---
title: "The Barn Nursery — Rated Outstanding by Ofsted"
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4.  The Barn Nursery

# The Barn Nursery

Compare Contact 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 

-   About 
-   Pricing 
-   Ofsted 
-   Inclusion 
-   Reviews 
-   FAQ 

-   [About](#about)
-   [Pricing](#pricing)
-   [Ofsted](#ofsted)
-   [Inclusion](#inclusion)
-   [Reviews](#reviews)
-   [FAQ](#faq)

Email Nursery

## 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 1990 Rural setting overlooking fields Emphasis on nature and outdoor experiences Ofsted Outstanding 2024 Kids Club also available 

## Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 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.

[Request pricing →](https://irp.cdn-website.com/a7d89dcb/files/uploaded/Funding%20Loop%20Parent%20Privacy%20Policy.pdf)

## 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

### Official Ofsted Report

Independent inspection of The Barn Nursery

Inspection date

Nov 2024

Inspection no.

10367703

Lead inspector

Clare Ford

Safeguarding arrangements are effective

[Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50263994)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY540176)

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 ](https://www.thebarnnursery.co.uk/)

Buckinghams Farm, Stanbrook, Thaxted, CM6 2NJ 

[© 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#/0.33682/51.94126/14)

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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: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50263994)

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) 

![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocK6o3D0LsuvaRLd-51FQMV93eVMSMR7_avQjPKQd08pn0lqLQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo)

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.

[Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21ZM1ZWUkZjbVpwWDBSUVQzaEJVakpSTVZCeWFGRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d88b7f3199ef15:0xfc59b8b91f2b3ded)

![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLE-OszcWpjf_sihhno9-oC_sysdEFbYVZbCgFTUGAaNcTucQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo)

Charlotte Hayden

10 months ago

[Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pGYVQyRnhNRWxPYXpWV1dXRkhObVV5TkdGbWNHYxAB!2m1!1s0x47d88b7f3199ef15:0xfc59b8b91f2b3ded)

![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUrv7RbhtejP3ETu7ngub3Gty5eniYJJC2d8wrpHrXhGn5JVGU=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba4)

Kieran Jones

a year ago

[Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUN3cWNLcUpnEAE!2m1!1s0x47d88b7f3199ef15:0xfc59b8b91f2b3ded)

Reviews from Google for The Barn Nursery. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=18183768075716476397&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA)

Inspection history

Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2024

Date: February 2019

-   November 2024 Outstanding 
-   February 2019 Good 

## Frequently asked about The Barn Nursery

### What does the staff team at The Barn Nursery look like?

### Does The Barn Nursery run holiday club sessions?

### Which funded hours does The Barn Nursery accept?

### From what age does The Barn Nursery accept children?

### When was The Barn Nursery established?

### How does The Barn Nursery support children with SEND?

### What size of nursery is The Barn Nursery?

## Nearby day nurseries in Thaxted

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to The Barn Nursery.

-   [
    
    Ofsted: Outstanding
    
    2.4 mi 
    
    ### Westwood Montessori
    
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    ](/nursery/westwood-montessori-cb10-2sa-ey337582)
-   [
    
    Ofsted: Good
    
    4.3 mi 
    
    ### Saplings Nursery
    
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    ](/nursery/saplings-nursery-cm22-6pf-2563298)
-   [
    
    Ofsted: Outstanding
    
    4.5 mi 
    
    ### Maynard Montessori - Stebbing
    
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    ](/nursery/maynard-montessori-stebbing-cm6-3sh-ey337575)
-   [
    
    Ofsted: Outstanding
    
    4.7 mi 
    
    ### Bardfield Montessori Day Nursery
    
    Braintree · CM7 4PY
    
    ](/nursery/bardfield-montessori-day-nursery-cm7-4py-2615553)
-   [
    
    Ofsted: Good
    
    4.8 mi 
    
    ### High House Nursery
    
    Bishop's Stortford · CM22 6PL
    
    4.1(11 reviews) 
    
    ](/nursery/high-house-nursery-ltd-cm22-6pl-ey269706)
-   [
    
    Ofsted: Good
    
    5.0 mi 
    
    ### Freedom Day Care Nursery
    
    Dunmow · CM6 1HU
    
    ](/nursery/freedom-day-care-nursery-cm6-1hu-ey374384)

[See all nurseries in Thaxted →](/search?q=Thaxted)

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