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury to the centre of Aylesbury?
3.7 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
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