Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm

Thrift Farm, Buckingham Road, Whaddon, Milton Keynes MK17 0EQ
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9.9 66 Reviews
  • Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm, Milton Keynes
Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm, is a new nursery based on the farm at Thrift Farm. Run by the experienced team from Little Chestnuts Day Nursery in Bletchley, who recently relocated.

Little Chestnuts were awarded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in their most recent 2021 report for its 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 three months 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 Little Chestnuts.

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Care Provided by Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • 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
  • 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

Funding & Fees Guide for Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm

  • 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.

Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm Reviews (66)

Total of 66, showing 1-20
9.9

Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.864) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm has 66 reviews.

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Review from Gabrielle H (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one started around a month ago. He is doing 1.5 days per week.
He started with 6 settle sessions, which got progressively longer to ease him in. He was initially really spooked to be left by himself, this is the first time he has been in a childcare setting without family members. His confidence
has progressed really quickly because of how great the room staff are with him.
Before enrolling, I used to take him to the farm frequently. I had seen how the nursery treated the little ones in their care.
I knew before he joined that thrift was the place for my son. I was right. He has come home with a new story to tell every time he has attended. He has lot ls of fun and talks about how nice they all are. He talks about different foods he has tried and enjoyed. I'm really happy with everything, I wouldn't go anywhere else.

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Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl started at Thrift farm a couple weeks ago and I cannot fault them. They listen to your child's needs and requirements, and as a first time mum the reassurance they have provided is next to none. My little one is absolutely loves it and always comes home so happy. They update the app regularly
with meal times, sleeps ect. I can't wait to see how she develops in the next few months

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Review from Ellie D (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak highly enough of little Chestnuts. From the very start we have always had a very positive experience. All the staff are very engaging and friendly, we are greeted every morning with a smile and positive attitude. When my daughter first started, the staff were very communicative about
her time during the session and really wanted to do everything they could to ensure complete enjoyment for her. She is now very comfortable and eager to go in, always with open arms! My daughter loves the outdoors so the outdoor space and the regular farm visits are amazing! We always receive regular updates and pictures and they also ensure to get involved in things like mental health days, mothers day and other occasions!

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Review from Leanne T (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started in October/ November 24 in toddler room . The staff have been amazing , and really helped her settle in . They give me daily updates on collection. It took us a while to find a nursery we liked for our daughter , and we couldn't be happier . She gets to do dancing every second Monday
and also visits the farm . The staff have been very lovely to my daughter , and also put me at ease too ! . The staff have supported a mum that felt the worst mum guilt at the beginning of tearful drops offs , while our daughter was settling . Also we have noticed such a big different in our daughter independence and can't thank the staff enough for what they teach her :)

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Review from Alexandra K (Mother of Child) published on 21 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The girls are always happy and helpful, giving us a nice little summary of our daughter's day with them. We feel like they care about her and are genuinely happy to see her. Our daughter is happy being dropped off and has developed in a very short space of time. Overall we are very happy with the nursery.

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Review from S A (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been going here for a few months now since he was 9 months old and has loved every minute of it. I feel very comfortable sending him in every day and he goes in no problem and comes home smiling every day. The staff are all welcoming and friendly and get daily updates. I would highly recommend
this nursery.

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Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Little Chestnuts for a few months in the toddler room, prior to this in the baby room. Since establishing contact with the nursery I have felt supported as a parent and that every staff member has been kind, professional, and took time to build a relationship with my daughter.
The way in which she was given time to settle, transition, build confidence and grow has been exceptional and a lovely thing to see. Every day is a joy to come and she heads straight in and knows her key worker and those who are there to support her. Communication is great from the beginning to the end of each day.

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Review from Scott R (Father of Child) published on 4 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined the baby room almost a year ago and absolutely loves it. The staff are amazing and so caring towards the children.
My daughter loves being outside in the garden and visiting the farm. The farm-based nursery is such a great idea and I am so glad we chose Thrift Farm.
She has learnt
so much in her time at nursery and I cannot wait to see how much more she will learn as she moves up into the toddler room.
I cannot fault this nursery at all. Thank you all so much for all you have done.

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Review from Kerry P (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm Day Nursery since she was just 16 months old. We moved over to the farm with you too. She started in babies and is now moving on to pre-school in two weeks.
I have nothing but good words to say about her experience, what a fantastic place
to send your baby/child. I felt at ease from the off and the artwork she brings home is amazing. She has learnt and grown beyond my expectations with Little Chestnuts and I do and will continue to recommend the nursery to my friends and family.

