The Croft Nursery

102 Lancaster Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DS
Review Us
8.5 64 Reviews
  • The Croft Nursery, Newcastle-under-Lyme
The Croft Nursery was established in 1990. The Croft is a Victorian property giving it a home from home feel - a 'Safe and Happy Place to Grow and Learn'. The nursery is open Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year and is open from 07.00 hours until 18.00 hours. It caters for 58 children, aged between 6 weeks to school age. It offers full and part time places and offer funded hours to 2, 3, and 4 years olds.

The children are placed in age and stage appropriate rooms, this enables them to engage in a wide range of activities to meet their individual needs in line with the Early Years Foundations Stage.

The nursery has a lovely secure garden which enables the children to explore and widen their experiences outdoors. A large canopy covers a soft play area which allows the children to be protected from the sun during the summer months and provides shelter in the rain.

The nursery employs a dedicated and experienced team who undertake regular training such as Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding and Food Safety.

All meals are prepared on site by two experienced cooks who provide a well balanced healthy diet. All diets are catered for.

The nursery has a wide range of visual aids around the nursery to help parents, carers and children who speak English as an additional language. This ranges from a visual menu board, plus labels around the room in children’s key home language.

The nursery is easily accessible by car or bus and is only a 7 minute walk from Newcastle town centre.
Show The Croft Nursery on the Map

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • The Croft Nursery School Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Helen Bennett (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 15

Total Places for Children

  • 58

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • 2 Year funding accepted. 15 / 30 hours funding is available for all children from 9 months. The fee structure is simple and charges are made by the day or weekly rate. Please enquire for more information and a quote. Discounts available for siblings.

Opening Times

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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Car park to the rear of the nursery.

The Croft Nursery Reviews (64)

8.5

The Croft Nursery has a Review Score of 8.5 (8.509) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Croft Nursery has 64 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 63
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 64
  • 0
  • 2
  • 3
  • 61
Reviewer Connection to The Croft Nursery
  • 55
  • 7
  • 2
Total of 64, showing 1-20
Review from Danielle D (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery, exactly what it says on the TIN! OUTSTANDING! I was so nervous to send my girl to a nursery setting, coming from this work environment myself, I struggled to find the perfect setting...... the croft is the perfect setting, my little girl has come on leaps and bounds and continues to
thrive, all staff go above and beyond, staff are so welcoming and approachable, communication with parents is spot on and my little girl is happy and has the best time. The meals provided are perfect, and activities and resources are amazing. Thank you
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review, you are more than welcome!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Catherine W (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Croft is a truly amazing place to be. My little girl started as an 8 month old baby and she has loved every second. She settled in straight away thanks to love and nurture of the staff there. It is so reassuring knowing we are leaving her somewhere where she is safe, happy and most of all, loved!
The staff are absolutely amazing and we get great feedback about our little one's day which are always filled with lots of fun filled activities! Thank you to all the staff for everything they do for our little family.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review, we really do appreciate you taking your time to leave it.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R P (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Croft Nursery feels like a home from home.
The nursery staff couldn’t be more welcoming every morning for drop off, explaining to my daughter all the wonderful things they’re going to do in the day. I can honestly say my daughter is living her absolute best life learning, playing, making friends
and enjoying delicious food.
And somehow the staff are still as enthusiastic for pick up.
A huge thank you to The Croft for always going above and beyond.
My daughter is very lucky.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your review, I will be sure to pass on your lovely comments to all my staff!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Naomi M (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot rate The Croft highly enough. My daughter has been going there for the last 2 years and she absolutely loves it! The staff are fantastic and I’m extremely impressed with how the nursery is run. When I drop my daughter off I know she is in a very safe and happy environment and for myself this
is paramount.
Reply from Jayne Huxley-Steadman, Deputy Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really do appreciate you taking your time to leave it.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Donna B (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery! All the staff are extremely friendly, they are caring and look after the children like they are their own. Nothing is ever too much for them. My son went to this nursery for 3 years and now my daughter has started. Both absolutely love it there. They are always completing amazing learning
centred activities with the children, playing indoors and out, dancing and singing. The nursery is always clean and the food is brilliant, there's honestly nothing more you could want from a nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Rebecca K (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my daughters attend The Croft and absolutely love it here. The staff are amazing and really nurture and care for my girls' developments. They treat them as they would their own children. Incredible staff and the most wonderful nursery. I wouldn't send my girls anywhere else. 5 stars for everything!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Adam W (Father of Child) published on 21 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot speak highly enough of the Croft Nursery! My son loves attending twice a week he has already learnt so much and has become less shy around people which I think is a credit to the fantastic staff at the Croft. Whenever I call the nursery for anything they are always polite and always without
fail help me with my query. All the staff at the Croft are extremely friendly, polite and approachable.


I would definitely recommend the Croft Nursery to any of my friends or family looking at putting a child into nursery.

