Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School

Longsands Community College, Longsands Road, St Neots PE19 1LQ
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9.8 112 Reviews
  • Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School, St Neots
Apricot Nursery and Pre-School are set across two sites, ensuring that they are able to give children a truly unique and special nursery experience

Children start their journey at Apricot Nursery, which consists of three base rooms; each benefit from having their own safe, enclosed and age-appropriate outside play area. This provides all of the children with free-flow access to explore the outside play area whenever they want. Each room has its own garden area which they enjoy in all weathers. The baby room garden has two levels, the one-year-olds have a lovely space which goes round to the side of the building and the toddlers' room has a spacious garden giving the children lots of room to run and play.

When the children are ready, they will transition to the Pre-School setting, which is just a few minutes away. The Pre-School children benefit from a separate site where they are fully prepared for ‘big’ school life.

The Pre-School is ideally located within the grounds of Priory Park Infant School allowing those children who progress on to this school the opportunity to become familiar with the setting; aiding transition to Reception. For those that go on to different schools, the opportunity to be in a school environment will help children develop confidence to start school; no matter which school they decide upon.

The nursery and the pre-school offer exceptional care, enriched by unique learning opportunities for your child. One such experience is child-friendly cooking classes, helping to equip children with valuable skills and deeper knowledge of the cooking process.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Lisa Payne & Louise Wright (Nursery & Pre-School Managers)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 28

Total Places for Children

  • 91

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Full Day Session £78.20


    We're making childcare more accessible to families:


    * No meal, consumable or enhancement charges
    * Part & fully funded places available

  • A £100.00 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place. Exact days of attendance should be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to the child’s start date. Any changes are subject to availability.

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

  • There are 10 parking spaces near to the nursery entrance and there is ample parking for all visitors at the Pre-school.

Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School Reviews (112)

9.8

Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.846) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School has 112 reviews.

Overall Experience
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  • 13
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Date Published
  • 112
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Reviewer Connection to Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School
  • 99
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Total of 112, showing 41-60
Review from Sarah R (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t rate Sunhill Apricot Nursery & Preschool any more highly. My little boy spent a short time at the nursery before moving up, and I was really worried he wouldn’t find a key person who he gelled with, but I was wrong. He settled quickly, and loves going every morning. He especially loves the garden
space, playing on the pirate ship and planting seeds.
All the staff are really helpful and always happy to answer any questions. I also love that no matter who the staff member is, they all enjoy getting involved in activities and caring for the children.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School
Thank you for taking the time to write this review and for your comments; we really appreciate it!
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Review from P M (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Apricot Nursery since February. While settling in, the staff did everything they could to keep me informed of her progress during each day. Now, she waves me off, excited to spend a day with her wonderful key worker and all the fantastic staff there that she’s built wonderful
bonds with.
I feel completely reassured that they do all they can to stimulate and encourage her progression at all opportunities.
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Review from Cheryl C (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the experience the nursery provided for my son, he always came out beaming and it was clear he enjoyed his days. He was only there six months before moving up to preschool but he really progressed in those few months and made lovely relationships with the key workers. I loved the weekly
newsletter, so we were informed about what the children had been learning and doing that week. My only criticism that I have is it would have been nice to have more pictures on the app to view, as previously I was spoiled with many of my daughter at a different preschool.
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Review from Louise W (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a wonderful nursery. My son attends four days a week and loves going. All members of staff, whether they’re working in his room or not know him and know us too. He is challenged and well cared for by amazing staff. The app they use to document his care is always filled in fully with pictures
to show the day’s activities and the weekly newsletter provides more detail. I recommend this nursery when anybody asks!
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Review from Helen S (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been very happy with the friendly and caring staff at the nursery over the last year. My son loves it, and I've always felt able to speak to staff about any queries. I am kept well informed of how he has been each day, and the variety of activities is excellent.
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Review from Rebecca F (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started nursery 6-months ago at around 17-months-old. As expected, he was unsettled at first when being dropped off, but now he absolutely adores going to nursery and excitedly waves us goodbye.


Due to Covid, we haven't been able to go into the nursery (apart from the initial settling in

session), but we receive detailed feedback at the end of each day in person and via an app.


Our son appears to be engaged in various learning and arts and crafts activities as well as lots of outdoor play. He has settled so well now; he regularly naps for 1 1/2 - 2 hours in the afternoon and eats really well. Staff are always friendly, warm and approachable.


Paperwork and requests for change of sessions are dealt with very promptly and efficiently.


The building is somewhat dated and the outdoor area slightly smaller than other nurseries: however, the nursery had such a good reputation, so we chose to overlook these things, which I'm glad we did, as our son is very happy there.

