Archway Nursery School

Hyde Farm, Salisbury Road, Pimperne, Blandford Forum DT11 8TX
Review Us
9.9 50 Reviews
  • Archway Nursery School, Blandford Forum
Archway Nursery School, located very near to Blandford Forum, provides safe and professional childcare, within an environment where children can feel inspired to pick up new skills and interests.

The nursery has an excellent standing in the community and has been established for over 20 years. The nursery provides high-quality care and education for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Its mission is to deliver the highest standards of childcare and early years education, while always striving for continuous improvement. Staff believe a child’s early years are the most critical for developing the foundations of learning, behaviour and emotional well being, which all influence later outcomes in school, work and society.
Show Archway Nursery School on the Map

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Hannah Miles (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 22

Total Places for Children

  • 77

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full day (7:45am to 6:00pm) from £71

  • Fees are all inclusive. This means nappies, formula milk, meals and snacks are all included in the fee

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:45-18:00
    Tuesday 07:45-18:00
    Wednesday 07:45-18:00
    Thursday 07:45-18:00
    Friday 07:45-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Archway Nursery School Reviews (50)

9.9

Archway Nursery School has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.891) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Archway Nursery School has 50 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 48
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 50
  • 7
  • 14
  • 15
  • 35
Reviewer Connection to Archway Nursery School
  • 45
  • 4
  • 1
Total of 50, showing 1-20
Review from Charlotte K (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at the meadows in Archway in September, he really struggled with drop off but in the recent weeks we have really turned a corner, there's no tears on drop off, he is absolutely loving all of the activities he is doing and his speech is coming on so well, starting to try to play with other
children as well.
I really think this is down to his lovely key worker and all of the ladies putting so much work into his development.
Nursery is no longer anxiety inducing, I leave knowing my he will have a brilliant day and that he will actually eat decent home cooked foods! Thank you to everyone who's taking such great care of my son, it has really helped with getting him to be okay with leaving us for a few days a week. Safeguarding is done well, they inform us of any accidents that may have happened. Staff are easy to talk to and I always get a detailed rundown of his day.


Keep up the amazing work meadows room.

  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Megan M (Mother of Child) published on 21 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the amazing team in each room right through to management, Archway Nursery has been nothing short of incredible. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and every member of staff seems to genuinely know and care for the children.
My son is so happy to go into Archway every morning-especially to see
his wonderful key worker, Emily! As a working parent, finding a nursery where my child would be cared for, supported, and truly happy was my top priority, and Archway has absolutely delivered on all fronts. Over the past 12 months, the progress my son has made has been phenomenal. Compared to our previous nursery, Archway offers a far greater range of activities and enriching experiences. He always comes home full of stories about the exciting things he's done each day.
It gives me such peace of mind knowing he's in such capable, loving hands. From the bottom of our hearts-thank you!
Reply from Finlay Seoudy, Regional Marketing Executive at Archway Nursery School
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Were delighted to hear how happy your son is at Archway and that our teams care and dedication have made such a positive impact. Its lovely to know he…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 21 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery with genuinely caring, gentle staff who take great pride in looking after the children. It feels calm, welcoming and nurturing from the moment you walk in, and you can tell the staff genuinely care and know each child individually. The play areas are lovely and well thought out, and
the quality of the food has improved massively in recent months. They keep parents well informed with regular updates and photos, and the variety of play and learning activities keeps the children constantly engaged. My child has come on so much in confidence and independence since starting. Highly recommend.
Reply from Finlay Seoudy, Regional Marketing Executive at Archway Nursery School
Thank you for your lovely review. Were so pleased to hear you find Archway welcoming and nurturing, and that our teams care and the recent improvements have made a positive difference. Its wonderful…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Faye A (Mother of Child) published on 10 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child joined Archway in June 2025, she had never been away from me prior to this. Archway went above and beyond to ensure she was settled in to suit my quick start date returning to work. The team are friendly, helpful, kind, caring and reassuring. It's really a home away from home! My daughter still
has a wobble at drop offs but quickly settles and I know she's in safe hands. Her development is apparent since being here, every day she learns something new. This is a wonderful setting with amazing staff and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a nursery for their children.
Reply from Finlay Seoudy, Regional Marketing Executive at Archway Nursery School
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear how well your daughter has settled at Archway Nursery School and that you feel supported by our caring team. It's wonderful to see…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jenny P (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was so worried about my 7 month old starting nursery that I burst into tears on settling in day. Not only did they look after my little one amazingly but I felt well looked after too: on day one without me there they sent me lots of updates and a picture of my boy sleeping (I was very worried he wouldn't
without me/his blacked out room). He always has an amazing time and I feel totally secure that the team are completely invested in ensuring he has enough to eat, drink and sleep regardless of whether he fits into their schedule.
Reply from Finlay Seoudy, Regional Marketing Executive at Archway Nursery School
Thank you so much for your review. We're delighted to hear how well your little one has settled and that you've felt so supported throughout the process. It's wonderful to know that the team's care…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lauren C (Mother of Child) published on 30 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been so pleased with our experience at Archway Nursery so far. Our son started part-time a few months ago, and is now with them 5 days a week. He loves it! Big smiles when we drop him off, he naps well there, and they've been excellent at accommodating his dietary requirements.


