Business Details
15 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare and Early Education in Shefford
BEST Nurseries, a subsidiary of Bedfordshire East Schools Trust (BEST), has been dedicated to providing exceptional childcare and early years education since 2011. Our nurseries in Shefford, Arlesey, and Langford offer family-oriented sessional and day care for children aged 4 months to 12 years, with a focus on helping every child reach their full potential. Our approach combines the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with a child-centred environment, ensuring learning is delivered through play and tailored to individual needs. With highly qualified staff and strong parental engagement, we foster confidence, independence, and social skills in children. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by outstanding Ofsted reports and reinvestment of surpluses into early years education.We provide wrap-around care, including breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, and holiday provision, alongside access to government-funded schemes like the Early Years Pupil Premium. Our collaboration with BEST ensures centralised support in finance, HR, and school improvement, maintaining high standards across all services. We prioritise safeguarding and work closely with families and professionals to ensure smooth transitions between home, nursery, and school. With over three decades of combined experience across our sites, we remain a trusted choice for families in Bedfordshire.
Services
Childcare
Early Years Education
Breakfast Clubs
After School Clubs
Holiday Clubs
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of combined experience in early years education across our nurseries.
- Our nurseries are rated Outstanding or Good by Ofsted in all areas.
- We offer wrap-around care for children up to 12 years, including breakfast and after-school clubs.
- Our staff are highly qualified and motivated, with a child-centred approach.
- We reinvest surpluses into early years education to enhance learning opportunities.
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted ratings
Dedicated staff
Nurturing environment
Services
Childcare Services
Our childcare services provide a safe, stimulating environment for children aged 4 months to 5 years. Following the Early Years Foundation Stage, we focus on play-based learning to develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Qualified staff create individualised plans to support each child's unique needs.
Early Years Education
We deliver structured early years education aligned with the EYFS curriculum. Activities promote literacy, numeracy, creativity, and physical development through guided play. Regular assessments track progress, ensuring children are school-ready with strong foundational skills.
Breakfast Clubs
Our breakfast clubs offer nutritious meals and supervised activities for children up to 12 years before school. Sessions start at 7:30 AM, providing a relaxed environment to socialise and prepare for the school day with support from experienced staff.
After School Clubs
After school clubs provide homework support, creative play, and physical activities until 6:00 PM. Children aged 5-12 enjoy structured yet flexible programmes that balance learning with relaxation in a secure, engaging setting.
Holiday Clubs
Holiday clubs operate during school breaks, offering themed activities, outdoor play, and educational workshops for children up to 12. Sessions run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, ensuring continuity of care when schools are closed.
People
Dawn Davies
Nursery Manager (Shefford)
Dawn has over 15 years of experience in early years education, specialising in child development and safeguarding. She leads the Shefford nursery team with a focus on creating nurturing environments that foster learning through play.
Lisa-Marie Farran
Nursery Manager (Arlesey)
Lisa-Marie brings a decade of leadership in childcare, prioritising inclusive education and staff development. As Arlesey's nursery manager, she ensures compliance with EYFS standards while maintaining strong community partnerships.
Laura Calvert
Nursery Manager (Langford)
Laura has extensive experience in special educational needs provision. She oversees Langford nursery's operations, integrating SEND support into daily activities and promoting holistic development for all children.
Dr Alan Lee
Trustee and CEO
Dr Lee has led BEST since its formation, driving educational excellence across 11 schools and five nurseries. His strategic vision focuses on shared services and school improvement, ensuring sustainable quality in all trust operations.
Ilona Bond
Trustee
Ilona contributes governance expertise to BEST, with a background in educational policy and finance. She plays a key role in monitoring nursery performance and safeguarding standards across the trust.
Questions
What age groups do BEST Nurseries cater for?
We provide care and education for children aged 4 months to 12 years, including nursery sessions and wrap-around clubs.
Are government-funded childcare schemes available?
Yes, we offer 2+, 3+, and 4+ government funding, including the Early Years Pupil Premium for eligible families.
How are Ofsted ratings maintained across nurseries?
Regular assessments, staff training, and adherence to EYFS standards ensure consistent quality, reflected in our Good and Outstanding Ofsted reports.
What qualifications do nursery staff hold?
Our team includes highly qualified practitioners with expertise in early years education and safeguarding.
Can I visit a nursery before enrolling my child?
Yes, contact your preferred location to arrange a visit and receive an application pack for enrollment.