  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Alisha D (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I think the Croft is a brilliant nursery, all of the staff are so lovely and you can really tell that they care for the children. My little boy loves going to nursery and he has learnt so much thanks to all the staff at the Croft! I love how much effort they put into everything they do including keeping
safe for parents! I also love how I am given a full brief of what my son has eaten, nappies, activities participated in on that day and any naps. I would 100% recommend this nursery!
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for reviewing The Croft, it's a lovely review!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H F (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What an amazing nursery The Croft is! My daughter has been attending The Croft since July this year and it has been nothing but very positive. She has settled extremely well and the staff are all amazing, friendly, approachable and very supportive. They have made my daughter feel very settled and happy
and she is absolutely thriving which The Croft has played a part in this.
Not only have The Croft achieved an outstanding report from Ofsted, but they are just outstanding in every single way. Their core values as a nursery are at the heart of everything they do for the children.
I cannot even begin to explain how amazing The Croft is and I would honestly recommend any parents who are looking for nursery placement for their little ones to contact The Croft. You will not be disappointed and it is so reassuring to know that your little ones are being looked after like you would look after them!
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review, we really appreciate it!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Gemma H (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I love this nursery, the love and dedication shown with the kids is fantastic, all the staff go above and beyond, I know my kids are well looked after, and they have come on leaps and bonds, in all aspects, my kids are safe, and secure.
I really can not praise the nursery and staff enough for what
they have done, and last but not least my kids love being there, they are happy, and have get relationships with the staff. It's more like a family away from home.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for taking the time to submit your lovely review!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R R (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves attending nursery. Although she only does 2 days a week she has come on so much and is very fond of all the staff and talks about them even when she has not been there. Always very friendly and approachable.
Reply from Jayne Huxley-Steadman, Deputy Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your lovely review.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly and caring staff. An excellent place to see your child grow and flourish, lots of learning through activities. I will always be so thankful to the lovely staff members who looked after our daughter so well.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from T H (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
So delighted with The Croft Nursery! A lovely family feel with fantastic staff who really care and nurture. My little boy loves his time there and is coming on leaps and bounds! Thank you to the wonderful staff!
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sarah M (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Really lovely nursery. My son attends the preschool and the staff are so kind and caring. My son loves going. They do lots of great activities and spend lots of time outside. Meals are always great.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review of our nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from P W (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Croft is a warm home-from-home setting for young children. My little boy has attended here for the last two and half years and has received care and love from the lovely attentive staff as though he is family. Aswell as taking care of my child's personal day-to-day needs, the wonderful staff inspire
and encourage my child's personal interests and have inspired my little boy to learn and play. He has made amazing progress in the preschool room so far this year in phonics and number, as well as imagination and play. Nothing is ever too much trouble for staff and I have faith in the setting that he is well cared for. My son loves the staff and speaks highly of them all. Communication is excellent on pick up and the staff clearly know my child well, even his picky eating!
A wonderful nursery!
I would love for more opportunities for parents to visit the nursery for parent sessions/celebrations/occasions.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review! Your little boy is a pleasure to have at the nursery. We are looking forward to our parents' "Cheese and Wine" evening in May. Hopefully, throughout the year there…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H T (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We absolutely love The Croft Nursery. Our little boy has thrived in the amazing environment the staff create!
He has made many friends and relationships at a young age and the staff encourage him to be his best, his transitions through each room so far have been without fault with every measure taken
to make sure his is confident and happy.
The rooms are always clean, staff are always presentable and polite. Meals and menus are clearly well thought out in terms of nutrition. There isn't much I could fault.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for the lovely review, your little boy is a pleasure to have at the nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jennifer F (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic setting! Amazing staff, food and activities. My little boy is so happy there. I was very nervous about leaving him but on our first stay-and-play session I knew it was the right place for us. We were so glad we chose The Croft Nursery!
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review, your little boy has settled in so well!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Stacey M (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at The Croft Nursery are absolutely amazing, always doing their utmost for both of my girls. I always leave them knowing they are safe and will always have a fabulous time! Could not wish for a better nursery.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your kind words! It's a pleasure having the girls at the nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely and friendly nursery, where staff make every effort to ensure they know the children well and take the time to get to know what the children like and enjoy. We have seen so much progress in our son's development during his time at the nursery, staff have worked hard to ensure he eats well and
develops lots of social and physical skills.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for reviewing the nursery and for your kind words.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Bolayinka I (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It is a beautiful nursery. The environment is clean and majority of the staff are friendly. My son settled in very quickly and he loves it. Many times he doesn't want to go home, he would rather play some more than follow Mummy home. I absolutely recommend this nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 8.5 (8.509)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.5 (8.509) out of 10 for The Croft Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.5 out of 5 from 3 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 5.000 for The Croft Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (36 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 36 Ratings = 5
  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 3.509 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Croft Nursery is based on 3 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 = 3.25
    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 58 number of registered child places is 11.6. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 11.6 = 0.259
  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 (3)

Meet the Team (1)

No image found

Helen Bennett

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 1990

I have worked at The Croft since November 1990, working with all various ages of children. Over the years I have progressed from nursery nurse to nursery manager and had the pleasure of caring for a wide range of children and their families.


I manage an experienced management team plus nursery nurses who are all qualified for a minimum of level 3 childcare. All the staff undertake additional training every 3 years such as Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding and Food Safety.


The nursery employs a cook who provides a well-balanced diet on a day-to-day basis, using fresh meat, vegetables and fruit. We are proud of our 5* Food Hygiene Rating.


I am delighted the nursery has been rated OUTSTANDING by Ofsted in September 2023, so proud of all my hard-working staff!

Frequently Asked Questions about The Croft Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that The Croft Nursery accepts?

The Croft Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Croft Nursery Open?

The Croft Nursery is open: Monday 07:00-18:00, Tuesday 07:00-18:00, Wednesday 07:00-18:00, Thursday 07:00-18:00, Friday 07:00-18:00.

How many Children does The Croft Nursery have capacity for?

The Croft Nursery has capacity for a total of 58 Children.

How far is The Croft Nursery to the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme?

0.5 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 The Croft Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Croft Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.