The Old Barn Day Nursery

Paige Lexi

6 months ago

was incredibly difficult to get through to book a nursery visit, I had sent an email which was ignored, as well as rang on a few different occasions which also every time wasn’t answered when I did finally manage to get a booking it was cancelled on the day on the visit, just with a 40 minute before the tour was due. I understand unforeseen circumstances happens, so proceed to book another visit for the next day. upon arriving at the nursery, there was no prior communication to say there was two nursery (one settings for the baby/children in separate locations) we was waiting outside one of the settings and rang the doorbell, as well as rang the phone number 3 times. which to no surprise we didn’t get any answer until 15 minutes later we finally got answer to say we had arrived in the wrong bit. It was clear to hear from the outside that stuff had been in the room next to us talking and this was the reason the doorbell wasn’t answered, we challenged this upon arrival with the staff when we finally got answer answer and was told ‘it was a discussion with the chef’ after all of this I would dread to think how if I needed to get into contact to discuss my child how this would difficult would be just from experience from visiting the nursery alone. this was the worst nursery we visited by a mile off, I would really recommend parents to avoid this setting.

Koke

2 years ago

Edit 29 August 2023 Unfortunately the nursery parent group has decided yet again to put up fees during a time when parents are already feeling the pinch with soaring mortgages, energy bills and cost of living. This is the second rise in less than a year with both rises in the region of 10% each time. Child care is still great, although some of the organisation of events and app updates are now very scarce. Very disappointed especially as other nurseries in the area are a lot less. I will have to reconsider moving my son due to the soaring costs of this nursery. ************** My son has been going to the Old Barn in Banstead for over a year now and absolutely loves it. The happiness in his face and the fact that he doesn't want to come home at the end of the day as he's having too much fun with the carers and his friends is very reassuring. Yes, it may have lost its Ofsted outstanding status, but is soon on track to regain it again. The warmth and welcome your child and you as a parent receive everyday is incredible and is very different to other nurseries, both large and small. In spite of this nursery being owned by a larger parent company, the management and feel is that of a private nursery with a lot of the control to the manager's discretion. The team works perfectly in harmony with one another and you can see this in the care provided. Staff are encouraged to follow their passions rather than being kept in positions which they do not enjoy. Families are asked to occasionally actively participate in stay and plays and in special occasions such as Valentine's Day or Christmas, etc. Children are encouraged to discuss their feelings and to understand emotions as well as encouraged to play and socialise with one another. Different languages are encouraged as well and the staff will try to use words used at home within the nursery. Price is on the high side compared to other nurseries in the area, but you do get what you pay for. Highly recommend sending your children here as they will get the best care possible whilst constantly developing at a wonderful pace.

Charlotte Walls

3 years ago

My daughter joined The Old Barn in October 2021 at 8months old. I viewed every nursery in a 6mile radius of my house and none compared to this one. Amber and Heather who run the Babies room are amazing, not only did they keep me updated regularly but they treat the babies like their own. My Daughter is now in Pre Toddlers room and loves it just as much, similarly to babies the ladies who look after the pre toddlers are great (my daughter will lean straight in for a cuddle to whoever opens the door in the morning). Settings wise; they have a huge outdoor space with each room having its own “mini garden”. They have an abundance of toys and fun activities, great food and the people who work there always seem upbeat and positive. Rebekah has done a fantastic job running the nursery (even during covid lockdown which was tough on everyone). She’s created a family at the nursery and I honestly can’t sing their praises enough.

James Begley

4 years ago

I placed my daughter into the nursery when she was 2 years old. She did 2 mornings per week: Tuesday & Wednesday. When we joined the nursery, we was told that we will be able to use the 15 hours of free childcare (government scheme) once she turned 3 years old. Whilst she was 2 years old, the nursery happily took our money and was happy for her to attend on Tuesday & Wednesday. Now she’s turned 3, we’ve been told that we can no longer keep the days that she’s been going (Tues & Wed morning) and will only be eligible for Monday and Friday evenings if we want to use the government scheme. If we continue to pay with our own money, she can carry on with the Tues & Wed morning. But we cannot keep these days if we use the government scheme. It’s appalling. They are total con artists. You’ll be treated well whilst you’re paying full price, then the moment you apply to take advantage of the government scheme you’ll be treated like 2nd class citizens and given the scraps. I would strongly recommend that you avoid placing your child into this nursery if you’re planning on taking advantage of the government free childcare hours.

Kerry Lindsay

4 years ago

I’m extremely dissatisfied with the Old Barn Day Nursery. Before I placed my daughter in this nursery, I confirmed that I would be able to use the government paid 15 hours of free childcare from the age of 3. They confirmed we would be able to use the free childcare once she turns 3. My daughter attended nursery on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. She recently turned 3 and the nursery confirmed that I was ok to start using the government hours. I continued to have my daughter in the nursery on Tuesday & Wednesday morning. At the end of the month I was sent an invoice - charging me for the days she’s attended (despite only going to nursery for 10 hours per week). I spoke to head office and we were told that we would only get to use the 15 hours per week if we do 2 full days per week (20 hours, meaning we have to pay for 5 hours) or if we send her on Monday and Friday evening (1pm to 6pm). My daughter goes to sleep at 6:30pm. So sending her to nursery at that time doesn’t make sense. It’s also not preparing her for school hours. I’ve explained this to head office and they are refusing to budge. If we pay with our own money, it’s fine for our daughter to go to Nursery on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. But, it’s not ok if we use the government scheme? It’s disgusting how you’re treated once you want to take advantage of the government scheme.