Award-Winning Early Years Childcare

Cambridge's First STEM Day Nursery

Day Nursery in Shelford

Sparking Curiosity In Young Minds. We believe every child deserves an environment where curiosity is celebrated and potential is nurtured.

What is STEM?

STEM is an integrated learning approach focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. At Shelford, we believe engaging children with STEM inquiry at the earliest age sparks curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

S

Science

Science is a way of understanding how the world works through experiments, observations, making predictions and asking questions.

T

Technology

Technology is how we apply new scientific knowledge. With the right learning tools, children can identify problems and invent solutions.

E

Engineering

Engineering is a way to identify and solve problems. Children use creativity to think outside the box — designing and building with different materials.

M

Maths

Maths is more than just numbers. Children explore shapes, sizes, volume and numbers to learn about patterns and sequencing.

Inside the Shelford Day Nursery learning environment

Cambridge's First Early Years STEM Setting

Shelford Day Nursery is a pioneering early years setting with capacity for 60 children aged 2 months to 5 years. We integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics into every aspect of children's learning — guided by the EYFS framework and our deep belief in child-led discovery.

We create an environment where every child is welcome, every question is celebrated, and every child has the opportunity to flourish.

  • EYFS-guided, STEM-integrated learning
  • Award-winning nursery — NMT Nursery Awards Winner
  • Part of the STEMtacular Childcare Group
  • Specialist practitioners with a passion for early years
  • Beautiful indoor and outdoor learning spaces

What Makes Shelford Special

STEM Specialists

The only early years setting in Cambridge with a fully integrated STEM curriculum designed for children from birth to five.

Award-Winning

Winner of the New Nursery of the Year category at the prestigious National NMT Nursery Awards.

Key-Person Approach

Every child is assigned a dedicated Key Person who builds a strong bond, ensuring individualised care and open communication with parents.

Outdoor Learning

Beautiful outdoor spaces designed to extend STEM learning — with nature exploration, physical activity and creative play.

Nutritious Meals

Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks prepared daily. Dietary needs and allergies are always accommodated.

Purpose-Designed Spaces

Three age-specific rooms — Discoverers', Explorers' and Inventors' — plus two outdoor areas and a dedicated sensory room.

Trusted by Cambridge Families

"Our daughter absolutely loves going to nursery. The STEM activities are brilliant and she comes home buzzing with things she's learned. The staff are incredibly warm and attentive."

Parent of a child in the Explorers' Room

"The settling-in process was fantastic. Our son's key person made us feel completely at ease. We can see how much he's developed since starting — his confidence has grown enormously."

Parent of a child in the Discoverers' Room

"We looked at many nurseries in the Cambridge area but nothing came close. The outdoor spaces, the STEM curriculum, and the quality of the practitioners are all outstanding."

Parent of a child in the Inventors' Room
Children playing and learning at Shelford Day Nursery

A Day Full of Discovery

Every day at Shelford is an adventure. From welcoming arrivals at 7:30am through to creative afternoon activities, children are supported by skilled playworkers who foster curiosity, confidence and independence.

Our purpose-built environment includes STEM activity areas, sensory spaces, construction zones, and beautiful outdoor gardens — all designed to spark imagination and fuel learning.

Ready to Find Out More?

Register your interest today or get in touch to arrange a visit. We'd love to show you around.