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Review from Lucy H (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, highly recommend. My son loves attending and is well cared for with suitable developmental activities for his age and plenty of outside play. The staff are fantastic, and the nursery has done a great job of staying open during the pandemic.
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Review from Helen R (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending Apricot for two and a half years. The quality of the staff is undoubtedly one of the best I have experienced. Good communication with parents, care and compassion for our daughter. I would have no hesitation in recommending to my friends and have done.
The food they provide
is healthy and varied and also gives the children the opportunity to try new flavours.
Lots of outside time, which suits my daughter really well.
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Review from Emma K (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 16-month-old daughter has been going to Apricot for about 5-months now and settled in really quickly. The staff are lovely and have been great with her. There are always different activities for her to do, and she can go outside as much as she likes. They offer a varied menu that accommodates my
daughter's dietary needs, and there are lots of lovely keepsakes to take home.
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Review from Donna R (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff within the preschool are fantastic. Insightful and constructive feedback at the end of each day. Open to a discussion at drop off to ensure all is well. Such enthusiastic staff and you can see the children relate well to them. No pressure to rush, which is nice. You feel they are interested and
listening to what you have to say too. My son loves it here. Thank you!
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Review from V O (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled into nursery extremely well considering he only attends twice a week. The staff that have been working with him are all so friendly and kind and seem genuinely happy to see him every week. Management at the nursery has been just as good. My emails or calls are answered very quickly,
and everyone is always happy to help. I would definitely recommend the nursery to others.
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Review from Trudi B (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My boy attends this nursery, and I have nothing but good reviews for them. All the staff are amazing with the children and are always happy to see them. Management is fantastic, always keeping me up to date on how my boy is doing. Always happy to help if have any queries. My boy loves going to nursery
and gets so excited when he sees the practitioners. Always a friendly face and listening ear for both parents and children. Could not recommend this nursery enough! My second is due to start, and I know she will love it too.
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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been at Apricot since he was 9-months-old (he’s now 3). He is currently in Apricots preschool. I can honestly say he has had and is having the best experience and start in his education. From the beginning of his day, my son is constantly busy and happy. The practitioners know him
inside out, which fills me with ease when I have to go to work and leave him. The activities he is introduced too are also so amazing, the staff really know their stuff. Both the nursery and the preschool are brilliant settings, and I feel so comfortable leaving my son. And the best part, when I go and pick him up, he always comes out smiling and jumping about, so happy. Thank you to the Apricot Team!
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Review from M D (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has thrived at Apricot. The staff have gotten to know her very well and have been able to support her through a number of big changes including moving house, a new sibling and both parents erratic work patterns due to COVID. She always leaves nursery happy and having learned new things.
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Review from Penny G (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Apricot for the last 9-months (since being 14-months-old), and we couldn't be happier with the nursery. The staff are wonderful, and my daughter is so happy there. She always goes in and comes out with a smile and settled in very quickly despite never being away from me before.
She has developed really well and always in very positive ways. The nursery balances cleanliness and organisation with warmth and friendliness. I would have no hesitation in recommending the nursery to other parents.
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Review from Emma C (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been going to the nursery for the past 18-months, and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Apricot Nursery to anyone looking for excellent childcare.
Every team member there is friendly and caring, and our son adores his key workers. He gets excited about going to nursery in
the mornings and is exposed to an amazing array of activities that we’d never be able to replicate at home. He has great fun there, and the nursery setting has helped with his development no end. Well done, Apricot!
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Review from M N (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Apricot day nursery are so helpful and supportive and I would not hesitate to recommend them. My little boy has recently started potty training and I have found their help and advice to be really useful. Since returning to nursery post lockdown, I was slightly anxious at how he would find
it, but he is happier and more relaxed than ever. I look forward to the comprehensive feedback they provide on his progress and struggle to find any fault with the level of care and attention he receives.
Reply from Lisa Payne, Manager at Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School
Good afternoon, Thank you so much for your lovely review. It means the world to all of us to hear your feedback. Kind regards, Lisa.
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Review from C C (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended the setting since she was six months old and absolutely loves it. She has a great bond with the staff and never has any issues going. The setting has a good indoor and outdoor space, and the children are exposed to a wide range of activities and a very varied choice of food
at mealtimes. The use of the app means we are always fully informed of what our child has been up to (food, sleep, nappies, etc) and also includes pictures which reinforce how happy she is there. I’d happily recommend to anyone seeking childcare.
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Review from Courtney (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son absolutely loves this nursery. He comes home happy and excited, always happy to go back. The staff are always very friendly and welcoming and have supported us throughout his time there so far. I never have to worry about him as I know he is in safe hands.
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Review from Ruth B (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our daughter is so happy at Apricot day Nursery. During lockdown, she got very used to being at home and spending the majority of her time with her sister. We were therefore a bit worried about her returning to preschool. However, from her first day back (after almost 6 months off), our daughter was
really happy when she returned home from preschool. She told us all about her friends and the lovely things they did together during the day. This was no doubt due to the staff taking very good care of our daughter and helping her to settle back in after such a long time away and also a very strange time for everyone. We're very grateful to all the team at Apricot Day Nursery for the fantastic care they've taken of our daughter. Thank you so much.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.846)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.846) out of 10 for Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School 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 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.846 for Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (194 Excellents x 5) + (31 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 227 Ratings = 4.846
  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 Apricot Day Nursery & Pre-School is based on 19 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 91 number of registered child places is 18.2, which has been reached with 19 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 (5)

Meet the Team (2)

Lisa

Lisa Payne

Job Title: Nursery Manager (Nursery) Joined: 2018

Qualifications: Level 5 Leadership for Children’s and Young People’s Workforce

Louise

Louise Wright

Job Title: Nursery Manager (Pre-school) Joined: 2021

Hi! I'm Louise and I'm the Manager here at Apricot Pre-School.


We look forward to welcoming you to our Pre-School!

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