Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Spring Lane, Canterbury CT1 1SW
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9.8 106 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool, Canterbury
A light and spacious nursery in Canterbury

Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool has plenty of space for children to learn and explore, with three bright and airy age-specific rooms. Offering high quality care and education for babies from 3 months to children aged five with the additional benefit of having extended opening times from 7.30am – 6.30pm.

Each room is filled with age-appropriate resources and equipment such as the state-of-the-art interactive whiteboard and touchscreen computer in the preschool room. Babies and toddlers enjoy sensory and heuristic play sessions in the beautiful community room.

The main garden has an outdoor classroom with a cycle track around the outside, two low-level tree houses, a climbing net, a water feature, digging and planting areas, and chalk and painting boards.

Safety is their number one priority. All practitioners are First Aid trained and all nurseries have specialist SEND staff for children who require additional support due to special educational needs.

The nursery has its own chef on site and with all nutritious meals and delicious, healthy snacks are sourced from trusted suppliers and cooked by the chef with menus changing seasonally. The nursery's kitchen holds a 5*EHO rating for food and hygiene.

All-inclusive fees mean that you have less to pack on a busy morning, with everything from healthy lunches and snacks to branded nappies and wipes included.

The team at Canterbury nursery looks forward to welcoming you and your little one. The friendly, experienced and highly qualified staff are on hand to conduct a personal nursery tour, so book a visit today and they will show you all the nursery has to offer during your own personal tour.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Mandy (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 45

Total Places for Children

  • 143

Age Range

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

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

Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (106)

