--- title: "The Ark Association (2) — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "The Ark Association (2), a nursery in Oakham — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-association-ltd-2-le15-6gy-ey439865#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-association-ltd-2-le15-6gy-ey439865#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-association-ltd-2-le15-6gy-ey439865#nursery", "name": "The Ark Association (2)", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-association-ltd-2-le15-6gy-ey439865", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Oakham C of E Primary School", "addressLocality": "Burley Road", "postalCode": "LE15 6GY" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-association-ltd-2-le15-6gy-ey439865#webpage" }, "telephone": "01572 755776", "email": "mica@the-ark.org.uk", "sameAs": [ "http://www.the-ark.org.uk/" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 52.673504, "longitude": -0.724437 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "OAKHAM" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 1, "suggestedMaxAge": 4 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good" }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-association-ltd-2-le15-6gy-ey439865#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "East Midlands", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=East%20Midlands" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The Ark Association (2)", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-association-ltd-2-le15-6gy-ey439865" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/the-ark-association-ltd-2-le15-6gy-ey439865#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the opening hours at The Ark Association Ltd (2)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The nursery is open Monday to Friday throughout the year. Sessions run from 7.30am to 6pm, giving families a full-day care pattern across the working week." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Whereabouts is The Ark Association Ltd (2)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is based at Oakham C of E Primary School in Oakham, postcode LE15 6GY. The setting serves families in the Oakham area from that school site." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is The Ark Association Ltd (2) a private nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is registered as childcare on non-domestic premises and provides full day care. The setting cares for children from 1 to 4 years old." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the staff team at The Ark Association Ltd (2) described?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The team includes long-standing practitioners with qualifications from level 2 through to Level 6 BA Hons. Staff also hold training in safeguarding, child protection, food hygiene, health and safety, and paediatric first aid." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What fees apply at The Ark Association Ltd (2)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Published fees list hourly charges of £9.50 for ages 0 to 2, £9.00 for ages 2 to 3, and £8.50 for ages 3 to 5 from April 2025. A £50 registration fee applies for non-funded children only, and funded sessions follow set chargeable times outside the funding windows." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [East Midlands](/search?region=East+Midlands) 4. The Ark Association (2) # The Ark Association (2) Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Jan 2025) · Oakham C of E Primary School, Burley Road, OAKHAM, LE15 6GY · Rutland Number of places 40 places Age range 1–4 yrs Last inspected Jan 2025 Local authority Rutland About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery The Ark Association Ltd offers high-quality, flexible, and accessible childcare for children aged three months to five years, with an additional Out of School Club catering to four to eleven-year-olds. Established in Oakham in 1984, the nursery prides itself on creating varied, engaging learning opportunities and prioritising time outdoors. They utilise the Famly app for capturing "magic moments" and facilitating parent communication. The Ark embraces an open-door policy to foster strong parent partnerships and employs a key worker system to help children settle and build trusting relationships with practitioners. They provide both year-round and term-time-only care, offering flexible sessions designed to accommodate diverse parental needs. The nursery’s approach to education is inspired by Charlotte Mason, focusing on nurturing individual talents and personalities. They conduct regular outdoor explorer sessions for pre-schoolers to encourage safe risk-taking and environmental exploration. With a team of long-standing, qualified practitioners ranging from Level 2 to Level 6 BA Hons, The Ark ensures a supportive and stimulating environment for children to learn and develop. Progress is meticulously tracked, with parents receiving a comprehensive personalised summary of their child's development three times a year. The Princess Avenue site also features a dedicated, homely "Willow Room" for babies, complete with a separate outdoor play area, where individual routines are carefully followed and documented. Our ethos The Ark Association Ltd's educational approach is inspired by Charlotte Mason, focusing on nurturing individual talents and personalities. They create varied, engaging learning opportunities, prioritise time outdoors, conduct outdoor explorer sessions for safe risk-taking and environmental exploration, and employ a key worker system to foster trusting relationships. They also value strong parent partnerships through an open-door policy and communication via the Famly app. What it's like The inclusive staff offer a warm welcome to children and parents, providing plenty of cuddles and reassurance. Children feel happy and secure, and have a strong sense