On the 28th October 2024, the Shepherd’s Hut opened their second nursery at Peterley Manor Farm in Great Missenden - an outdoor nursery catering for ages from zero to five, offering a unique learning experience in nature.
The nursery offers child-led learning, allowing the children to discover various aspects of nature on their own terms while also learning in a fun environment. The learning can include topics such as finding out about the plant cycle from planting a seed, nurturing the seedling right up until fruition, and other skills including tool work, engaging in fun activities, and even having supervised singalongs around a campfire.
The nursery is open all year round, closing for a week over Christmas and bank holidays, with different yurts and buildings to accommodate the children for when learning outside is not practical; with a log burner in one yurt, air conditioning for the cold and the heat in a second yurt, and a heated poly tunnel, the nursery is well equipped for all seasons.
The Shepherd’s Hut has a focus on being environmentally friendly by teaching the children skills such as recycling and using a compost toilet, immersing children in nature and teaching them to care for it.
A full day at the nursery runs from 8.00am-5.30pm, priced at £85 - this includes two hot meals. There is also an option to attend for half day sessions: either 8.00am-12.45pm or 12.45 pm-5.30pm, both sessions priced at £45, to include one hot meal and a snack.
Lune and Wild are the caterers the Shepherd’s Hut use, serving hot, organic meals which are heavily carb based for energy for the day, made specifically for the nursery.
Kim Mabey, one of the owners of the Shepherd’s Hut, explained that at their other site in Wendover, children would go home after the full day and be ready to sleep, with the introduction of longer hours they provide two hot meals during a full day session so the children can go home on a full tummy, ready for bed.
The capacity is 45 children, yet there is already a waiting list for under two-year-olds due to the success on its opening.
Catering for special abilities and needs is also taken into consideration, with an onsite SENCO and two additional people being trained for the role.
The Shepherd’s Hut has its original nursery in Wendover and is already planning to open a third nursery in Marlow in the near future.
The Shepherd’s Hut Nursery offers a welcoming, warm, safe, and caring environment whilst also offering a great opportunity for young children to learn while immersed in nature.
