Loading...

RAFAKidz Cranwell

87 & 86C Wellesley Way, RAF Cranwell, Sleaford NG34 8HB
RAFAKidz Cranwell Logo
RAFAKidz Cranwell logo
RAFAKidz Cranwell, Sleaford
RAFAKidz Cranwell, Sleaford
RAFAKidz Cranwell, Sleaford

RAFAKidz is based at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. The facility was funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund and was purpose-built in 2005.

They provide affordable quality childcare and education in a safe and happy 'home from home' environment for children aged 6 months to 14 years. As well as providing care and education for early years they offer before and after school wrap around care for children who attend Cranwell Primary...  

Funding & Fees

£65.50 for a full day for a child under 5 years for parents in the military. We have a slightly higher rate for civilian families.

Available on request

Please contact the nursery for further information

Contact RAFAKidz Cranwell to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Katie Parkin (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 40

Registered Charity Number

  • 1154822

Total Places for Children

  • 112

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-17:45
  • Tuesday 07:30-17:45
  • Wednesday 07:30-17:45
  • Thursday 07:30-17:45
  • Friday 07:30-17:45

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 2 weeks at Christmas

Parking

  • There is plenty of parking at this nursery setting.

RAFAKidz Cranwell Reviews (47)

8.5

RAFAKidz Cranwell has a Review Score of 8.5 (8.540) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time RAFAKidz Cranwell has 47 reviews.

Filter Reviews
Overall Experience
Date Published
Reviewer Connection to RAFAKidz Cranwell
Loading...
Showing 47 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Clare P (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I can't fault Cranwell RafaKidz. The staff are brilliant and clearly really care about the children and their development. There always feels like there's a restlessness and desire to apply new thinking, try new activities, adopt more training, offer additional activities and shake up the way the rooms function. All of this, plus brilliant communication and care, is what makes RafaKidz really stand out. Couldn't recommend them enough.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much for your review, we do always thrive to improve in all areas and it is lovely that it is recognised.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Charlotte-Marie G (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I highly recommend this Nursery. The facilities are well maintained and allow for great activities and exploration for the children. The staff are always on hand for advice and give a thorough run down of the day at pick up.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you very much for taking the time to give us this lovely review.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Ben W (Father of Child) published on 20 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

A genuinely great nursery setting that our girls love going to daily. Staff are friendly and understanding, and educational development appears good within setting. Some of the recent policy changes regarding child illness & allergy measures appear overly restrictive and have had an impact as a working family with little support nearby. Seems strange that the nursery continue to invoice for bank holidays despite the nursery being closed on these days.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

We appreciate your feedback and thank you for taking the time to give us a review. We pride ourselves on our excellent quality provision but we understand that due to statutory guidance this can sometimes impact on our families. We always do our best to meet all needs.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from J L (Father of Child) published on 19 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Excellent Nursery. Staff members are competent, caring and friendly. Our child loves going and has developed strong relationship with other children, is building social skills and gets involved with lots of different activities.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you very much for you positive feedback. The team work very hard to go above and beyond and support not only the children but our families.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Mary L (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
We are absolutely thrilled with the care our son has received at RAFA Kidz Cranwell. Before moving to England and enrolling him here, our son had only been cared for by a nanny, so we were naturally nervous about transitioning him into a nursery setting. However, we've been amazed at how seamlessly he adapted, thanks to the exceptional care and attention he receives every day.
The staff and management team have truly gone above and beyond. Their approach is warm, nurturing, and thoughtful, and it's clear they are deeply committed to each child's well-being and development. The level of care they provide rivals, if not surpasses, that of a nanny. We can see our son growing, learning, and thriving in their positive and supportive environment.

We're so grateful to the entire team for making this transition smooth and for offering our son such a high standard of care. We couldn't be more pleased and HIGHLY recommend RAFA Kidz Cranwell to any parent seeking top-notch childcare.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Stacey J (Mother of Child) published on 11 June 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Such a lovely setting. Our little girl has been going for nearly 2 years and has loved her time here. The support she has received has been wonderful, with regular feedback to us on her progress.
Lots of fun activities, structured, interesting learning topics and wonderful staff.

