Arnhall Nursery

Gardens Cottages, Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU
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Top 20 award
10 151 Reviews
  • Arnhall Nursery, Dunblane
Arnhall Nursery is run from a large stone built property with unique features such as a turret. The main building set over 2 floors caters for babies up to 3 years old. They have a separate building in the garden which caters for their 2.5 to 5-year-olds. They also have their own outside class room and log cabin. The nursery has a large and completely enclosed garden and its very own forest schools on its doorstep.

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that delivers high-quality childcare which is created by working with parents to understand the individual needs of each child.

The nursery is set in beautiful surroundings on the Keir Estate, ideally located just off the M9, it has a safe and secure garden where children can play and learn about the outside world.

Children are encouraged to learn through play and nursery staff use fun and engaging activities to boost the children’s confidence.

The children take regular walks on the country estate, forest school sessions and extra-curriculum activities such as Jo Jingles and Enjoy A Ball are on offer.

All meals are included and the nursery offers healthy and nutritional breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, home-cooked by an in-house chef.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Norma McFarlane (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 36

Total Places for Children

  • 107

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Christmas

Arnhall Nursery Reviews (151)

10

Arnhall Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.972) out of 10, based on 44 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Arnhall Nursery has 151 reviews.

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Total of 151, showing 1-20
Review from Kaleana W (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started this nursery in June and I cannot recommend it enough. They have such a lovely approachable staff team who are kind and caring and knowledgable. My son gets so many activities in the time he spends and I can tell the staff really care for the children. It is also a beautiful play space
and I adore that my son gets on regular outings to the local community, including getting to see the lambs. I cannot wait for my son to spend his whole journey in this nursery. Management are also well involved in my child's care and are approachable and respond to emails in a timely manner. Cannot recommend enough :)
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Review from N M (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery with lovely caring staff and a nice caring environment to play and learn.


The food is good with good healthy options.


My little girl loves it here and the outdoor experiences. One of the reasons we chose it was for the Forest school which has given my child a love of the outdoors.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support.
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Review from A E (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've been really happy with Arnhall since day one. Our older son absolutely loves going. The activities provided, as well as the opportunity for outdoor activity are really great and keep him entertained as a really active, busy toddler. We have recently started our younger son and didn't hesitate
at all with deciding this. The staff are warm, thoughtful and welcoming and have helped him settle so well. It's lovely to receive photo updates and the communication from staff throughout the day has been exemplary.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support.
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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Arnhall staff are absolutelyfantastic. Very welcoming and do the utmost to put you at ease in regards to your child at nursery. They keep you updated throughout the day and are always happy to answer any questions or queries.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support.
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Review from Gemma S (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't recommend Arnhall enough. My little one has been there since 13months and will be 4 in September. The outdoor space is second to none and my little one thrives here. She is cared for so much by all the staff . My little gets to interact with all the classes in the nursary broadening her skills
on how to interact with kids of all ages. It really is a fantastic nursary .
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support.
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Review from I S (Mother of Child) published on 26 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started nursery in January and we cannot rate Arnhall day nursery highly enough. It is an incredible setting with lovely outdoor space and forest/woodland nearby, as well as plenty of indoor activities that our son enjoys.
The staff are always attentive, helpful and welcoming. Our son happily
toddles in and this is so reassuring for us; knowing he is happy and also in great hands.
The communication from staff is great and we love the updates on his age and stage with comments and photos of him and his peers.
The option for early drop off and late pick up is also invaluable for us as gives flexibility for our working patterns.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support.
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Review from D H (Father of Child) published on 20 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves going to nursery. The staff and management team have been amazing with him helping him settle into nursery. The nursery provides lots of opportunities for the children to be outside and explore which my son loves to do!
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Review from E G (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Genuinely delighted with the care my daughter receives here. We recently relocated to the area and transitions can be tricky but Arnhall helped my child settle in really quickly. They are also on top of her allergies completely. It feels like she's really come on since starting.
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Review from Gemma B (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Arnhall is a fantastic nursery with great staff. My daughter started in the baby room and is now in one of the oldest rooms. Each room has great facilities for kids and it has been great to see my daughter develop over the past few years. She has become more confident and looks forward to going to nursery
every day. All the staff are so welcoming and have great relationships with the kids, you can see they all care. I would recommend Arnhall to everyone, it really is a fantastic place.
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Review from B V (Father of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our boy absolutely loves it here. Great staff and excellent outdoor facilities. Would recommend this nursery to anyone. The staff are very personable and respectful of each child's needs and wants. Separate wood on the doorstep is unique.
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Review from D A (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Always have friendly faces and a great team with both girls. The butterfly and dragonfly rooms are full of good activities, outings to the forest and good outdoor learning adventures. Staff always provide feedback.
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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been looking for months for a suitable nursery for our son before finding out about Arnhall at one of the mom groups I was attending. This is by far the best nursery around the Stirling area. The children get plenty of time outdoors and have access to the garden and nearby forest. Our son has
been really happy and integrated well. The staff are really friendly and always keep us updated about his progress. They have also helped a lot with his potty training which is amazing.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support.
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Review from E T (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Arnhall Nursery has been amazing to both my children. They are really careful and know every individual. The amount of activities outdoors they promote it's great. I can see my two kids thriving over the years. I would definitely recommend them if you live in the area.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support.
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Review from Liam S (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has just started at Arnhall (as of January 2025) and the staff have been amazingly supportive with his settling in. We really appreciate the clear and open communication, either by phone or through the app and feel confident that he is well looked after. We're looking forward to seeing how
he develops in the fun and nurturing environment that is Arnhall Nursery.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support.
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Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been at Arnhall for over a year and a half now and is thriving. The atmosphere is fun and creative and they spend loads of time outside in nature which was really important to us when looking for a nursery. The staff know my child really well and work well with us to support him.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support.
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Review from Ashley C (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant all round! The staff are wonderful, intelligent and attentive. Kids are learning well and outside every day. Use three of the rooms at the moment and am very impressed with them all, preschool especially.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.
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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3-year-old son attends Arnhall Nursery. He has been at home with me since he was born so the transition to nursery for him was tough but with the kindness, patience and amazing support of the Arnhall team he now bounces in every day with no tears and is happy to leave me - something I didn't think
was going to happen which is a testament to the nursery. I cannot praise Arnhall enough, the staff are fantastic and the nursery itself has everything our little ones would ever need. The great outdoor area is such a bonus.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.
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Review from Helena M (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Arnhall is a great nursery, with caring staff who go above and beyond to create a welcoming and nurturing experience for children.
I particularly like the strong emphasis on outdoor time and play in the forest.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.
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Review from A B (Father of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Started a few months ago when he was 10 months old, he loved it from the get-go. Staff are amazing, separate room for naps, plenty of outdoor activity. All healthy food as well! We've really seen a progress in him since he started.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.
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Review from C E (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery has been fantastic. They really helped settle my child in. She loves going and playing with her friends including her big nursery friends (the room staff!). The outdoor facilities are excellent as is forest school which they make sure all of the older children are able to attend once a week.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.972)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.972) out of 10 for Arnhall 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 44 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 44 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 4.972 for Arnhall Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (512 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 527 Ratings = 4.972
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Arnhall Nursery is based on 44 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 107 number of registered child places is 21.4, which has been reached with 44 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (40)

