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Apple Blossom Day Nursery in Sunderland (SR4)

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2024)
·Merle Terrace, Sunderland, SR4 6SD · Sunderland
Number of places
20 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2024
Local authority
Sunderland

About this day nursery

Apple Blossom Day Nurseries, a leading group of private children's day nurseries in the North East, provides exceptional care and early years education across multiple locations, including Durham Road, Sunderland Enterprise Park, Pallion, Alnwick, and Hexham. They cater to babies from 6 weeks old up to children aged 5, and also offer a holiday club for children up to 8 years old during school breaks.

The nurseries are dedicated to fostering holistic development during the crucial early years, embracing the EYFS curriculum to stimulate learning while ensuring children are safe and happy. A strong emphasis is placed on nutrition, with freshly prepared, healthy meals served daily, earning them a 5-star food hygiene rating.

The nursery prides itself on its low staff turnover, with many employees having been with them for over 10 years, providing consistent and reliable care. The team includes three Early Years Professionals and a well-established group of qualified childcare practitioners.

The directors, Christian and Phillippa Balmer, personally attest to the quality of care, having sent their own children to Apple Blossom nurseries.

What it's like

Children thrive in this friendly and relaxed nursery and develop very strong relationships with staff. They greet staff with enthusiasm and seek them out when they are upset or overwhelmed. Children thoroughly enjoy singing action songs with their key person.

EYFS CurriculumHealthy MealsExperienced StaffHoliday Club

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured by age groups, covering under twos, two-year-olds, and children aged three to five, alongside a holiday club for older children. Charging options include weekly full-time, daily, session, and hourly rates. A non-refundable registration fee applies.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Fees are effective from May 2025.
  • A non-refundable registration fee is required.
  • Offers age-banded rates for ages 0-2, 2-3, and 3-5.
  • Holiday club is available for children aged 5 and over.

Key facts

Opening hours

07:30 – 18:00 Monday to Friday

Age range

6 weeks to 8 years (holiday club)

Term time / All Year

All Year

Food

Freshly prepared, healthy meals

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Apple Blossom Day Nursery

Last inspected 26 April 2024 · Elizabeth Fish

Safeguarding effective
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 thrive in this friendly and relaxed nursery and develop very strong relationships with staff. They greet staff with enthusiasm and seek them out when they are upset or overwhelmed. Children thoroughly enjoy singing action songs with their key person.

Inspector highlights

  • Children thrive in a friendly and relaxed nursery setting.
  • Staff effectively support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) by identifying their needs and arranging necessary help.
  • Children behave well and thrive on consistent daily routines with clear staff expectations.
  • Physical development is prioritised, with children spending plenty of time in the nursery garden and local parks.
  • Staff develop children's interests effectively, such as exploring worms and woodlice, which helps children concentrate well.

Areas to develop

  • 1improve the curriculum for mathematics and literacy and consider the order in which children develop their skills and take more account of what children already know and can do.
Inspection #10335621 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) speak very highly of the supportive and caring staff. They feel staff have been highly instrumental in identifying children's needs and arranging the necessary help and support for their families. Children with SEND are exceptionally well supported. A knowledgeable and well-trained leader supports staff effectively to identify and plan for children's individual needs. They work confidently with a range of professionals, such as physiotherapists, and implement the necessary targets into their practice.

Outdoor space

Staff place a high priority on physical development as some children do not have gardens at home. They ensure children spend plenty of time in the nursery garden or local parks. Children thoroughly enjoy running, climbing and playing in the mud kitchen.

Inspection history

Date: June 2018

  • April 2024Good
  • June 2018Outstanding

Frequently asked about Apple Blossom Day Nursery

About the setting

Apple Blossom Day Nursery registered in 2016 and is located in Sunderland. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday all year round, with sessions from 7:30 am until 6 pm. It employs five members of childcare staff, all holding appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or higher, including one with early years professional status. The nursery receives funding to provide free early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

URN
EY535852
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
Outstanding

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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