The Croft Nursery

102 Lancaster Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DS
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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.
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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.

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Total of 64, showing 21-40
Review from Yashfeen A (Mother of Child) published on 18 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
If only words could suffice how wonderful my experience with Croft Nursery has been. My daughter has been going to the baby's room since she was eight months old. I still remember how emotional I had been when I first dropped her at the nursery. Fast forward to now when she is now one and a half years
old, she enjoys it so much there and looks forward to it every morning! The staff have always gone above and beyond to take care of my baby. It may appear that it is costly but one has to consider that even when a mother looks after her child, her efforts can't be repaid with money. I feel the same about all the staff whose efforts are priceless in raising my child. There are numerous activities full of fun and learning to keep children constructively engaged. My child has been spoilt for choice and sometimes I struggle to keep her as entertained at home! I will be forever grateful to the whole team for caring for my daughter and being so patient with her.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review, it means so much to us all!
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Review from Kargn S (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery staff are fantastic and they have been very understanding when me and my partner split up. I knew my child was always safe and happy. Fantastic nursery!
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for completing the review and for your lovely comments!
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Review from N G (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff go above and beyond for the children. My child has shown me they love nursery by running in each day, they are learning more and more and becoming more confident. Some staff can look miserable when you walk into a room which makes you feel uncomfortable and want to get out as soon as you can.
It is quite expensive for the day/week.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write a review for our nursery. As a nursery we do aim to provide the best possible care for all the children, all of the time. As mentioned to you we do have an…read more
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Review from Richard D (Father of Child) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery, couldn't ask for more. The staff really care for the children which is lovely to see especially when having feedback on the day's events on collection. Retention of staff is good which means your children get to develop a wonderful relationship with them. Loads of fun and learning,
and printed photos of children along with their artwork is so valuable. Good location and outdoor space. Highly recommended.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for competing the review and the kind words you have written.
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Review from Sophie B (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic nursery with caring and committed staff. My daughter loves attending this nursery and as a first-time mother, it is lovely knowing that the staff here go that extra mile daily for her to feel happy and safe.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review and your kind words.
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Review from S P (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are so friendly and approachable. They go out of their way to support my son with some possible special needs and it is obvious they all adore him. My son has attended this nursery since he was 11 months old and has always been very well cared for.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review and positive feedback.
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Review from Caroline J (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely wonderful nursery. They really know my son and his individual personality and quirks, which makes me feel very comfortable leaving him there. They make a great effort to organise engaging and relevant activities ie Jubilee party, and are flexible to adapt the schedule with weather etc. My
son has developed in terms of writing, counting etc but also confidence around other children and social skills, since starting at The Croft.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review and for the kind words you have written.
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Review from John M (Father of Child) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery and great staff - would highly recommend it. My daughter learnt so much from there and they always keep you updated with loads of pictures to remember the memories. I wouldn't take her anywhere else - if I could give more stars, I would.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to review the nursery and for the lovely comments!
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Review from Jackie S (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery, fab staff. All three of my children came here. Wouldn't go anywhere else. The staff were amazing and treat the children like family. There is such a homely environment in this nursery.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery and for the kind words you have written.
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Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending The Croft Nursery for over two years now and the care and welfare is exceptional. Every single member of staff is friendly and welcoming and I can see the amazing relationships between my son and all staff. He looks forward to attending and is always talking about his friends,
staff and the things he has been doing throughout the day, this provides confidence and reassurance when leaving him. My son is also at the stage to start potty training and staff have been fantastic in assisting with this. I would highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you very much for completing the review. Lovely to hear the positive feedback!
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Review from Katie F (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves the Croft nursery, she has made lots of friends whilst she has been there. The staff are friendly and will help parents in meeting their children's needs/development stages. It is a very friendly, warm environment. I know that my daughter is safe and well looked after, which is the
main worry for every parent.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for the review and your kind words about our nursery!
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Review from Rachel W (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended The Croft Nursery for the last three years. She has really enjoyed her time at nursery, making friends as well as learning all key skills to help her take the next step into further education and beyond. Without the staff at The Croft, she wouldn’t have come on so well. They’ve
gone above and beyond to care, look after and teach our little one. She has formed great relationships with her peers and teachers alike. The reason we chose The Croft Nursery was because it has a lovely homely feel, from the environment, outside space and freshly cooked daily meals. Everyone has been so welcoming and has helped our daughter make transitions through her learning stages. She has been very well looked after.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for the lovely review and comments!
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Review from Sarah L (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I must start this review with the fact that I absolutely love this nursery! My daughter has thrived so much here. She is soon to leave to start school in September and I really wish she could stay. The staff are absolutely amazing, they can't do enough for you. The activities keep all the children interested
and in turn, make them thrive. My daughter has come on in leaps and bounds and if we have any concerns, they will always go the extra mile for you to try and ease your worries along with discussing with any external professionals such as speech and language specialists. I cannot thank this nursery enough for everything they have done for my daughter.
Reply from Jayne Huxley-Steadman, Deputy manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are sure she will have a lovely time at school too.
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Review from M Z (Father of Child) published on 22 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been going to the Croft for 3 years and the nursery has been an amazing part of her journey so far. She has learned a lot (academically and socially). The staff are brilliant - caring, passionate and energetic. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a nursery in Stoke On Trent.
Reply from Jayne Huxley-Steadman, Deputy Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review, we hope you settle into school and have a lovely time.
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Review from W S (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter really enjoyed her time at the Croft. She settled in really quickly and absolutely loved the staff there. The staff are friendly and flexible. There were educational activities delivered in an enjoyable way which is very useful for preschool kids.
Reply from Jayne Huxley-Steadman, deputy Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review, we hope your daughter settles into school life well.
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Review from Katherine W (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What an amazing place. My child has medical issues and these were identified by the nursery. They have been really supportive throughout the process and I have no worries at all surrounding leaving her in their capable hands. My daughter loves all the staff and speaks of them so fondly at home, she
has very nearly learnt to write her name and has developed a real love of learning. It is my second child who is currently still in attendance but leaves this week - after their support with both children, I can hand on heart say we will miss their support so much in our lives.
Reply from Jayne Huxley-Steadman, Deputy Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We hope nursery school goes well.
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Review from Amy M (Mother of Child) published on 14 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves the nursery and all the staff. She comes home having had a great day with lots of learning. She has made some friends and is encouraged to express her personality on a daily basis. They have encouraged and supported me and her with potty training. She has especially loved having the
new chicks this week.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your kind words, it is great to see children's personality develop!
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Review from Daniel H (Father of Child) published on 3 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When our little one first went, we were obviously nervous but the thorough and caring staff laid all our initial concerns to rest with their wonderful nursery. Our little one always comes back smiling and loves his days there. A well run and professional establishment with staff that have genuine care
for the children under their responsibility.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your review and for the lovely comments you have made!
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Review from Shashank D (Father of Child) published on 3 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Croft nursery staff have been very supportive and caring; they are flexible with great food options; my boy comes out happy every time; they understand our requirements and try to help us the best; I have no second thoughts in recommending this lovely place filled with really nice people!
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your kind words and comments, they mean a lot!
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Review from J E (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been going to The Croft Nursery for several months, and she absolutely loves going. All the staff are like family, and I know that when I leave her to go to work, I know she will be looked after, and I don't have to worry about her. She loves the girls there so much that she often gives
them hugs and kisses. Any problems, then they sort it straight away. If she's unwell, then they ring me straight away. She has learnt so much since going here, sign language is one of many and also letters of the alphabet. Choice of food also amazing, couldn't ask for more.
Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review and your comments!
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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.

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (1)

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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!

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.