of belonging, learning self-care skills and growing in independence. These activities help them get ready for their eventual move to school. Flexible childcare sessions Emphasis on outdoor learning Famly app for parent communication Experienced, long-standing team Key worker system ## Pricing & funding Fees are charged at hourly rates structured by three age bands, effective from April 2025. Funded hours are available for children aged nine months to four years, with hours outside specified times billed separately. Optional charges apply for snacks, breakfast, tea, and monthly consumables. Funding accepted Tax-Free Childcare 15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs) 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) Good to know - A registration fee applies for non-funded children only. - Government funding can be used during specified hours, with hours outside these times being chargeable. - Before and after school club sessions are available for pupils of Oakham C of E Primary School. - Snacks are optional, and parents may alternatively provide their own chopped fruit. - Optional breakfast, snack tea, and monthly consumables charges apply based on attendance times. ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of The Ark Association (2) Inspection date Jan 2025 Inspection no. 10367523 Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50269933)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY439865) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](http://www.the-ark.org.uk/) Oakham C of E Primary School, Burley Road, OAKHAM, LE15 6GY [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-0.72444/52.6735/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near OAKHAM - [Day nurseries in OAKHAM](/search?q=OAKHAM) - [Day nurseries in East Midlands](/search?q=East+Midlands) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=the-ark-association-ltd-2-le15-6gy-ey439865) ## Key facts Opening hours Monday to Friday between 9am and 3.30pm at Burley Road and 9am and 4pm at Princess Avenue for funded hours. Session types Full day, Morning session, Afternoon session, Out of School Club, Hourly sessions Age range 3 months to 11 years Term time / All Year All Year Established 2011 Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for The Ark Association (2) Last inspected 22 January 2025 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 The inclusive staff offer a warm welcome to children and parents, providing plenty of cuddles and reassurance. Children feel happy and secure, and have a strong sense of belonging, learning self-care skills and growing in independence. These activities help them get ready for their eventual move to school. Inspector highlights - The inclusive staff offer a warm welcome and provide plenty of cuddles and reassurance. - Staff ensure all children, including those with SEND, make good progress. - Staff work closely with other agencies to support children with additional needs. - Children benefit from a wealth of opportunities to explore and learn about the wider world through visits and activities. - Children receive daily fresh air and exercise, developing their large-muscle skills and benefiting from good hygiene routines. Areas to develop - 1 enhance exchanges of information with parents about what children already know and can do, to inform early planning for specific next steps. Inspection #10367523 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50269933) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > Parents say that they value staff's advice, such as how to help children sleep well. Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Staff ensure that all children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress from their starting points. Staff work closely with other agencies to support children with additional needs, skilfully identifying gaps in children's learning and providing the necessary support. Outdoor space Children develop new skills as staff plan a wide range of fun activities outdoors. For example, children delight in being 'number hunters' in the garden. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise daily, climbing, running, jumping and balancing on equipment in the outdoor play area, and developing large-muscle skills with sit-and-ride toys and balls. Inspection history Date: May 2012 - January 2025 Good - February 2019 Good - October 2015 Good - May 2012 Good ## Frequently asked about The Ark Association (2) ### What are the opening hours at The Ark Association Ltd (2)? ### Whereabouts is The Ark Association Ltd (2)? ### Is The Ark Association Ltd (2) a private nursery? ### How is the staff team at The Ark Association Ltd (2) described? ### What fees apply at The Ark Association Ltd (2)? ## Nearby day nurseries in OAKHAM Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Ark Association (2). - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Scallywags Day Nursery Oakham · LE15 6NT 5.0(6 reviews) ](/nursery/scallywags-day-nursery-le15-6nt-ey342919) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.7 mi ### The Ark Association (1) Oakham · LE15 6PQ ](/nursery/the-ark-association-ltd-1-le15-6pq-ey439880) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.3 mi ### The Day Nursery At Oakham Oakham · LE15 7TU 4.7(10 reviews) ](/nursery/the-day-nursery-at-oakham-le15-7tu-2511579) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.7 mi ### Langham Nursery Oakham · LE15 7HY ](/nursery/langham-nursery-le15-7hy-ey563197) - [ Ofsted: Good 3.8 mi ### Knossington and Somerby Pre School Knossington · LE15 8LT ](/nursery/knossington-and-somerby-pre-school-le15-8lt-ey342911) - [ Awaiting first inspection 4.1 mi ### Whissendine Holiday Club Oakham · LE15 7EU ](/nursery/whissendine-holiday-club-le15-7eu-2795430) [See all nurseries in OAKHAM →](/search?q=OAKHAM) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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