Age range
6 weeks to 5 years (holiday club up to 8 years)
Apple Blossom Day Nursery in Hexham
Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2022)
Number of places
30 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2022
Local authority
Northumberland
About this day nursery
Apple Blossom Day Nurseries, serving the North East, operates multiple locations including Hexham, Durham Road, Sunderland Enterprise Park, Pallion, and Alnwick. The nurseries cater to children from 6 weeks up to 5 years old, with a holiday club extending to 8-year-olds during school breaks.
The nursery group emphasises the importance of early years in child development, implementing the EYFS curriculum to create a stimulating yet safe and happy learning environment. They are committed to providing healthy, freshly prepared meals daily, evidenced by a 5-star food hygiene rating.
A key strength is their experienced and stable staff team, with many employees having over a decade of service, ensuring consistent care. The directors, Christian and Phillippa Balmer, highlight their personal conviction in the nurseries' quality by having their own children attend.
They invite prospective families to visit and experience the nursery firsthand.
What it's like
Children settle quickly and are very happy in this friendly nursery where staff are enthusiastic and caring. They ensure that children form secure relationships with their key persons, developing a strong sense of belonging. Babies and toddlers are keen to explore the improved environment and enjoy making choices about what they would like to do.
EYFS curriculumFreshly prepared mealsExperienced staff
Pricing & funding
Charges include a registration fee. The nursery provides funded childcare places for eligible two, three, and four-year-olds, and accepts all major childcare vouchers.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
Good to know
- Registration fee is non-refundable.
- Offers government-funded places for qualifying two, three, and four-year-olds.
- Accepts all major childcare vouchers.
Key facts
Opening hours
07:30 – 18:00 Monday to Friday
Term time / All Year
All Year
Food
Freshly prepared, healthy meals provided
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Apple Blossom Day Nursery
Last inspected 5 October 2022 · Jan Harvey
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
Children settle quickly and are very happy in this friendly nursery where staff are enthusiastic and caring. They ensure that children form secure relationships with their key persons, developing a strong sense of belonging. Babies and toddlers are keen to explore the improved environment and enjoy making choices about what they would like to do.
Inspector highlights
- The manager and staff team are passionate about their nursery and have worked effectively to raise standards to a consistently good level in all areas.
- Staff collect detailed information from parents about children's starting points and use observations well to identify next steps in learning.
- Staff working with babies and toddlers plan sensitively to help children move on to the next stage in their learning.
- All staff focus on supporting children's communication and language skills well, continually talking to children and valuing what they say.
- Staff support children's developing self-care skills effectively and encourage good hygiene routines.
Areas to develop
- 1strengthen links with other settings and local schools to consistently share information about children's learning, development and well-being to support continuity
- 2extend opportunities for children to enjoy a wide variety of activities in all areas of learning, particularly for younger children who prefer to learn outdoors.
Inspection #10216160 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
parents state that they are thrilled with their children's progress, and value the commitment of the caring manager and team.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
When children need extra help, staff arrange effective activities and support to meet their needs.
Outdoor space
Children regularly use the outdoor areas throughout the day. Younger children do not have the same opportunities to explore and challenge themselves in the fresh air.
Parent Reviews of Apple Blossom Day Nursery
5.0
(2)
Rachael
4 years ago
Fantastic nursery. Our daughter has thoroughly enjoyed her time here. Staff always take the time to speak to us about her day and are very friendly and reassuring. Couldn't recommend enough!
Read on Google
Chloe Newton
5 years ago
Absolutely brilliant nursery, staff are so helpful and reassuring! Amazing facilities and the highest standard of care
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Apple Blossom Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2022
Date: October 2021
- October 2022Good
- October 2021Requires improvement
Frequently asked about Apple Blossom Day Nursery
About the setting
Apple Blossom Day Nursery is located in Hexham, Northumberland and registered in 2019. It opens all year round, from 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday. It employs seven members of childcare staff, six of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications from level 3 to level 5. The nursery provides funded education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.
- URN
- 2545675
- Registered person
- Apple Blossom Childcare Limited
- Day care type
- Full day care
- Register
- Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register
- Establishment type
- Childcare on non-domestic premises
- Previous rating
- Requires improvement
Nearby day nurseries in Hexham
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Apple Blossom Day Nursery.
-
0.4 miAwaiting first inspection
Little Tinklers
Hexham · NE46 1QL
-
0.4 miOfsted: Good
St Mary's Nursery
Hexham · NE46 2EE
-
0.6 miOfsted: Good
Kids 1st - Hexham
Hexham · NE46 1DR
5.0(5 reviews) -
1.3 miOfsted: Outstanding
Little Oaks Nursery, Acomb
Hexham · NE46 4PL
-
3.3 miOfsted: Outstanding
Little Tinklers
Corbridge · NE45 5SB
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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more