Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Redbury Barn, Colchester Road, Ardleigh, Colchester CO7 7PQ
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8.5 52 Reviews
  • Orchard Barns Ardleigh, Colchester
Orchard Barns Ardleigh is a beautiful nursery providing care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years from Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

The nursery is easily accessible from the A12 and A120 and is five minutes from Manningtree railway station, so is ideal for commuters.

Orchard Barns offers exceptional outside play space, forest school-themed sessions and outdoor classrooms along with an expertly designed indoor space providing well planned and stimulating environments with carefully chosen high quality furnishings and equipment.

The Nursery’s approach goes above and beyond the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to foster deep level learning and optimise potential. They offer a range of unique educational experiences which enable children to become successful, lifelong learners including, Wake up and shake up, a range of bespoke activities which promote your child’s well-being and confidence, and Garden Champions.

Garden Champions is the Nursery's own bespoke Above and Beyond Educational Experience gardening activity. This activity extends children’s knowledge of the outdoor environment, habitats, caring for living things, growth cycles and growing vegetation outdoors.

The Garden Champion activities are an effective method of harnessing the children’s curiosity in this area and shaping their understanding of the world around them. Staff are supported to deliver these sessions through The Royal Horticultural Society’s School Gardening Awards scheme.

The Nursery Chef prepares all the children’s meals fresh on the premises each day, and the menus have been designed using the latest nutritional software to ensure they are nutritionally balanced, as well as delicious.

The dedicated staff team support children to fulfil their potential through a range of engaging experiences and learning opportunities, which are tailored to each child’s own developmental needs and interests.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Clare Evans (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 24

Total Places for Children

  • 68

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Orchard Barns Ardleigh Reviews (52)

8.5

Orchard Barns Ardleigh has a Review Score of 8.5 (8.502) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Orchard Barns Ardleigh has 52 reviews.

