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Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2022)
·
4.6(15 parent reviews) ·6 The Row, Higham Road, Colchester, CO7 6JU · Suffolk
Number of places
37 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2022
Local authority
Suffolk

About this day nursery

Orchard Barns Nursery Stratford St Mary is a private day nursery located in a spacious and bright building, conveniently accessible for local families and commuters near the A12. The nursery offers childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years, operating full-time from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The core philosophy centres on providing a secure, happy, and stimulating environment where children can learn and develop through play. The nursery adheres to the quality standards set by the Ofsted Early Years Register, aligning with the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

They emphasise outdoor learning through a Forest Garden for Pre-school and Toddler children, offering Forest Fun sessions weekly. Additionally, the nursery promotes community engagement through local walks and provides unique educational experiences.

Meals are designed by a nursery chef and paediatric dietician, ensuring nutritious and age-appropriate options. The staff are described as caring, attentive, and professional, striving to understand each child's individual personality and needs, with detailed daily reports and home learning tips provided to parents.

Our ethos

The nursery's philosophy centres on providing a secure, happy, and stimulating environment for children to learn and develop through play, aligning with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. They emphasise outdoor learning through a Forest Garden and weekly Forest Fun sessions, alongside community engagement and unique educational experiences.

What it's like

Children behave well and know what is expected of them. They follow simple instructions given by staff as they help to tidy away toys and resources. Although parents do not currently enter the nursery due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children settle well when they arrive and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure through their positive attitude towards learning.

Forest SchoolNutritious mealsOutdoor playCommunity engagement

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)
Pricing on request

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

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Key facts

Opening hours

8:00am - 6:00pm

Age range

3 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Last inspected 9 February 2022

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 behave well and know what is expected of them. They follow simple instructions given by staff as they help to tidy away toys and resources. Although parents do not currently enter the nursery due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children settle well when they arrive and demonstrate that they feel safe and secure through their positive attitude towards learning.

Inspector highlights

  • Staff kept in touch with children and families during the pandemic, sharing activities online to support learning at home.
  • Staff continually observe children's learning and have a good understanding of each child's current stages of development.
  • Children's communication and language skills are promoted, with staff modelling clear speech and introducing new words.
  • Children with SEND make particularly good progress, with key persons successfully meeting their care needs.
  • The manager is passionate about supporting the well-being of children and staff, introducing new initiatives and providing a quiet space for staff. পরিশ্রম

Areas to develop

  • 1strengthen the arrangements for monitoring and supporting staff practice, to help focus their interactions more precisely on what they want children to learn next.
Inspection #10215712 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) confidently explore their interests and develop their concentration. They make particularly good progress from their starting points, and the manager helps families to access additional funding, services and resources to meet their needs.

Outdoor space

The inspector observed the quality of interactions during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.

Parent Reviews of Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

4.6
(15)
Jenny Haydon
5 years ago

This is a wonderful nursery. I have two children who currently attend the nursery and they couldn’t be happier there. The care and attention from staff is excellent. The range of activities that they plan for the children is varied and interesting. Best of all they get messy! Plus the forest school element to the nursery is fantastic- they build bird hides, make popcorn, make bird feeders and so much more. The staff are always willing to go the extra mile for the children. The updates you receive throughout the day are lovely with photos and detailed comments and the food that the children are provided with is healthy, varied and sounds delicious!

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Leanne Amoss
5 years ago

Always a happy smile to welcome you into the setting. My little one enjoys being outside, Orchard Barns is a lovely setting with a large garden and access to a woodland area. Forest school is an added bonus to the facilities at this lovely nursery.

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Karl Amoss
5 years ago

My daughter has recently started at Orchard Barns. She is settling well and loves her key person and the staff who are in her room. The activities and experiences are varied and taken from what the children are interested in. Very happy with our choice of childcare.

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Hollie Houngbedji
5 years ago

Lovely home from home Nursery, My son has gained so much from his time at the setting and all staff go above and beyond any expectations and work incredibly hard to maintain a safe happy environment.

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lavinia dzundza
5 years ago

Lovely homely setting set in a beautiful location. The staff are friendly and caring and the children are always happy to go.

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Reviews from Google for Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
  • March 2022Good
  • February 2022Good

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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