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Review from Rachel S (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely outstanding, professional, friendly, and supportive. I have sent both my boys here who have additional needs and this nursery has supported them both fully I know they are well looked after and educated and having fun I will always promote this nursery as they are amazing.

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Review from Rebecca W (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son joined Little Chestnuts in August 2022 having been with a childminder since a baby. The staff went above and beyond to help him adjust and settle. He gained confidence over a few weeks and his development has come on significantly since. He absolutely loves being outside and on the farm and
looks forward to going evryday. The staff supported him to master potty training, working with us to ensure they carried out things similar to home. We have three children and have experience with several settings- Little Chestnuts is certainly one of the best!

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Review from Sinead B (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love our decision to bring our daughter to this nursery.
The staff are fantastic. As soon as we had our settling-in sessions I knew it’d be a great place for our child.
The team are very caring and I feel so comfortable leaving our child at the nursery.
She has only been going for a
few months and we are seeing so much change and development. The app is also great. Highly recommend.

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Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has recently joined this nursery and he absolutely loves it. When we looked around we loved the outdoor and indoor provisions and the opportunity to visit the farm on a regular basis. The children go to the farm whatever the weather and it is a joy to see them all so excited from their farm trip.
The team are incredible and made us feel so welcome as a family. They take the time to get to know your child and create well thought out provision areas to capture the children’s attention and develop their imagination. On the settling in sessions, we used the early years foundation stage standards to highlight where our son was and the nursery use this to shape his own personal learning journey to nurture his development. My son joined the toddler room and we loved how they helped foster his independence and develop his confidence. Our daughter joins the baby room later this year. We are so pleased that we chose Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm, I know our children will thrive there and I highly recommend them.

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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing staff, my daughter loves attending the preschool room and she looks forward to going every time, as the staff are so engaging and committed to her development as an individual. Comprehensive updates each day at pick-up time to let me know how the day has gone. A great mix of indoor and outdoor
activities, my daughter has made friends here and enjoys the social aspect in a warm, friendly and nurturing environment. Highly recommend Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm

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Review from Natasha B (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been with the nursery since he was 9 months old and the staff have been amazing since day 1. Nursery is clean, the outdoor space is fabulous and overall the grounds are amazing.
I never worry when I leave my child, he walks in happy to arrive and the staff treat him like their own child.
Amazing staff, overall, I can't fault this nursery, keep up the good work guys.

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Review from E G (Mother of Child) published on 5 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery with lovely staff. My child struggled to settle due to being a COVID baby, the staff were warm and welcoming and patient.
I love that the children visit the farm and feed the animals.
I highly recommend this nursery.

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Review from S O (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is amazing all of my children have attended. I cannot praise this nursery and staff anymore. They really create a fun and loving environment for all children. They genuinely care about your children and any needs they may have. Every member of staff are amazing at their job. I cannot recommend
them or thank them enough.

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Review from Kelby L (Mother of Child) published on 6 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Little Chestnuts far exceeded every expectation we had for our son's first experience at nursery. The teachers are informative, responsive, and nurturing. The ladies in the baby room are positively extraordinary.

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Review from Harriet T (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was quite nervous about sending my little one to nursery but I couldn't have picked a better nursery for her than Little Chestnuts. From the very start, we were welcomed with loving and open arms and had felt like my daughter had been attending for years, that's how comfortable I had been made to
feel within such a short period of time.
All members of staff ensured my daughter had the best time while she was in their care. I could comfortably call up to check how my daughter was getting on and then would receive an in-depth handover when it was time to pick up. I loved how the staff followed your routine that you have at home as much as possible and that every few weeks, your child gets a focus week, which was really useful as that way myself and the staff could work together to encourage my daughter to, for example, take her first steps. It was lovely seeing the evidence of how your child is developing as you get an info pack at the end of each focus week. Thank you Little Chestnuts.

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Review from Alexander H (Father of Child) published on 14 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  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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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.864)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.864) out of 10 for Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 11 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.947 for Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm is calculated as follows: ( (125 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 132 Ratings = 4.947

  • b) 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 4.917 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm is based on 11 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 12 = 0.917

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

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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.


Frequently Asked Questions about Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm

What is the Age Range of Children that Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm accepts?

Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm Open?

Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm is open: 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.

How many Children does Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm have capacity for?

Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm to the centre of Milton Keynes?

4.3 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 Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Little Chestnuts at Thrift Farm has a Platinum Service – more info.