Thank you Archway

for managing our son' s transition into nursery with care, confidence, and sensitivity. What could have been quite a stressful time for us and our son has been remarkably smooth, and now he's busy making friends and having fun!
Reply from Finlay Seoudy, Regional Marketing Executive at Archway Nursery School
Thank you for sharing such lovely feedback. Were so pleased to hear how well your son has settled into Archway Nursery and that hes enjoying his days with us. Supporting families through the…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Stephanie A (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was absolutely terrified about my daughter starting nursery and I didn't need to be concerned. The staff even before she started were brilliant to speak to. My daughter was a bit unsettled to begin with. She now loves it! The team are fab at keeping us in the loop with everything she does, eats etc
during her sessions which with all the children they look after must be a lot to remember but they do it faultlessly. When I drop her off they ask how she's been that night. They message back super quickly when I'm sending one of a million messages to check in. My husband and I couldn't be more grateful to the whole team, office side and nursery side and kitchen side! Would recommend to anyone. Thank you so much, you're all wonderful.
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Archway Nursery School
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased your daughter has settled and is enjoying nursery. It means a lot to know you feel supported by the whole team. We really appreciate your…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from F D (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Archway since he was 12 months old and he absolutely loves it. The staff are excellent and are genuinely really pleased to see him every day. They have all taken the time to get to know him and go the extra mile to make sure he has a great day. His cutlery skills have come on so
well since he started there, and his walking too. He's so confident and sociable and while he used to get a little bit upset at drop off, he now waves us off happily with a smile. We're so lucky to have Archway close to us, and even though we're moving to Shaftesbury in July, we will carry on sending him there.
Reply from Stacey, Office Manager at Archway Nursery School
Thank you for sharing your kind feedback! We are delighted to hear about the progress your son has made. It's wonderful to know that our team's dedication has been recognised and that your son is…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E R (Father of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have hugely valued Archway Nursery since our child moved nursery at 2 years old. They were able to help them settle quickly and have given a safe and friendly environment. We hugely valued the opportunity to visit the open day and see the wonderful space, facilities and care for the children.
Archway
have developed a space for tailored learning and development through a diverse range of activities and opportunities provides great stimulation for young children. Very impressive and setting a high bar.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from I D (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Archway Pimperne are fantastic and the new management has made some sensible and creative changes. The children are happy and cared for superbly, the setting has so much to offer with great indoor and outdoor spaces. Most of all I think that the staff really care about the children and
it is more than just a job.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Victoria A (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to personally thank 3 ladies throughout my daughters learning stages, My daughter has really developed a huge amount from being at Archway Nursery. She has learnt so much and it is a big sadness that her time here is coming to an end. Also being a single parent i have received mothers
day cards, xmas cards and i see a daily log of her nutritional food trying etc/ toilet activities and daily photos to let me know what she is doing in the day. A big well done and a pleasure to have had my daughter here :)
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K S (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Archway in September 2024 and since then she's always come home smiling and learnt so many gross motor skills. She's made great attachments to the staff in the treetops room. Goes out to the garden when the sun is shining and always has a big smile on her face in the photos. Wonderful
nursery would highly recommend to others.
Reply from Jessica Griffin, Marketing Executive at Archway Nursery School
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear how happy your daughter is at Archway and that she's building strong attachments with the Treetops team. It's fantastic to know…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J H (Father of Child) published on 12 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended Archway Nursery from the start of 2023 till September 2024 (Until he went to school).
He always had a lovely time at Archway and made some great friends.
We really enjoyed the graduation cermoney when he left.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since our daughter started in September we have had an amazing experience, she really struggled with dropping off and picking up, and would often cry and get upset about being left. The team have all been absolutely amazing, they helped us find a drop off routine that worked and supported both our daughter
and us as parents to make sure drop off was quick and she was welcomed into the room quickly and distracted. Despite not being happy at drop off and pick up time, we were assured by the team that she was happy and enjoying playing with her friends through additional messages and photos or her having a lovely time in her class room.


