Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Kempston
As the proprietor of Keep Guard Day Nursery, I bring over 46 years of dedicated experience in early childhood education, having established this nursery in 1996. My commitment to fostering safe, stimulating environments for children is rooted in a deep understanding of developmental needs, reinforced by my BA in Nursery Management obtained in 2008. We prioritise play-based learning, recognising its critical role in cognitive, social, and emotional growth, as evidenced by our Ofsted 'Good' rating. Our unique castle setting with twelve playrooms and three outdoor spaces offers children aged 6 weeks to 5 years a rich, exploratory environment. We collaborate closely with parents and external professionals, such as Health Visitors, to ensure each child's progress is meticulously tracked and supported.Our Five to Thrive initiative, aligned with Bedford Borough Council, enhances parenting skills and brain development through structured activities. We provide flexible funding options, including Working Families Funding, and maintain transparent communication via our online management system. Our staff, trained in safeguarding and child-centred care, ensure every child feels secure, valued, and prepared for school. Regular Ofsted inspections and adherence to rigorous policies underscore our dedication to quality. We invite families to experience our nurturing environment through guided tours and active parental engagement.
Services
Early Years Education
Child Care
Play-based Learning
Ofsted Registered
Funding Support
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 46 years of nursery experience with a BA in Nursery Management
- Ofsted 'Good' rating with evidence-based play-centred learning
- Unique castle setting with twelve dedicated playrooms
- Flexible funding options including Working Families Funding
- Strong parental partnerships and Five to Thrive initiative
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Motivated and enthusiastic learners
Good progress
Ready for school
Strong key person relationships
Accurate information gathering
Services
Early Years Education
Structured educational programs for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Our play-based curriculum promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development through purpose-designed activities. Ofsted-recognised practices ensure school readiness and measurable progress.
Child Care
Full-day childcare services operating 8am-5pm Monday to Friday in Kempston. Secure, stimulating environment with dedicated spaces for different age groups, including baby units and pre-school areas. Staffed by qualified professionals prioritising safety, comfort, and developmental milestones.
Play-based Learning
Curriculum centred on play as the primary learning mechanism. Children engage with sensory materials, structured activities, and free exploration across twelve themed playrooms. This approach builds problem-solving skills, creativity, and social interaction in line with Five to Thrive principles.
Ofsted Registered
Officially registered under The Children Act 1989 with regular Ofsted inspections. Maintains 'Good' rating through rigorous safeguarding policies, staff training, and transparent reporting. Inspection reports available via the Ofsted website for parental reassurance.
Funding Support
Access to government-funded childcare options including Working Families Funding (up to 30 hours/week for 9m-4y olds) and Universal 3 & 4 Year Old Funding (15 hours/week). Term-time availability with eligibility-based Additional Support Funding for eligible 2-year-olds.
People
Lynn Carmichael
Proprietor/Senior Setting Leader
With 46 years of nursery experience, Lynn established Keep Guard Day Nursery in 1996. Holding a BA in Nursery Management, she oversees daily operations and child development strategies, ensuring Ofsted compliance and fostering strong parental partnerships.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, with dedicated spaces for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we're registered under The Children Act 1989 with an Ofsted 'Good' rating, reflecting our commitment to quality care and education.
What funding options are available?
We offer Working Families Funding (up to 30 hours/week), Universal 3 & 4 Year Old Funding (15 hours/week), and eligibility-based Additional Support Funding for 2-year-olds.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain daily communication through our eyLog system, share observations, and conduct integrated reviews with Health Visitors to support each child's learning journey.
What makes your nursery unique?
Our castle setting features twelve purpose-designed playrooms and three outdoor spaces, offering a distinctive environment for exploration and learning through play.
