Family Tree Day Nursery

The Old School at East Lodge, Ampthill Road, Shefford SG17 5BH
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9.8 60 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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Care Provided by Family Tree Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • More Than Talking Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Sarah Kingsley (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 16
  • Total Places for Children
  • 52
  • 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Family Tree Day Nursery

  • 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 = £82
    Early Start (7.30am – 8.00am) = £10

  • Please see our website for further fee information.

Family Tree Day Nursery Reviews (60)

Total of 60, showing 1-20
9.8

Family Tree Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.774) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Family Tree Day Nursery has 60 reviews.

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Review from L N (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant setting with committed staff members. Great variety of activities and love the freedom the children have to play and go between activities. My child has always been excited to go in which I think it's a reflection of the time the staff take to get on with the children and build a good rapport.
Brilliant
food, healthy balanced menu with lots of variety.
The management goes above and beyond to involve families in events at the nursery, such as stay and plays and the Christmas Fayre.

Reply from Caroline Musgrove, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words. We love seeing R's smiling face in the morning and he is a credit to you.


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Review from Olivia S (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my son started attending Monkey Puzzle in September, we've been absolutely delighted with the experience! He has truly thrived in the nurturing and stimulating environment the nursery provides. The staff are exceptional-so caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in the children's wellbeing and
development. It gives me great peace of mind knowing that my child is in such a safe and supportive setting every day.

Reply from Caroline Musgrove, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words. We all adore your child and my day wouldn't be the same without him.


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Review from Kathryn S (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has attended for over two years and he has really enjoyed his time at Monkey Puzzle. He has thrived with his speech and development since being in the pre school. He made friends and loved his key workers. He really enjoyed all the nature walks in the woods next to the nursery and we are happy
that he spent lots of time playing outdoors in the garden. He will miss Monkey Puzzle. Thank you for looking after our son and taking such good care of him.

Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

It has been a pleasure to have your child with us and watch him grow and develop. We wish him all the best for the future.


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Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has loved her time in Owls. She adores the staff, and they clearly care about her. The access to the woods is priceless and she's always enjoyed the indoor activities too.

Reply from Caroline Musgrove, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. It has been such a pleasure having her with her and we will all miss her chatter and cuddles.


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Review from Kate G (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has thrived since starting here 2 years ago. He has loved this experience. He has lovely friends and lovely key workers and we will be sad to leave. The team have been amazing and very supportive to us both after a very hard year. We will miss you all.

Reply from Caroline Musgrove, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words. We will always be here for both of you.


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Review from D M (Father of Child) published on 21 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended this nursery for over a year, and she has absolutely loved her time there. I can confidently say that all of the times my daughter was there, she was safe and happy. My experience with the teachers is that they were fantastic, particularly those who worked more closely with
my daughter due to her medical condition. Type 1 diabetes in nursery-aged infants is scary. But, if you are a parent of a child with T1D and you are reading this review, I'd urge you to add Monkey Puzzle to your shortlist of nurseries. The staff were fantastic with my daughter's additional needs and they completed the mandatory training as well as their own research on the condition to better enhance their ability to look after my daughter and make her nursery experience as normal as possible. I cannot thank them enough for keeping my daughter safe and happy. Only negative about this nursery is the lack of car parking, and heavily congested pickup/drop offs which is a minor issue all in all.

Reply from Caroline Musgrove, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely comments which have been passed to the staff. We always tried to go above and beyond for every child in our care. We are aware of the issues in the carpark and do our best within our limitations.


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Review from E R (Father of Child) published on 15 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The parking area does present an issue. Space is clearly at a premium but more management or a system in place to control it would be useful. An unfortunate negative in an otherwise fantastic nursery.

Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. We loved having your child with us. We are aware of the problems with parking and do our best with the app and trying to get children out as quickly as possible.


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Review from R C (Father of Child) published on 10 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Both children seem happy and enjoy going to Monkey Puzzle. They like to play in the garden and enjoy games and activities indoors. The staff are friendly and have a good relationship with the children.

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Review from Lisa J (Mother of Child) published on 2 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery with lots of activities that help with development at various ages. The staff are very attentive and always interact with kids. The food menu is varied and nutritious.

Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you Lisa. We are really pleased you appreciate the hard work all our staff put in.


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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery and the staff are absolutely amazing with the children.
The facilities for the children and extensive.
Child-led and homely feel to the nursery.

Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you, we are so glad you love the nursery, as we love having your little boy here with us.


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Review from B K (Father of Child) published on 25 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter goes to this nursery and is always so happy to be there the staff are amazing with her too. My older daughter also went to the nursery and is doing so well in school because of the effort that went into the years she was at Monkey Puzzle.

Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you Bradley we have loved having both of your girls at the nursery.


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Review from V G (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you so much for all you have done for my daughter. She has really grown in confidence and gets upset when it is not a 'school' day. We love all the activities you offer and I can't believe what you have got her to eat. All the staff have been so lovely I can't say enough about them. I would so
highly recommend you to anyone. Thank you to the nursery director and the nursery manager for how well they run the nursery. It has such a family feel.

Reply from Caroline Mathieson, Owner at Family Tree Day Nursery

Thank you. It has been an absolute pleasure to have your daughter and we will miss you all. We miss you all the best for your move.


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Review from M F (Father of Child) published on 4 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.774)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.774) out of 10 for Family Tree Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.774 for Family Tree Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (134 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 168 Ratings = 4.774

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Family Tree Day Nursery is based on 14 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 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, which has been reached with 14 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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 (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.


Frequently Asked Questions about Family Tree Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Family Tree Day Nursery accepts?

Family Tree Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Family Tree Day Nursery Open?

Family Tree Day Nursery 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 Family Tree Day Nursery have capacity for?

Family Tree Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 52 Children.

How far is Family Tree Day Nursery to the centre of Shefford?

0.7 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 Family Tree Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Family Tree Day Nursery has a Premium Service – more info.