Our daughter has developed so well with the support of the team at Archway, her speech and language has improved, her confidence has improved and she is so happy to get up and come to nursery now, she makes us run up the road to nursery in the morning now as she is so excited to come and join in the fun!

Reply from Archway Nursery School, Central support at Archway Nursery School
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear how much progress your daughter has made and that she's now excited to come to nursery each day. It's wonderful to know our team's support…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K T (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at Archway since she was 7 months old and is now ready to start school in September. Throughout her 4 years at Archway, the staff have been brilliant. Caring, understanding and have encouraged her development to no end. Even during the tricky COVID years, she had the stability
of coming to nursery. It has been like her 2nd home.
Reply from Storal, Central support at Archway Nursery School
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and provide feedback. It's great to hear that your daughter has benefited from the care and education given at our nursery and we hope she had a great…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Archway seems to be a caring and nurturing environment for my child. He seems very happy when he has finished a day here. The parent portal enables some form of connectivity to my child when he is attending and I can view pictures and videos of his day. The staff always respond to emails quickly and
efficiently and nothing seems too much trouble.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from I L (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My boy had been at Archway since he was 3 months old and has moved through the rooms as he has grown (in the preschool room now). All have been exceptional and he has progressed so much! He loves the food, staff, other children, all the activities. I love that they go outside rain or shine as fresh
air is so great for them. Cannot fault Archway and I am so grateful that this is my son's nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from N K (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are really happy with the teaching staff in our nursery. We have experience with both of our kids and we are absolutely happy. Our kids learn a lot of new things, they eat healthy food and came home happy from them. New friendships as well.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C C (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves her days at nursery. She has fairly complex medical and learning needs, yet staff have high expectations of her. They understand her as a person as well as her needs, and support her in all areas. The food is varied and often home-grown. I know she'll eat well! The eylog is a great
way to see how she's doing and I love the photos that we get. I highly recommend Archway to all.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jonquil W (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Archway has been absolutely fantastic at supporting our little one but even more so her transition to Starfish. She has settled instantly and loves the activities. I am so impressed with how all the staff interact with her and she is at ease with all of them. I always know what she's done in a day,
we get regular diary updates. I can safely say that Archway days are her favourite!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.891)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.891) out of 10 for Archway Nursery 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 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.917 for Archway Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (165 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 180 Ratings = 4.917
  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 4.974 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Archway Nursery School is based on 15 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 77 number of registered child places is 15.4. 15 Positive Reviews ÷ 15.4 = 0.974
  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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (4)

Meet the Team (1)

Hannah

Hannah Miles

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2024

A warm welcome to Archway Nursery School in Blandford Forum.
With our beautiful farmhouse setting in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Archway is a nursery rooted in the countryside and all that it has to offer. Children benefit every day from our special location, particularly through our large outdoor area which encourages creativity, exploratory play and independent discoveries.


Archway is very much part of the local community, having provided quality nursery education to local children for the past twenty years. Our experienced and highly trained staff know that all children are different and take time to listen, observe them and respond to them individually. Children love learning at Archway, becoming curious and independent thinkers at their own pace and in their own time.


We’d love you and your family to experience the magic of Archway, so come and say hello and see for yourself our special blend of individualised learning and purposeful play.

Frequently Asked Questions about Archway Nursery School

What is the Age Range of Children that Archway Nursery School accepts?

Archway Nursery School accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Archway Nursery School Open?

Archway Nursery School is open: Monday 07:45-18:00, Tuesday 07:45-18:00, Wednesday 07:45-18:00, Thursday 07:45-18:00, Friday 07:45-18:00.

How many Children does Archway Nursery School have capacity for?

Archway Nursery School has capacity for a total of 77 Children.

How far is Archway Nursery School to the centre of Blandford Forum?

1.9 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 Archway Nursery School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Archway Nursery School has an Enhanced Service - more info.