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The Barn Nursery

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Nov 2024)
·
3.7(3 parent reviews) ·Buckinghams Farm, Stanbrook, Thaxted, CM6 2NJ · Essex
Number of places
68 places
Age range
1–5 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2024
Local authority
Essex

About this day nursery

The Barn Nursery, located in the picturesque rural setting of Thaxted, has been a family-run establishment since 1990, dedicated to providing exceptional care and education for children within its community. The nursery is committed to creating a safe, secure, and stimulating environment where children feel cherished and empowered to develop confidence and independence.

Their philosophy centres on a "Happy & Healthy" approach, promoting well-being through daily activities and experiences. With an emphasis on nature and the environment, children are encouraged to explore the natural world through hands-on opportunities, fostering an understanding of their surroundings.

The nursery strives to offer a "Home From Home" atmosphere, designed to be calming and cosy, ensuring every child feels safe, secure, and valued. The Barn Nursery also operates a Kids Club and welcomes prospective parents to visit and experience their facilities firsthand.

Our ethos

The Barn Nursery's philosophy centres on a "Happy & Healthy" approach, promoting well-being through daily activities and experiences. They emphasise nature and the environment, encouraging children to explore the natural world through hands-on opportunities. The nursery aims to provide a "Home From Home" atmosphere where children feel safe, secure, and valued.

What it's like

Children have the very best start at this exceptional nursery. The skilled team of staff offers children the most wonderful experiences, helping them to flourish and thrive. Children separate confidently from their parents and quickly absorb themselves in the extensive and delightful learning experiences on offer.

Family-run since 1990Rural setting overlooking fieldsEmphasis on nature and outdoor experiencesOfsted Outstanding 2024Kids Club also available

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 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

Monday to Friday, for 51 weeks of the year, closing for one week between Christmas and New Year. Sessions are from 7.45am to 6.15pm.

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Barn Nursery

Last inspected 12 November 2024 · Clare Ford

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

What it's like to attend

Children have the very best start at this exceptional nursery. The skilled team of staff offers children the most wonderful experiences, helping them to flourish and thrive. Children separate confidently from their parents and quickly absorb themselves in the extensive and delightful learning experiences on offer.

Inspector highlights

  • Children across the nursery are exposed to the richest language, becoming capable and confident communicators.
  • Staff provide a wealth of opportunity for young children to investigate and develop curiosity, fostering independence.
  • Children develop a deep understanding of the wider world by caring for animals, growing fruit and vegetables, and exploring the local community.
  • Staff immerse children fully into remarkable environments like the "Wonder Wood," where they engage in forest school sessions and manage risks.
  • Exceptional teaching helps children develop a ferocious appetite for knowledge and tremendously positive attitudes to learning.
Inspection #10367703 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children visit the local care home regularly and invite residents and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities from the local primary school to the nursery for play sessions. This helps children develop a strong awareness of similarities and differences and how to embrace diversity.

Outdoor space

Children engage in experiences that excite, challenge and ignite curiosity, such as making 'magic potions' in the 'Wonder Wood' and rolling tyres down a grassy hill. In the 'Wonder Wood', children climb trees, build dens and learn to manage risks and challenges in the forest school sessions. Outside the setting, they learn about road safety during the many nature walks in the village.

Parent Reviews of The Barn Nursery

3.7
(3)
kelly louann
7 months ago

My child has attended the Barn kids holiday club and had the best time. The staff were really friendly and welcoming. he especially loved the tip to Airport for plane spotting and picnic. This was such a fun and memorable experience. Highly recommend.

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Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2024

Date: February 2019

  • November 2024Outstanding
  • February 2019Good

Frequently asked about The Barn Nursery

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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