Nursery Advice
Claim Your Nursery

Apricot Pre-School

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2022)
·
4.9(11 parent reviews)
·Priory Park Infant School, Almond Road, St. Neots, PE19 1DZ · Cambridgeshire
Number of places
44 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2022
Local authority
Cambridgeshire

About this day nursery

Apricot Pre-School, part of The Old Station Nursery group, is located in St Neots and offers a nurturing environment for children. The nursery focuses on a "Brighter Learning Approach" curriculum, which includes various enhancements such as

Our ethos

Apricot Pre-School is committed to a "Brighter Learning Approach" curriculum.

What it's like

Children are welcomed into the pre-school by staff who truly value and care for them. Well-planned learning opportunities are available for children from the start of the day. The manager and staff team are highly effective at prioritising and meeting all children's individual needs.

Well-established nursery groupBrighter Learning ApproachCurriculum Enhancements

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Request pricing →

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 7.30am until 6.30pm

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2007

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Apricot Pre-School

Last inspected 7 June 2022

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are welcomed into the pre-school by staff who truly value and care for them. Well-planned learning opportunities are available for children from the start of the day. The manager and staff team are highly effective at prioritising and meeting all children's individual needs.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager implements an ambitious curriculum, focusing on children
  • The support that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive is exceptional.
  • Transitions for new children are well thought through.
  • Partnerships with parents are a strength.
  • The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Areas to develop

  • 1ensure high-quality interactions are securely embedded across the pre-school.
Inspection #10113164 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents report how well informed they are about their children's learning, skills and next steps.

Parents talk about how staff support them by giving advice when needed.

the pre-school is like a home from home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The support that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive is exceptional. Partnerships with professionals and local schools are excellent. Funding accessed for children is carefully used to implement specific and personalised support. Staff have recently learned some sign language to support children with speech and language delays, which is having a positive impact on children's communication.

Outdoor space

Children have extensive opportunities to be active learners, both indoors and outdoors. Managers and staff have developed an outdoor environment that engages and excites children. Children learn about the natural world and are able to develop their physical skills by being able to run, climb and balance.

Parent Reviews of Apricot Pre-School

4.9
(11)
Leanne Towart
9 months ago

I can't speak highly enough of the staff at Apricot Preschool, all the staff are welcoming, friendly, kind, supportive and enthusiastic and show a genuine interest in all the children. Nothing is too much trouble and as parents we are kept up to date on our children's progress. Louise has been a joy to deal with and always makes time to chat at drop off or pick up (she has an equally good relationship with all the children). She has been very dedicated to building a strong team that care about what they're doing which is a great credit to her and the preschool. Since joining the setting Devonne has brought a wave of new ideas which have been positive. A special mention goes to Karla- a very happy, bubbly and caring person who has been my child's key worker- the 2 have developed a very strong bond which has been lovely to see, the rapport between them is amazing and has allowed my daughter to feel comfortable and confident. My daughter also talks excitedly of the other room staff including Zara (who also shared the key worker position for a while and has had a lot of involvement with my child, she's happy, laid back and caring) and Maisie (particularly for doing different hairstyles). The other room staff are equally as good, but these are the members of staff I hear most about from my daughter. Over the last 6 months - 1 year there have been a number of updates/ revamps to the facilities both inside the rooms and in the garden which has further enhanced the preschool's offering. There are always a range of fun and educational activities set up for the kids as well as free/ independent play. The children are encouraged to try new things but the staff also tailor activities to the children's interests. The children have also benefitted from specialist sessions including french lessons, as well as football and sporting sessions. After 2 years at the preschool my daughter has just had her last day at Apricot and while we're excited to enjoy the summer before primary school begins (she's ready and prepared to embark on the new chapter of "big school"), it's also sad to say goodbye to all the staff and children at Apricot Preschool. Thank you all for providing a positive start to early years education.

Read on Google
Andrew Thomas
6 months ago

Apricot pre school is a really welcoming setting. Particularly love the garden and outside space where the children have a great time exploring.

Read on Google
Kirsty Vanessa
11 months ago

I was initially anxious about my two children starting nursery (they hadn’t been in this type of setting before) however my anxieties were soon gone as Apricot Pre school have been absolutely fantastic and both my children love their time there each week. Staff are warm and welcoming and show a genuine interest in the individual child and making sure their needs are met. They have been incredibly supportive with getting additional support for one of my children too, and really made me feel heard without any judgement at all. My children love trying the different meals each day, the messy play and particularly the outdoor space. Pricing is clear with no “hidden fees” and the most accessible I’ve found locally for what they have to offer. I couldn’t recommend this setting enough.

Read on Google
Rebecca O'Beirne
a year ago

My daughter has been attending Apricot Pre-School since the start of December and we couldn’t be happier with it! Every day she comes home happy, having had a busy day full of activities. The staff are so kind and patient with her and we are so pleased she attends the preschool!

Read on Google
Jon Aaron Green
a year ago

Both my daughters have attended Apricot Pre-School. The staff and management have been great in preparing them and us for their next steps. The teachers are kind and always give time to the parents to discuss any new ideas.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Apricot Pre-School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: May 2011

  • June 2022Good
  • May 2016Outstanding
  • May 2011Good

Frequently asked about Apricot Pre-School

Nearby day nurseries in St. Neots

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Apricot Pre-School.

Are you the owner of this nursery? Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details.

Claim listing

Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

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