Our Story
The nursery was established in October 2013 by Susan Coleman and Becky Watson in local premises, focusing on providing a secure and personal learning environment for children aged 3 months – 4 years. We operate an open door policy with parents and carers to ensure that the children receive the upmost care and attention. We follow the EYFS and parents are encouraged to contribute to the child’s individual record of achievement.
Our Activities
- Woodland walks
- Forest school activities
- Cooking
- Art and Crafts
- French lessons once a week*
- Teddy Tennis*
- Ballet
- Community visits to local residential home
- French lessons once a week*
- Teddy Tennis*
- Ballet
- Community visits to local residential home
Meeting Every Child’s Individual Needs
At Larchfield, we thrive to meet the needs of each individual child as each child is different. We understand that some children will need additional support throughout their education and life whereas others may need support temporarily. We have our trained SENCOs within the nursery that have a passion for supporting children to have the best outcomes. As with all educational settings we follow the Special Educational Needs and Disability code of practice 2015.
There is a range of support and advice on the Local Authority websites for parents and professionals.
For Central Bedfordshire this is: Central Bedfordshire SEND Local Offer
Milton Keynes: SEND Local Offer - Milton Keynes Council
Opening Times
The nursery is open throughout the school holidays. It is closed on bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year, following the Milton Keynes school term dates.
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 7:45am – 6pm |
| Friday | 7.45am - 5pm |
| Saturday & Sunday | Closed |
Our Staff
Our ‘Recruitment Policy’ ensures that they are all fully safety checked and hold relevant childcare qualifications. We ask that all of our staff have experience working with children in order to provide excellent learning and care. All of our staff have completed paediatric first aid and safeguarding training courses, and the majority of staff have obtained food hygiene certificates.
Nursery Managers
The nursery is owned and managed by the two nursery Managers who have over 40 years of experience between them. Both have degrees as well as NVQ level 3/NNEB in childcare. They also continue their development through courses and attending relevant training.
Deputy Manager
The deputy manager works alongside the managers, developing their knowledge and extending their training to assist in the daily running of the nursery.
Room Leaders
Room leaders all hold NVQ level 3 qualifications, first aid and safeguarding training. They also further their development through a range of courses to support the nursery on a daily basis.
“My eldest has attended Larchfield since 2018 and my youngest since 2020 and I wouldn’t think twice of recommending Larchfield to anyone and everyone. Their patience, knowledge, guidance and support show no bounds and I’ll be very sad when my boys grow up and have to move on as I don’t think I’ll be ready to say goodbye. I’ll always be grateful to Larchfield for giving my boys the best possible start to their education.”
- Callum’s and Parker’s parents
“Larchfield is a wonderful home from home nursery where our 3 year old has been so lovingly cared for since he was 8 months old. Every member of staff is so passionate and genuinely has his best interests at heart, we love hearing what he’s been up to each day. The nursery provides such brilliant opportunities to engage in and explore a wide range of topics while learning life skills and making friends. We feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful nursery and soon our second baby will get to experience all this too.”
- Henry’s mum
“Larchfield has been a happy and welcoming place for both our children from day one. The girls love attending, they come home happy and excited about what they have done and love all the staff. I know the staff care, cuddle and have fun with the girls whilst they are there, but also focus on their development and milestones. We feel really lucky to have found such a home from home for the girls.”
- Pepper and Indie’s mum
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills.
The Millie’s Mark award certifies that in a nursery, all practitioners are fully trained in Paediatric First Aid.