9.8

Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.784) out of 10, based on 54 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool has 106 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool
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Review from Declan K (Father of Child) published on 20 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has settled in very well to nursery here and comes home absolutely shattered. It has helped him being with all the different teachers/staff. Everyone at the nursery are so caring and loving. It's a joy to see them so happy as well as the children.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolWe're thrilled to hear that your son has settled in so well at our nursery. We're thrilled to hear that your son has settled in so well at our nursery!
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Review from Jessica M (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery and pre-school. Facilities are good and the staff go above and beyond to accommodate and encourage learning and growth.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolThank you for your five-star review and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from D T (Father of Child) published on 20 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have always felt welcomed dropping my son off to nursery. He enjoys coming and has so much fun.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolThank you for your five-star review and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from V S (Father of Child) published on 20 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am happy with what my child is learning in nursery. He is getting independent about is care, eating and making his own choices. Staff are very good, when I asked for any favours regarding his care they give their 100%.
Thank you for the care given to my child and for making him confident.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolThank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear about your child's progress and newfound independence at nursery. Thank you for your review.
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Review from Karen B (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing staff who made our little one feel right at home. They answered all my questions and alleviated all of our concerns.
We get hour-to-hour updates of what our baby is up to and photos sent in regularly. There are a lot of activities and interactions to encourage the babies in their development
in a playful environment.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolThank you for your review. We're thrilled to learn that you have a wonderful experience at our nursery. Thank you for choosing us!
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Review from Karamfila N (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great and professional care. My daughter has been in Bright Horizons Day Nursery-Canterbury branch since she was 20 months old and I would recommend it as the best nursery in Canterbury. My son has been in nursery since he was 16 months old and I can say the nursery has improved their service for the
last 4 years enormously. The garden area is very large and children have plenty of space for outdoor activities. Teachers and assistants are really well trained. Most importantly in the nursery, the children are able to eat freshly cooked varied meals on a daily basis because there is a chef who is able to prepare their food on a daily basis.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolThank you so much for your positive feedback and for recommending us!
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Review from Michael B (Father of Child) published on 12 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is supported in all aspects of his development. The staff do a tremendous job of communicating with parents and he is encouraged to foster his own interests and personality whilst working well with children and adults.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolThank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with the team.
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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my daughter has been in the toddler room it has been a great experience! She seems very happy and always looks like she is having a great time in pictures from nursery. One member of staff in particular has been amazing and she is obsessed with her which just shows how well she is at her job.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolHello, thank you so much for your positive feedback! Thank you for recommending us!
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Review from Libby P (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful setting, our child has developed dramatically since joining. As a child with little experience in unfamiliar settings, she is having a great time and loves the staff lots.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolThank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from Adam F (Father of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff have been very welcoming and fantastic with our son. I would recommend this nursery to everyone.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolHello, thank you so much for your positive feedback! Thank you for recommending us!
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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent overall. Good with my little one. He loves being here.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolThank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from Kathreen R (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My boy loves coming into the nursery and the staff are always friendly and helpful.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolHello, thank you so much for your positive feedback!
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Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been attending the nursery for a year now and have always been happy with the services provided. The staff are caring, adaptable and approachable and I always feel listened to.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolHello, thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from S L (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves going to preschool. The staff are extremely caring and do such an amazing job. The activities are really fun for the children. As a parent, it's lovely to see such a great bond between my daughter and the staff. My daughter has made lots of little friends, gain confidence
and is much more equipped for starting school next September. The nursery building itself is a little tired and needs a little investment.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolHello, we're delighted to hear that your daughter loves attending our nursery and that the staff at our nursery have left a positive impression. We appreciate your feedback about the nursery, and we take it seriously. Your concerns about the building's condition will be shared with our management team for consideration. Thank you for choosing our preschool!
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Review from Kate K (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are lovely and offer a range of exciting activities for the children, the rooms are always clean and a good selection of food is available. My son always comes out of nursery saying he’s had lots of fun playing with his friends, all of the children look comfortable and happy in the rooms.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolHello, thank you so much for your positive feedback!
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Review from C D (Father of Child) published on 13 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has blossomed since arriving from another nursery last year and I have been impressed with her education and the quantity and quality of what she has learned.
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Review from Nicky S (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool throughout preschool and it has been lovely to see him develop in confidence and hear his excitement when he talks about his day. If he has ever been unsettled in the morning, the staff have taken time to comfort him and
get him involved in fun activities. He particularly loves the mud garden - it's great that so much outdoor play is encouraged!
Making gingerbread, hatching ducklings and releasing butterflies have all been favourites too! And we all loved a brilliant preschool graduation party recently - thank you to all of the staff for their efforts and time.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Marketing and Campaigns Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and PreschoolHi, we are so pleased to hear that you are happy with our nursery. Thank you again for taking the time to leave us your review.
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Review from Mary C (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter and I are both delighted with Bright Horizons Canterbury! The staff go above and beyond to make the environment welcoming, friendly, stimulating, safe and fun for the children who attend. There's plenty of space, lots of great activities for the kids, amazing meals every day and the chance
to keep track of how your little one is doing throughout the day via an app.
All the staff who work at Bright Horizons are so kind and thoughtful. They seem to really care for our daughter, and she really loves them too.
I was nervous about leaving my child at nursery four days a week, but it turns out she loves it! A huge thank you to the Bright Horizons team for making the nursery a really positive experience for us all.
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Review from Adam M (Father of Child) published on 16 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has become a very happy and confident girl from being at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool. The staff have built strong bonds with her and know her personality well. I would send future children to this nursery without hesitation.
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Review from Dora V (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm really happy with how the staff is taking care of my sons. They were crying in the beginning but they made them feel comfortable and they settled in really well. They also gave me updates in the beginning so I didn't have to worry about them. I'm happy we chose this nursery and I will definitely
recommend them.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.784)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.784) out of 10 for Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 54 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 54 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 4.784 for Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (512 Excellents x 5) + (130 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 647 Ratings = 4.784
  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 Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 54 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 143 number of registered child places is 28.6, which has been reached with 54 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 (4)

Meet the Team (2)

Amanda

Amanda

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Hello, I am the Nursery Manager at Canterbury Nursery.


I've worked for 13 years in various schools, nurseries and preschools. I have an Early Years qualification in Childcare and Young Families, her role also includes Nursery SENCO Health & Safety Lead and Designated Safeguarding Manager.


I am my team works closely with families to meet their childcare needs, offering bespoke free settling-in sessions and home visits to welcome new families. The staff team are both established and experienced practitioners who feel passionate about offering high-quality care and education for children.

Clair

Clair

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Hello, I am Clair and have worked in Early Years for many years, the last seven years managing nursery and preschool rooms.


I have recently been promoted to Deputy manager supporting the staff team and nursery manager to ensure excellent learning opportunities for children.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool has an Enhanced Service - more info.