Head Start Day Nursery and Preschool in Milton Keynes Village

We are open during school hours – 42 weeks per year, providing well -resourced playrooms to nurture your child’s development and learning. We offer care for children from the age of 18 months through to school age.

Curriculum

At our Head Start Day Nursery in Milton Keynes Village our curriculum is focused on the needs and interests of each child, to ensure our activities and play areas support their growth and development. We embrace an in the moment approach to learning, and use natural and loose parts as resources in our children’s learning.

Our pedagogy also uses the Curiosity Approach and Hygge to deliver all the elements of the EYFS. We use Forest School outdoors with children who are in our preschool room.

Families of children with additional needs can be assured that we will support their child through personalised learning journeys if needed, and work with external practitioners to enable your child to reach their full potential.

Team

We have a long serving, experienced team of educators who have been part of our nurturing setting for many years. We are renowned for the excellent quality childcare we provide in our community. Our team are highly qualified, from level two practitioners through to a qualified teacher. We are committed to providing the best childcare for toddlers and preschool children, looking after each child’s wellbeing to ensure they develop the skills and confidence needed for their next steps in education and life.

Our Forest school leader is in the process of completing her qualification and all of our staff are qualified in Paediatric First Aid. Our managers, who are involved with caring for our children, are both SENCo trained ensuring we are fully equipped to include every child in the activities and fun of nursery life.

Parent Partnership

To enhance communication with our families and provide daily updates we use our nursery app to keep you connected with your child’s daily activities, meals, and milestones. Our dedicated team provide a document explaining the EYFS, our nursery curriculum and activities on the app as well as using the app to facilitate open communication with our families at any time, including easy access to a weekly gallery of photos that we publish for our parents. The app enables us to send important announcements and reminders about special events to create a smooth and enjoyable experience for all families.

We have wonderful parent partnerships and develop strong bonds with our families through regular contact, including stay and play opportunities for parents and termly development reports. We invite parents to join us each summer for a Graduation Ceremony for our pre school children as they transition to Primary, and at Christmas we hold a Carol service at the church and a family singalong in the hall. We also organise community events to support local and national charities such as Children in Need during the day which our community are fully involved with! Families are also encouraged to use our lending library to read together at home.

Facilities

Head Start Day Nursery in Milton Keynes Village is based in the historic Village Hall for 42 weeks each year. Our location ensures we are at the heart of our community, with plenty of activities inside and outside, using our dedicated natural garden resources and the village green. We aim to provide a range of activities and learning opportunities that spark curiosity and build confidence in our little ones.

Classes

Busy Bees 
Located in the smaller of our two halls on the ground floor, it is a vibrant and nurturing space for our youngest learners. With three dedicated staff members, this room provides a supportive environment where babies and toddlers can thrive. Busy Bees enjoy daily access to our compact nursery garden, featuring a sand tray, water play, and physical play equipment. The garden is part astro turf and part patio, with a wall-mounted chalkboard and large parasols for summer shade, allowing children to explore freely and engage in active play.

Wise Owls
Our Wise Owls class is designed for older toddlers up to school leavers. Situated in the larger hall on the ground floor, this flexible space can be easily set up to cater to various activities. With four permanent team members, Wise Owls benefit from a rich learning environment that supports their development. They have daily access to the village green, their outdoor learning and play area, where they enjoy engaging in nature and outdoor experiences. Additionally, Wise Owls participate in Forest School activities at an off-site woodland location, just a short walk from the nursery, providing them with exciting next steps in their preschool journey.

At our nursery, we believe in nurturing each child’s unique journey, which is why we transition children between rooms based on their individual abilities rather than their age. This personalised approach ensures that every child receives the right level of support and challenge, allowing them to thrive and progress at their own pace. By nurturing a learning environment that respects their developmental needs, we help each child build confidence and enjoy their early years to the fullest.

Outdoor Space

We have a wonderful dedicated garden space to the side of the village hall for our nursery children where we plant and grow flowers. Our Busy Bees enjoy our compact garden every day with a mud kitchen, sand and water play, physical play and sporty toys to help with their physical development and self esteem. Our garden has a surface that is part astro-turf and part patio with a wall mounted chalkboard and large parasols to provide shade in the summer.

Our older children love taking part in Forest School activities in a separate woodland area in the village. We also enjoy the village environment for walks and nature hunts. The Secret Garden in the village is a flower filled area the children love to explore in all seasons. Our large Village green allows space for an annual Sports Day and is the location for our annual Graduation Ceremony for our leavers.

Activities

At our nursery, we offer a diverse range of engaging activities designed to inspire creativity, movement, and connection with nature.

Boogie Mites and Mini Mites: Our lively music and movement sessions encourage children to express themselves through dance and rhythm, creating a joyful atmosphere where they can develop their physical coordination and social skills. The spacious environment allows for plenty of room to move and groove!

Forest School: This hands-on learning experience takes children outdoors to explore nature, engage in exciting adventures, and learn about the environment. Through Forest School, children build confidence and develop essential skills while connecting with the natural world.

Make and Bake: In our big kitchen, children get the chance to roll up their sleeves and dive into fun cooking projects. They love experimenting with different ingredients, which not only enhances their culinary skills but also provides opportunities for maths and science learning.

Eco School: Our Eco School initiative encourages children to take on exciting challenges that they can share with their families at home. These activities foster an appreciation for the environment and promote sustainability.

Move and Groove: This program combines movement and music, helping children develop their motor skills while having fun. It’s a great way for them to release energy and engage in active play.

Through these enriching activities, we create a stimulating environment that supports every child’s development and love for learning!

Community Outings

We love taking our children on fantastic community outings to explore the charming sights of our village. Our walks often lead us to see the horses in their paddocks, visit the local fire station, and enjoy the beauty of the village ponds. The children also love discovering the Secret Garden and spotting the post boxes along the way. Our strong connections with the community, including partnerships with the fire station and All Saints Church, enrich these experiences, allowing the children to learn about their surroundings while enjoying a sense of belonging and curiosity.

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Our Nursery at a Glance