Family Tree Day Nursery

The Old School at East Lodge, Ampthill Road, Shefford SG17 5BH
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9.7 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 41-60
9.7

Family Tree Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.736) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Family Tree Day Nursery has 60 reviews.

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Review from Hayley B (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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  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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Review from Emma (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending the nursery since last year and he is so happy there. The staff are extremely well trained and very loving and caring. The management team are always available to talk to and he has a fantastic relationship with his key worker. I chose Monkey Puzzle as I liked their different
options for sleeping which has worked really well for my son and also the opportunities to visit the woods. The children are all of his age as they don't have any before or after school children and this was important to me in feeling my son was in a safe environment away from the influences of older children. It is a very bright and happy nursery but also has a really calm atmosphere whatever time of day I pick him up. I can't recommend Monkey Puzzle enough.

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Review from F N (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started one year ago aged 7 months when I returned to full-time shift work. The manager of the nursery did a great job of reassuring me and supporting me and my husband who found it hard - as most parents do! Monkey Puzzle offers flexibility, due to the nature of our work, which we cannot thank
them for enough. The nursery staff are friendly, enthusiastic and really care for our son, he has developed a lovely relationship with them. We are always kept up to date with his progress via the Tapestry site, which is a lovely thing to receive when at work. Cannot recommend them enough.

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Review from Kimberley B (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It takes me about 20 minutes to actually get out of the door at collection time - and it's nothing to do with staff efficiency! It's because my daughter seems to have so much fun, she doesn't actually want to leave. The staff are really good, I've never once doubted that she is well looked after and
I can see that she is comfortable with the staff.


They have a very good morning routine so no drama for us at drop-off time and use on Online Learning Journal (inc an app) to document, and take pictures, of the things she's been doing and learning which I like a lot.


My daughter has some minor food intolerances but the staff are very careful to make sure she is catered for and doesn't eat anything on the 'exclude' list.


Finally, any concerns or issues we have, we've always been able to discuss with them and have seen some changes based on feedback.


I was really anxious at the thought of leaving my daughter but I need not have worried - it's clear she is very happy here.


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Review from Sarah (Mother of Child) published on 4 January 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started at Monkey Puzzle Shefford in Autumn 2015. Having never been looked after by anyone other than us as parents he struggled to settle. The staff did everything possible to help him settle and his confidence has slowly grown, culminating in him going in happily and engaging with the activities
in the setting. I couldn't be happier with the care provided and would recommend this nursery to friends.

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Review from Vikki S (Mother of Child) published on 4 January 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending the nursery since the summer and has really blossomed in the nursery. She very much enjoys the craft activities, time in the woods and has really bonded with members of staff. The nursery prepare a variety of good food and have been most helpful and supportive with any
specific health needs. I wish to thank them for all their hard work and for maintaining openness with all aspects of care for my daughter.

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Review from Shelley E (Mother of Child) published on 4 January 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 8 month old daughter attends Monkey puzzle full time and she loves it. She has come on a lot since she's been there as they are always working on new things with her. We are also impressed with the range of foods she is given and the fact that they are prepared there. I highly recommend Monkey Puzzle
Shefford.

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Review from Holly K (Mother of Child) published on 29 December 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery! Would highly recommend, my daughter goes once a week and loves her fun filled days as well as learning through play. She has come on leaps and bounds in the short time she has been at monkey puzzle. The staff are excellent and her dietary needs are met with ease.

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Review from Fern A (Mother of Child) published on 29 December 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love this nursery! All the staff and facilities are exceptional. My daughters dietary needs are catered for with ease. She absolutely loves going and has made my return to work a lot less stressful for all of us. Thank you to all the staff!

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.736)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.736) 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 4.7 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.736 for Family Tree Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (110 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 144 Ratings = 4.736

  • 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 12 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 12 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (1)

Best staff recruitment

Recipient: Family Tree Day Nursery

Date: Saturday 19 Nov 2016 More details

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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.


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