Children’s nursery expands into the great outdoors

Funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and supported by Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), the nursery has space for up to 40 children. As well as providing a direct economic stimulus in the area with the creation of 20 new jobs, the nursery will also help more parents to stay active in the job market, aiding them to better balance their work and life commitments.

Delivering better outcomes for children and parents
The new Shepherd’s Hut Nursery, for children aged 0-5, is based on the Swedish Forest School concept, where many educational and play activities take place outdoors in a rural setting. Providers claim this approach results in better outcomes for child welfare and early years development than more traditional indoor nurseries. The company was set up in 2018 by founders Erica Bailey and Kim Mabey, who met while working at a local primary school, where they had successfully run Forest School sessions for toddlers. Their first outdoor nursery launched in Wendover.

The project involved the creation of a unique nursery environment set within an acre of farmland more commonly associated with the growing of pumpkins, Christmas trees and pick-your-own fruit. Funded items included a double wooden yurt for indoor activities and naptime, a poly tunnel where children can stay warm while enjoying the thrill of the outdoors, the construction of composting toilets, a shepherd's hut, and essential infrastructure such as ground and electrical works, paths, and fencing. The total cost of the project was £176,188.18, with Buckinghamshire Council covering 40% of the outlay.

The economic benefits of widening nursery access
The investment in a new nursery helps to address in one small way the chronic shortage of childcare facilities in Buckinghamshire. In fact, national media outlets have reported on a ‘childcare crisis’ across the UK with many parents stuck on waiting lists for months or even more than a year as they struggle to find someone to look after their children. Meanwhile, the high price of childcare can disincentivise a return to work, acting as a drag on the economy. For this reason, enabling more parents to balance their work and family life in Buckinghamshire was seen as a key factor in approving grant support.

The establishment of The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery will have several long-term benefits for the local community, not least of which are the creation of 20 new jobs including 15 full-time and 5 part-time roles, a significant contribution to local employment. These roles include a nursery manager responsible for overseeing daily operations, early years educators, apprentices working towards qualifications in childcare and education, an office manager managing administrative tasks, and a catering assistant to prepare nutritious meals for the children.

Local goods and sustainable measures
Managers also plan to make use of local suppliers for goods and services and are implementing sustainable measures such as the use of composting toilets and locally sourced meals to promote environmental responsibility. 

Will Dallimore, who as Rural Business Development Manager at Buckinghamshire Business First oversaw the grant application, was keen to give the project his support. “It's great to support a business providing a much-needed service to the area. Particularly, one which provides so many jobs within the rural economy. The nursery will be a great addition to the Peterlee Manor Farm site.”

Situated within the broader Peterley Manor Farm estate, the nursery joins a growing cluster of activity which includes a farm shop, café, garden centre, and yoga venue, enhancing the sense of community value.