Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School

11 Perry Road, Harlow CM18 7NS
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9.9 203 Reviews
  • Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School, Harlow
Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Preschool provides childcare and education for children from three months to five years of age.

With a team of highly qualified and experienced staff, the nursery and preschool provides a variety of activities and experiences for children, allowing them to learn through play. The nursery also has outdoor areas where children can play throughout the year.

Meals are prepared and cooked every day by the nursery’s chef and the nursery encourages preschool children to be independent by preparing snacks, serving their own meals, and washing up. All dietary requirements can be catered for.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • ABI Nursery
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Karen Thomas (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 35

Total Places for Children

  • 124

Age Range

  • from 0 years 5 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Available on request

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • They have parking for staff and customers dropping off children.

Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School Reviews (203)

9.9

Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.912) out of 10, based on 64 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School has 203 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 203
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Reviewer Connection to Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
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Total of 203, showing 1-20
Review from Leanne W (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Akhter since he was a year old.
Each room from baby through to pre school have been fantastic. Especially as he has extra needs, nothing is ever too much trouble. First aid when needed was prompt and efficient. Support and understanding from all staff members was impeccable.
Highly recommend Akhter.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for your kind words. He has been a pleasure to watch grow, he has come so far and is able to do so much for himself, well done O!!Good luck on your next journey together From Team Akhter
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Review from Arulrock T (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Had an amazing journey with Akhter ELC.
They looked after my child very well he learnt a lot I can see so much difference before & after.
Their food is really good my child loved it.


He had an amazing a year in toddlers room im looking forward to join him in pre school I. The setting

Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for your kind words, Toddlers room staff enjoyed having him, he has come so far! Team Akhter
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Review from Angela F (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can not fault this nursery! My son attends and has just finished his first year at nursery. He wasn't very happy to begin with but the staff looked after him and after a few weeks he was so happy to go into nursery and made very strong relationships with the staff.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for your kind words, we enjoyed having him, he has done so will! Kind regards Team Akhter
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Review from Lois S (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing place, even more amazing staff! My son is just about to finish his first year here he loves it! He always comes home happy and we have not had a single problem since he's started. They also were so helpful when we potty trained him which made things a lot easier for us and him. Highly recommend!
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. We enjoy what we do and ensure children and staff are happy Team Akhter
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Review from S S (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3-year-old loved every day at the nursery. She went happy and always left with a smile. She had lots of friends at the nursery she said, she did a lot of lovely activities like planting plants, learnt new songs and the alphabet. They also taught her how to paint with different materials. We are happy
with her teachers and the organisation in general. Thank you!
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for your kind feed back, Please let us know how your feel we can improve on our safeguarding, it is paramount to us that parents feel we keep their children safe. We have 3' level 3s' SG…read more
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Review from S F (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is very happy there and the staff are always so helpful and kind. Had no issues at all since she has been there. They were very patient with settling in and tried to stick to her routine as much as possible to make the transition easier.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for your kind words, we so enjoy having her. She has come on in leaps and bounds and is really a pleasure to have, thank you for choosing us. Team Akhter
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Review from Kimberley D (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can only say positive things about Akhter, my son absolutely loves going to nursery, he has amazing bonds with the staff and more happy to be handed to them, he always comes home clean, happy and well fed, staff are always very informative with what my son has done during his stay such as how much
he has eaten, time he's slept and achievements throughout the day, I always feel my son is safe and extremely well cared for whilst there. Would definitely recommend.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
What lovely words to read, such a happy little boy! Thank you for your kind words Team Akhter
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Review from Jayne P (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We've had a great experience with the nursery. The staff are always welcoming, kind, and genuinely care about the children. My daughter has settled in well and comes home happy and confident. I've noticed a big improvement in her speech, social skills, and independence since she started. The environment
feels safe and engaging, with a variety of fun and educational activities throughout the day.


Communication with parents is good, and I appreciate the updates and photos that help me stay informed. I feel confident that my child is well looked after and supported, and I'm grateful to have found a setting where she feels secure and happy.


Would just say the garden space for me isn't enough for my daughter because she loves to be outdoors which is why I'm moving her to a different nursery.

Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
We do have 5 gardens for children to play and learn in. We have 6 learning rooms and only two don't have gardens attached however, they are still able to use any of the 5 gardens during the day. The…read more
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Review from Z W (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Welcoming and friendly staff, they're great at interacting with the kids and my Sons confidence has grown since being there within a short time (he started about 3 months ago). He has almost finished for the summer & I look forward to him returning in September and continuing to learn & grow.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
We also look forward to the new term and thank you for sharing your son with us. Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. We enjoy what we do and ensure children and staff are happy Team…read more
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Review from Charlotte B (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm so glad I chose this nursery for my son. It's a warm, welcoming environment where he not only has fun but is also encouraged to explore and learn new things every day.


He's currently in the Hedgehogs room, having recently transitioned from the baby room. The staff in both rooms were incredibly

supportive and made the move seamless and reassuring for him. Their calm and caring approach really helped him settle in with ease.


All of the staff are genuinely kind, attentive, and nurturing. My son always comes home excited to share what he's done during the day, and it's clear he's having a positive and enriching experience.


Whenever I have a question or need assistance, the admin team is approachable, responsive, and always happy to help, which gives me great peace of mind.