Thank you!

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a review. Feedback is so important to us, working with our parents to support our child's next steps is a shared role which we all value.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from A K (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
All staff members are extremely friendly and provide a welcoming environment for both children and parents.
The communication between the nursery and parents is brilliant and our questions are always answered swiftly.
We are always kept in the loop with upcoming events through the app.
Our little boy's key worker and room leader regularly update us either in person or via the app with observations, progress and activities our child is interested in, which gives us ideas on how to help support our child at home with continued learning.

Thank you so much for everything you do.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you for taking the time to give us this lovely review. Communication is key and we always want to keep our parents fully involved in everything we do.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from L H (Father of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My daughter started her childcare experiences through RAFA Kidz this year. What is undoubtedly a nervous time for any parent was eased through the taster sessions, where I found the staff to be attentive, caring and fully invested in the development of my child.

The place setting offers plenty of experiences for the children, through see learn and playing. Food options continue to adapt to feedback, offering a broad selection that caters for all.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much for your review; it is much appreciated.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from R J (Father of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
We recently moved to Cranwell and enrolled our little boy into RAFKidz Cranwell. We were very nervous about the move having on recently returned to the UK and managed to get him settled in his old nursery, which took a few months.
We could not have been more delighted with the way in which the staff at the nursery welcomed us and our little boy into their setting. He was settled within days and now is so excited about going to nursery each day, to the point he sometimes doesn’t want to come home at the end of the day.
In addition to getting him settled so quickly, the nursery has regular events that include parents, from story readings during the day to parent stay-and-play breakfasts. We feel very blessed to be so involved in his nursery setting, and it has only been three months so far.
All the staff are incredible, including all of the behind scenes staff as well.

We cannot recommend this nursery enough.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much for this lovely review. We very much welcome our families to come into the nursery and join us for events.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Libby T (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

RAFA Kidz is outstanding. The outdoor space is a safe space for exploration, the activities are diverse and engaging, and the staff are exceptional. My children have both thrived in the positive learning environment they have created. I highly recommend this nursery to any parent seeking top-notch care and education for their little ones.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a review.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from V R (Mother of Child) published on 8 December 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Our daughter has attended the setting for about six months now and moved from a very small nursery. The transition has been wonderful, she has settled into this big nursery so well and this is down to the great team at RAFA Kids Cranwell. They identified her needs early and worked to slowly build her confidence in the setting. She is now a much more confident and settled individual.
The activities the nursery does with the children are varied, fun and assist in her development daily.
The outdoor space for the children is one of the best parts of this nursery. The new covers mean the children can play outside in all weathers - the fresh air and being active are two things my little one loves.

I can't fault anything with this nursery as a choice for my daughter.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much, we love our outdoor space as it gives the children so much freedom to explore.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

A wonderful nursery where the children are encouraged and supported to help with their development. The care given by the staff is of a very high standard and I would not hesitate to recommend RAFA Kidz.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much, we pride ourselves with our high standards and always look for ways to improve our practice.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Georgia S (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Really a fantastic nursery with incredible staff. My child has come on so much since joining. I will always be grateful for their care and work. Every day there is always something exciting and educational.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much, the staff are really incredible, we are very lucky.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I cannot fault the nursery at all. I have 2 children attending this nursery and the care, support and guidance they are given on a daily basis is just fantastic! Both my children have developed so much because of what the amazing team do and the opportunities available to them every day! Thank you so much!

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much for your review, we love that you feel the care, support and guidance is fantastic. Thank you.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Emily M (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My child has been here for approximately 3 months now and as a first time mum, I was very nervous about him starting nursery but our experience has been fantastic. He thoroughly enjoys every day he is at nursery, the staff are amazing, caring and attentive and keep me up to date with everything that goes on. He is always doing different activities every day and gets to go out and about to explore. Thank you to all the staff for doing an amazing job and putting all my worries at ease.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