Meet the Team (6)

Norma

Norma McFarlane

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2003

Norma started at Arnhall Nursery in 2003 as a Room Supervisor. In July 2011 Norma was promoted to Nursery Manager and since this time has successfully developed into the role. Norma holds her HNC, SVQ4 and a BA in Childhood Practice. Norma is currently working towards her Froebel Practice. In her spare time Norma enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog and cycling.

Amanda

Amanda MacDonald

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2011

Amanda has worked at Arnhall for over 10 years. She holds her SVQ Level 3 in Early Years Education and Childcare, her PDA8 and is currently working towards her Froebel Practice. Amanda enjoys meeting up with family and friends and also walks with her dog.

Caroline

Caroline O'Neil

Job Title: Bumblebee Room Manager Joined: 2021

Caroline is a Level 9 SCQF Qualified and is the Room Manager of the Bumblebee Room. Caroline joined Arnhall Nursery in 2021. Caroline is also trained in Paediatric first aid enjoys spending time with her two boys and her dog Theo.

Julie

Julie Dick

Job Title: Ladybird Room Manager Joined: 1995

Julie is the Room Manager for the Ladybird Room and has worked at Arnhall for 25 years. She holds her SVQ Level 3 in Early Education and Childcare. In her spare time, Julie enjoys running and going away in her campervan with her partner.

Dawn

Dawn Dickson

Job Title: Grasshopper Room Manager Joined: 2017

Dawn is the Room Manager for the Grasshopper room. She holds her HNC in Early Education and Childcare and has worked at Arnhall since 2017. In her spare time, Dawn enjoys reading, going for walks and spending time with her little girl.

Jayde

Jayde Hallam

Job Title: Dragonfly Room Manager Joined: 2018

Jayde is the Room Manager for the Dragonfly Room and has worked at Arnhall since 2018. She holds her SVQ Level 3 in Early Years Education and Childcare. In her spare time, Jayde enjoys being outdoors, going to the gym and socialising.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arnhall Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Arnhall Nursery accepts?

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

What Days & Hours is Arnhall Nursery Open?

Arnhall Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Arnhall Nursery have capacity for?

Arnhall Nursery has capacity for a total of 107 Children.

How far is Arnhall Nursery to the centre of Dunblane?

1.5 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 Arnhall Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Arnhall Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.