I would wholeheartedly recommend this nursery to other parents. If I have more children in the future, I won't hesitate to enrol them here too!

Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. We are very happy your are happy! We enjoy what we do and ensure children and staff are happy Team Akhter
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Review from C A (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so happy with this nursery, my daughter dad was worried about his daughter going, but the nursery made his worries go away. My daughter is non verbal and the sen team were so helpful. Second child to go here.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
We are glad we have made it easier for your family, we love looking after your children, thank you for your kind words Team Akhter
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Review from M J (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery, the staff all brought my child out of his shell. Helped him grow and showed compassion when he was having an off day. Communication is great between staff and parents. Always aware of what has happened during the day. Fresh meals prepared every day and extras given when asked. Overall
very happy with the nursery.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. We enjoy what we do and ensure children and staff are happy Team Akhter
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Review from Linda N (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm very pleased with my daughter's experience at this school. From the beginning, we've had a positive impression. The staff is supportive and welcoming, and the teachers truly care about the students' growth-both academically and personally.


There's a strong sense of community, and I've seen real

improvement in my daughter's confidence and learning. The school maintains a good balance between academics and extracurricular activities and teamwork. Communication with parents is clear and consistent, which I really appreciate.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
This was lovely to read, thank you for your kind words. We cant wait to see what the future holds and look forward to continue working with your family. Team Akhter
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Review from Michelle F (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been in attendance for 10mths in the baby room, led by the room leader.
I cannot fault the care and attention she receives from not only her key worker and while team in the baby room but the entire Akhter team from the office to the kitchen stuff - all staff positively engage with
her, often chatting to her on the way in or out.
She tries and enjoys a wide range of different foods (not always easy as she has a dairy intolerance- but this doesn't seem to faze the kitchen team )
She laughs and smiles her way in every morning also secure and confident when I leave her in their care
. Her positive development socially. Emotionally and physically is largely down to the team as she attends 3 full days a week.
I have regular weekly written/photographic updates which supports a daily detailed handover and regular pieces of "Artwork" to bring home. Thank you Akhter for making us as parents worry less and for looking after our daughter as one of your own!
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
This is lovely to hear and read, thank you for choosing us, we look forward to the journey ahead with your family. Team Akhter
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Review from Krim S (Father of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good place to send child nice stuff nice food all the time clean kitchen nice people easy going understandable reception good communication with assistance ,safe and secure all round lots of equipment books toys, very happy with the service they provide for the children and thank you
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. We enjoy what we do and ensure children and staff are happy Team Akhter
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Review from Jessie J (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've never had any issues with Akhter my son has loved every single second of it, the staff are amazing.my son got on specially well with with one member of staff, she is lovely and made his experience 100% times better
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. We enjoy what we do and ensure children and staff are happy Team Akhter
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Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are very welcoming and supportive. Good communication with parents about children. You can see the passion in their work through how happy and excited my child comes home to tell me about her day
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
Thank you for your kind words, we enjoy spending time with her and look forward to seeing her develop even more! Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. We enjoy what we do and ensure…read more
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Review from Marcus S (Father of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at the nursery are fantastic. My daughter has come on leaps and bounds ever since she started nursery, and that is down to not only our parenting but also the staff taking the time to develop the children they care for, rather than just letting them play.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
She has come along way, well done to you too! Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. We enjoy what we do and ensure children and staff are happy Team Akhter
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Review from D W (Father of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since joining in September the Akhter team have helped to develop and build confidence within my daughter - she is excited going there and all the staff are brilliant with a special shout out to the member of staff who helped bring her out of her shell when she first started.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
We enjoy having her! thank you for your kind words Team Akhter
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Review from Gary Q (Grandfather of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter Attends akhter Early Learning Centre nursery, she been there since September 2024. She has come along way since being there. This is a great nursery with alot of support in all areas definitely Recommend this nursery.
Reply from Karen Thomas, Manager at Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School
This is lovely to hear, thank you for choosing us. Thank you for taking the time to review our setting. We enjoy what we do and ensure children and staff are happy Team Akhter
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.912)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.912) out of 10 for Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 64 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 64 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.912 for Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (704 Excellents x 5) + (52 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 763 Ratings = 4.912
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School is based on 64 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 124 number of registered child places is 24.8, which has been reached with 64 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (4)

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Karen Thomas

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2016

- Nearly 30 years of childcare experience.
- Foundation degree in Early Years, 20 years in management.
- Lead Safeguarding Officer.
- Lead SEN officer.

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Anna Kuczynska

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2012

- Level 3 in childcare.
- Over 12 years in our setting.

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Michelle Lea

Job Title: 3rd in charge Joined: 2024

- Level 3 in childcare.
- Safeguarding officer.
- Over 20 years in childcare.

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Charlotte Begley

Job Title: 4th In-charge Joined: 2012

- Level 3 in childcare
- Elkan trained
- SEN officer

Frequently Asked Questions about Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School

What is the Age Range of Children that Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School accepts?

Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School accepts Children aged from 0 years 5 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School Open?

Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School have capacity for?

Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School has capacity for a total of 124 Children.

How far is Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School to the centre of Harlow?

1.7 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Akhter Early Learning Centre Nursery and Pre-School has an Enhanced Service - more info.