When Jacquie Ellison opened The Wendy House in 2003 she had no idea just how popular the Nursery would become. Now registered for 59 children ranging from 3 months to 5 years it has fast established itself as one of the area's leading day care nurseries.

After she was unable to find a nursery offering everything she wanted for her own child, Jacquie decided that she would open one herself. Matt Darby joined the Nursery in 2004 as Nursery Manager and the partnership was so successful that Matt is now co-owner as well as remaining as Nursery Manager.

The Nursery is constantly complimented on the staff's loving and gentle attitude to the children. Jacquie and Matt's mantra is 'You are asking parent's to leave their most precious person in the world in your care – everything has to be more than perfect'.

The Nursery is based at Manor Farm in Shingay and has a fantastic setting surrounded by open countryside and the children look out on to fields of horses. It is only a ten minute drive from Royston and also easily accessible for the outlying villages. A professional cook is employed and delicious homemade meals and cakes are prepared fresh everyday using only the best ingredients. The Nursery has an on-going policy of up-dating and investing in new toys and equipment. Jacquie says 'We are extremely proud of what we have created here. Our staff are fantastic and everyone works extremely hard to maintain the high standards we have set ourselves, and when you look around the Nursery and see happy children, that really is when you know you've got it right!'

Since opening, the Nursery has built up a strong team of staff which currently numbers 17. To be able to work with children, coping with all the challenges it presents, staff have to be special. It is for this reason that we have a strict vetting procedure and we are regularly complimented on our staff's gentle approach to the children. Continuity of care is vital for young children and we take great pride in the fact that we do not have a high turnover of staff.