It’s so lovely to hear how much your child loves to come to nursery and what an amazing job the staff do. Thank you so much for your review.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our daughter has been attending RAFA Kidz Cranwell for the last 7 months and we absolutely love it. The team works incredibly hard to provide a caring, fun and engaging environment. There are always interesting and stimulating activities happening and the team really supports our daughter's learning/development (with kindness and professionalism). We highly recommend it.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us this lovely review and we are so pleased that you would highly recommend us.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from R W (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The nursery is a very welcoming environment, that is absolutely child centred. I have seen first hand how they provide tailored support to the children to meet their needs. The key carer to my children have all been super kind, focused and available as a familiar grown-up for my children to feel secure with. I'm so proud of how my children have grown into independent little people over the last few years and I can't thank the staff enough for their role in that.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

We love watching the children grow and flourish with the support of the staff working closely alongside their parents and carers. It’s the most rewarding role ever. Thank you for your lovely review.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We put our son into this nursery when he was 7 months old then swapped him out to send him to a childminders (mostly down to financial reasons). We pulled him out of the childminders after a month and half to put him back into RAFA Kidz Cranwell. This was the easiest decision we ever made. I think this speaks volumes. Our son loves it here and more so it gives us peace of mind that he's happy and having fun in a safe place. The app to track his day is also of a great reassurance to us, especially when his dad has to go away with work. He can stay in the loop. Our son quite often comes back tired and dirty from nursery and we wouldn't have it any other way. He's just enjoying life being a toddler and it's really nice that he has a place where he feels settled to be able to do that. We'd recommend RAFA Kidz Cranwell to anyone. In particular, Cranwell. Price hikes per year are a bit hard to swallow but I would say that's about the only real negative.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

It’s lovely to hear you would recommend us to anyone and return to us. Thank you for your lovely review.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Such a wonderful nursery, with staff who really care for each child there. My girl absolutely loves going there, and the setting is brilliant, with loads of outdoor space. Massive variety of activities each week. The staff retention rate seems very high too, which probably says it all - the staff are happy working there, and it flows through the whole place. My child is thriving there, all thanks to the practitioners and their skill and love.

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell

The staff team are amazing and we are very proud of them. They are highly motivated and always put the children first. With years of experience and childcare qualifications between them, they always go above and beyond.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money
Review from Fiona S (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2023 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I have two children using RAFA Kidz Cranwell (Butterflies/Grasshoppers). I have been so impressed with the fantastic staff, the structured activities, the facilities and the communications with parents. The staff are all so experienced and caring. I always feel reassured that the kids are in safe hands. The opening hours are ideal to allow for flexibility with the busy working day. And the system of bussing the kids to and from primary school on either side of wraparound care is absolutely amazing! Thank you so much!

Reply from Katie Parkin, Nursery Manager at RAFAKidz Cranwell
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback.

Safeguarding is our top priority, and we are glad you feel reassured your children are in safe hands.

Facilities / Outside Space
Learning
Resources / Equipment / ICT
Care
Activities
Staff
Food / Nutrition
Management
Cleanliness
Safeguarding
Value for Money

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (0) & Events (0)

News

There are no news items for RAFAKidz Cranwell.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for RAFAKidz Cranwell.

Awards / Recognitions (4)

  • Recipient: RAFAKidzDate: Tuesday 31 Mar 2026
  • Recipient: RAFAKidz CranwellDate: Monday 04 Mar 2024
  • Recipient: RAFAKidz CranwellDate: Wednesday 20 Sep 2023

Meet the Team (1)

Katie Parkin Job Title: Manager Joined: 2021
Katie Parkin

Katie has worked for RAFA Kidz since 2021 and worked in Early Years for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about RAFAKidz Cranwell

What is the Age Range of Children that RAFAKidz Cranwell accepts?

RAFAKidz Cranwell accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is RAFAKidz Cranwell Open?

RAFAKidz Cranwell is open: Monday 07:30-17:45, Tuesday 07:30-17:45, Wednesday 07:30-17:45, Thursday 07:30-17:45, Friday 07:30-17:45.

How many Children does RAFAKidz Cranwell have capacity for?

RAFAKidz Cranwell has capacity for a total of 112 Children.

How far is RAFAKidz Cranwell to the centre of Sleaford?

4.7 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 RAFAKidz Cranwell to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. RAFAKidz Cranwell has an Enhanced Service - more info.