Apricot Day Nursery in St Neots offers a nurturing and intimate environment where children's cognitive, social, and physical development is fostered. The nursery emphasises hands-on experiences, child-led learning, and a holistic approach to development, preparing children for school through its 'Next Stop School' programme.
Following the Montessori approach, the nursery provides age-appropriate activities and learning opportunities tailored to individual interests. It boasts dedicated indoor spaces and safe, enclosed outdoor play areas for each age group, encouraging continuous exploration regardless of weather.
Apricot Day Nursery operates across two sites, with a separate pre-school facility a short walk away for when children are ready to transition. The curriculum, known as the Brighter Learning Approach, focuses on six core areas: My Happy and Healthy Self, Wonderful World, Super STEAM, Raving Readers, Mini Maths, and Confident Speakers and Communicators.
The nursery also offers various clubs and enhancements like cookery, movement, art, music, gardening, and science. They aim to support both children and parents, offering clear communication, robust safety measures, freshly prepared meals, a key person approach, and even a £30 Clarks voucher for school shoes when children graduate to primary school.
Our ethos
Apricot Day Nursery follows the Montessori approach and implements a curriculum called the Brighter Learning Approach, focusing on six core areas: My Happy and Healthy Self, Wonderful World, Super STEAM, Raving Readers, Mini Maths, and Confident Speakers and Communicators. They emphasise hands-on experiences, child-led learning, and a holistic approach to development, preparing children for school through their 'Next Stop School' programme.
What it's like
Leaders have designed a curriculum that grows with the children and is delivered through well-chosen books, carefully planned enhancements, and familiar routines. Staff respond to children with warmth and care. Children show they feel safe, happy, and emotionally secure. Staff model calm, respectful interactions and use consistent language to help children understand expectations and support them to develop positive relationships.
Funding accepted
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Food
Meals are freshly prepared on-site by our own cook. We use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a variety of nutritious meals that rotate regularly. Dietary preferences are taken seriously, and we cater to all requirements, including food intolerances and allergies.
Opening hours
Full day: 8am to 6pm; Early start: 7:30am to 8am; Late finish: 6pm to 6:30pm
Term time / All Year
All Year
Last inspected 1 August 2025
What it's like to attend
Leaders have designed a curriculum that grows with the children and is delivered through well-chosen books, carefully planned enhancements, and familiar routines. Staff respond to children with warmth and care. Children show they feel safe, happy, and emotionally secure. Staff model calm, respectful interactions and use consistent language to help children understand expectations and support them to develop positive relationships.
Inspector highlights
Areas to develop
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Most parents speak positively about the improvements made under current leadership and say they feel listened to and involved in their child's experience.
Inclusion & environment
Leaders and staff provide effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Leaders and key persons work closely with families and external agencies to identify needs early and put tailored plans in place. Staff demonstrate a strong understanding of each child's individual profile and use strategies, such as visual supports and sensory tools, to support emotional awareness.
During outdoor play, babies stop to listen to the sounds they can hear and ask, 'what is it?'. They enjoy games of peekaboo and hide and seek with objects.
Great nursery setting, children engaged in activities and lot of fun in their great garden. The onsite chef prepares freshly cooked nutritious meals for the children
Read on Google
Having recently visited this nursery, I was really impressed with the welcoming management and team, and the homely feel of the setting. They also have a wonderfully large outdoor space with a lovely separate space for the youngest children which I really liked. Overall, I thought it was a lovely nursery!
Read on Google
Our daughter LOVES nursery! She has lovely relationships with the staff and her peers. Staff frequently take the children on small visits to the local park, library and shops. I have not experienced another nursery offer frequent enrichment such as this. As parents we feel well informed through the parent app, and included in our daughter’s learning with regular workshops. We shall be sad to see her leave The Old Station when she goes to school!
Read on Google
It isn't about the parent's experience but about the child's. I must say that our daughter has flourished here. The care & development she has received is first class & when the pitter patter of tiny feet comes again, we won't hesitate. Highly recommended.
Read on Google
Highly recommended, both of my children have been here from 1 year until school age.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for The Old Station Nursery - Northfield. See all on Google Maps
Date: February 2008
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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
