Food
Menus designed by nursery chef and paediatrician
Orchard Barns Ardleigh Nursery is a private day care facility located in a bright and spacious converted barn, easily accessible from the A12, A120, and Manningtree railway station. The nursery provides care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years, operating Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.
The setting boasts exceptional outdoor play spaces, including forest school-themed sessions and outdoor classrooms, complemented by inviting indoor areas with carefully selected high-quality furnishings and equipment. The curriculum goes beyond the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to promote deep learning and optimise each child's potential.
" The nursery aims to create a secure and happy environment where children learn through play. Menus are designed by a nursery chef and a paediatric dietician to cater to the specific needs of each age group.
They also have a structured settling-in process where children get to know their Key Person.
Our ethos
The Nursery’s approach goes above and beyond the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to foster deep level learning and optimise potential. They offer a range of unique educational experiences which enable children to become successful, lifelong learners including, Wake up and shake up, a range of bespoke activities which promote your child’s well-being and confidence, and Garden Champions.
What it's like
Children feel confident and happy in this caring and welcoming nursery, developing a strong sense of security and forming trusting relationships. Babies and toddlers enjoy improved opportunities to make choices about what they would like to do, supported to follow their interests. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully involved in activities and make good progress.
Funding accepted
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Food
Menus designed by nursery chef and paediatrician
Opening hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:00pm
Age range
3 months to 5 years
Term time / All Year
All Year
Last inspected 10 June 2022
What it's like to attend
Children feel confident and happy in this caring and welcoming nursery, developing a strong sense of security and forming trusting relationships. Babies and toddlers enjoy improved opportunities to make choices about what they would like to do, supported to follow their interests. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully involved in activities and make good progress.
Inspector highlights
Areas to develop
Inclusion & environment
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) become fully involved in activities and make good progress. Staff take time to learn children's individual vocal sounds, signs and facial expressions to help them respond to their requests and go further to raise awareness of the needs of children with SEND.
Children move freely and safely around the indoor and outdoor spaces, which are carefully planned to be fully accessible. Children confidently say that they like to play outdoors and clearly explain how they pretend the climbing frame is 'a big ship in the swirly sea'.
I have given the nursery 5 stars the reason for this being is my daughter has been attending this nursery for roughly a year and a half and she loves it. She has come on in leaps and bounds. She had a proof of 9 weeks of this year and started back 5th of September, to ensure her safe return the nursery has implemented a in depth risk assessment and organised 1:1 support for my daughter in areas that she needs it most. The staff team have been so supportive not only for my daughter but myself being mum. Her first day back was great and the smile on her face was warming. And I have even heard new words once again a big thank you to the team for a supportive few months.
Read on GoogleMy son currently attends this nursery, we are shocked and saddened that most of the 5 star reviews have been made by staff members and even managers. This is a huge conflict of interest given the recent inadequate Ofsted report with concerns over safeguarding being highlighted. Although my son has seemed happy here and gets on well with his key workers, we are now looking at removing him based on the Ofsted report. Unfortunately complacency has set in and for one of the most expensive nurseries in the area this simply isn’t acceptable. Tread carefully if you’re considering sending your child here.
Read on GoogleExcellent nursery with lovely gardens and fantastic staff and manager.
Read on GoogleLovely friendly staff and a lovely nursery.
Read on GoogleBeautiful nursery
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Orchard Barns Ardleigh Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Date: December 2021
Orchard Barn Nursery re-registered under new owners in 2019 and is part of a national chain. The nursery employs 19 members of staff and a chef, 12 of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 or above. The nursery opens Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year, with sessions from 8am to 6pm, and provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.
Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Orchard Barns Ardleigh Nursery.
Colchester · CO7 7PJ
Colchester · CO4 0HP
Colchester · CO4 9AS
Colchester · CO4 9XN
Colchester · CO4 3JL
Colchester · CO4 9SR
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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