Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Childcare Partner in Buckinghamshire
Established in 1991, Barnowls Nursery was founded on the principle of providing quality childcare in a home-from-home environment. Our philosophy centres on creating a safe, stimulating space where children thrive through play-based learning and individualised care. We adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, delivering structured education across seven key areas while maintaining a strong focus on emotional well-being and creativity. Our experienced team, many of whom have worked here for over two decades, combines professional expertise with genuine care to support each child's unique development. We offer tailored programmes for ages 3 months to 5 years, with dedicated rooms like Snowies and Eagles catering to different developmental stages. Our outdoor facilities and arts activities encourage exploration and self-expression, complemented by nutritious home-cooked meals prepared daily.Through consistent communication and partnership with families, we ensure parents feel confident in our care. Our reputation for excellence has grown steadily through word-of-mouth recommendations and positive Ofsted inspections. We also provide after-school clubs at local schools, extending our nurturing approach beyond regular nursery hours. With a team including qualified SENCO staff, we accommodate special dietary needs and individual requirements effectively. Our commitment to maintaining high standards while embracing innovation ensures children receive both traditional warmth and modern educational benefits.
Services
Nursery Rooms
After-School Clubs
Home-Cooked Meals
Outdoor Activities
Special Needs Support
Early Years Curriculum
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We provide individualised care in purpose-designed learning environments
- Our team includes qualified SENCO staff with decades of combined experience
- We serve freshly prepared meals daily to accommodate special dietary needs
- Our outdoor facilities promote physical development and creative exploration
- We maintain consistent communication with parents through daily updates
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Safe, warm, friendly place
Supportive and enthusiastic staff
Loving, fun environment
Excellent special dietary management
Trustworthy babysitting service
Services
Nursery Rooms
Our five dedicated learning rooms cater to different age groups from 3 months to 5 years. Each room follows individualised development plans while allowing mixed-age interaction. Trained staff ratios ensure personal attention with home-cooked meals and outdoor play integrated into daily routines.
After-School Clubs
We operate after-school clubs at Aston Clinton and Weston Turville schools for children up to 5 years old. These sessions combine structured activities with free play in safe environments, staffed by experienced nursery professionals who understand each child's needs.
Special Needs Support
Our qualified SENCO staff provide tailored support for children with additional needs. Individual education plans are implemented alongside mainstream activities, with regular parent consultations ensuring consistent development tracking and dietary requirements management.
Outdoor Activities
Extensive garden facilities feature age-appropriate play equipment and creative spaces. Daily outdoor sessions promote physical development through structured games and free exploration, with weather-appropriate clothing guidance provided for all seasons.
Early Years Curriculum
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework across seven learning areas. Activities combine literacy, numeracy, and creative arts with personal development, using observation-based assessments to track progress against national standards.
People
Colleen Snookes
Proprietor
Founder of Barnowls Nursery since 1991, Colleen established the nursery after identifying childcare needs in her local community. With a managerial background in high-tech industries, she combines business acumen with personal commitment to quality care.
Claire Ryan
Nursery Manager
Qualified with a Diploma in Nursery Nursing since 1997, Claire has worked at Barnowls since 1998. She oversees daily operations and staff training, maintaining educational standards while ensuring children's emotional well-being.
Nila Henderson
Nursery Deputy Manager
A qualified nursery nurse since 1997, Nila joined Barnowls in 2002. She manages after-school clubs and supports room leaders, bringing extensive experience from both nursery and private childcare settings to her role.
Emma Wells
Senior Nursery Nurse
Qualified since 1999, Emma has worked continuously at Barnowls since graduation. As SENCO, she specialises in supporting children with additional needs while maintaining hands-on care responsibilities across all nursery rooms.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 3 months to 5 years across five dedicated rooms, with after-school clubs for primary school children.
How do you support individual development?
Each child has a key worker creating personalised learning plans aligned with EYFS standards, with regular progress reviews and parent consultations.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes, our kitchen staff prepare home-cooked meals meeting all dietary requirements, including allergies and cultural preferences.
Are you Ofsted registered?
Yes, we maintain our Ofsted registration and have consistently received positive inspection reports since opening in 1991.
Do you offer flexible hours?
We provide regular nursery sessions and after-school care, with options for full-time or part-time attendance based on family needs.
What safety measures are in place?
Our secure premises feature controlled access, trained first aiders, and regular safeguarding updates, with daily health and safety checks conducted.
Reviews (2)
Emma Farrier
Feb 01, 2019
Report
My little boy started at 8 months, he’s nearly two now and absolutely loves it. He’s been looked after fantastical and runs into nursery on his days. He’s made lots of friends and the staff are always kind and caring.
Rebecca Long Harris
Oct 30, 2015
Report
I love barn owls nursery. Never worry about my little one when he is there. Thank you to all the staff x