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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Orchard Barns Ardleigh
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Review from Spencer G (Father of Child) published on 2 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have recommended Orchard Barns to several friends that have had children in the past year or so. I can see first hand the development each month from my son, but also how happy he is at the nursery. The nursery itself is very well managed and the staff are fantastic. I wouldn't want my son anywhere
else for his early years leading up to school.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh
Thank you for your lovely review. We are thrilled to hear how much your son enjoys nursery, especially our fantastic staff team.
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Review from Charlotte P (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing! Absolutely love this nursery. They treat my little one as if he was their own. The nursery is always clean, tidy and beautifully decorated. I could not praise them enough. They are always so accommodating and efficient. My little one is so happy here and always has lots of exciting and fun
activities each day, as well as beautiful homemade meals that are prepared and cooked on-site by a chef. I love how much time they spend outdoors and let children explore and get hands-on. I always feel safe and confident with my little one in their hands. Will recommend them to friends and family for sure. Thank you!
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear how much your child enjoys nursery, especially with our fantastic outdoor space, activities and delicious meals we provide.
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Review from Katy G (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a friendly welcoming nursery! Our daughter has been attending for a few months and the staff have been brilliant at settling her in. The registration process ran so smoothly and we feel very happy knowing our daughter is in safe hands. The menus are fantastic and our daughter seems to really enjoy
lunchtime. Throughout our daughter's stay we receive regular updates and photos which is very reassuring and we receive regular assessments of her progress.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh
Thank you for your kind review. It is fantastic to hear how much your daughter has settled in with us and the registration process went smoothly and easily for you.
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Review from Gemma S (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children absolutely love nursery. They make them feel so comfortable and they can't wait to tell me about their day! They can't wait to go in the morning to see both the girls and all their friends.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear how much your children enjoy their time with us.
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Review from Carly P (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’m extremely impressed with Orchard Barns Nursery in Ardleigh and would not hesitate in recommending them. All the staff are professional, caring and friendly.
My son has always been very happy there and seemed to miss the 'settling in' period! He has progressed so much in such a short amount of
time in respect of his confidence, socialising ability and independence. He is now able to feed himself with very little help, he is trying to talk more and he definitely plays more on his own rather than relying on me to be with him all the time.
My son is always happy to go to nursery and always greets me with a smile on collection. It’s such a relief to know that he is being well cared for, stimulated and making new friends. I can’t thank all the staff enough and I’m looking forward to increasing his hours soon!
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh
Thank you for your amazing review. We are delighted to hear how much your son has developed with us so quickly, especially with his confidence, socialising ability and independence.
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Review from Sarah L (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Orchard Barns is a nursery that goes above and beyond for your child and you as a parent and the staff are nothing short of outstanding.
My son started 4 years ago and he absolutely loves it. He has additional needs and has come so far since being with the nursery and that is mainly down to them.
The staff have always been extremely inclusive, very supportive, are incredibly knowledgeable and have a genuine warmth to not only my son but to me as a parent. The communication you receive is very informative, the menu is very varied and the facilities are great - especially the outdoor areas.
The staff have done amazing during the COVID-19 crisis - they kept in contact the whole time and we have had a seamless transition back into nursery. I really cannot recommend Orchard Barns more highly.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh
Thank you for your brilliant review. It is lovely to hear how much your son enjoys nursery, especially the varied facilities and outdoor areas we have.
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Review from Matti B (Father of Child) published on 25 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We took a little while to choose a nursery but once we'd visited Orchard Barns it was the clear choice for our son.
Attentive staff, lots of outdoor space, clean environment, happy kids and excellent food.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh
Thank you for you kind review, we are delighted you have chosen our lovely nursery.
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Review from Alanna C (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended Orchard Barns Ardleigh for two years, since she was 6-months-old. The care she receives is second to none. The staff are so kind, friendly and fun - she loves being at nursery. The communication between staff and us as parents is excellent and so we are all able to work together
to support our daughter's learning journey.
The nursery is always spotlessly clean and the equipment is fantastic. The measures in place for the current Covid-19 situation are exemplary and we have felt confident that our baby is safe, and yet still receiving the physical contact she needs, from day one after re-opening.
Orchard Barns is a first-class nursery where children are encouraged and nurtured by staff members who are more like family. We would not hesitate to recommend this nursery.
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Review from Lucy B (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Orchard Barns Ardleigh is a fantastic nursery. The staff have gone above and beyond to create a wonderful setting that is fun, educational and safe. My daughter struggled to settle in at other placements - but at Orchard Barns the staff were so friendly and welcoming - my daughter settled in straight
away.
My daughter loves the outdoors so we are thrilled Orchard Barns are able to offer outside play in any weather - due to their undercover outside areas and the large garden. The activities they do are great - we love our updates via the app. Also, the food menu they offer is fantastic. We have noticed our daughter is eating more and is willing to try different food since being at the nursery. Overall we could not recommend the nursery more! Thanks for all your hard work.
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Review from Rebecca B (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic staff at Orchard Barns, they look after the children really well and have so much enthusiasm for what they do. My kids have both loved being here. When they left for school they were really well prepared for this next stage in their life.
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Review from Katie H (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using Orchard Barns Ardleigh for 5/6 years now having had both of my children in their care. We found their structure in terms of grouping ages, the day format and the focus on all areas of emotional development to be the perfect fit for us. Queries are answered quickly and efficiently.
However above all that the strongest part of this nursery are it's staff. They are caring, nurturing and encouraging and have always given opportunities for my children to flourish no matter what room they have been in. Thank you.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted how much your children enjoy their time at nursery, especially our lovely staff team we have.
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Review from Nicola (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
First impression of the nursery is WOW, the nursery is a purpose built setting, and looks amazing. All of the staff are lovely, welcoming and put you at ease. My son loves coming into the nursery and its all he talks about at home. The staff take their time with you and always answer your questions
and if they were unsure they would speak to their manager and get back to you. The garden areas are amazing, the babies have their own garden and the older ones have outside classrooms as well as a big garden with climbing equipment. Overall I cannot thank the staff enough.
Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh
Thank you for your lovely review, we are so happy your son is enjoying nursery, especially the garden area we have.
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Current Review Score: 8.5 (8.502)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.5 (8.502) out of 10 for Orchard Barns Ardleigh is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.9 out of 5 from 5 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 4.634 for Orchard Barns Ardleigh is calculated as follows: ( (59 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (2 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 71 Ratings = 4.634
  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 3.868 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Orchard Barns Ardleigh is based on 5 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 = 3.5
    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 68 number of registered child places is 13.6. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 13.6 = 0.368
  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 (6)

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