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Arnhall Nursery

Gardens Cottages, Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU
Arnhall Nursery Logo
Top 20 award
Arnhall Nursery logo
Arnhall Nursery, Dunblane
Arnhall Nursery, Dunblane
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...  

Funding & Fees

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

Contact Arnhall Nursery 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

  • 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

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

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 (9.966) out of 10, based on 42 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Arnhall Nursery has 151 reviews.

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Showing 151 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 16 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Great day nursery with a lot of outdoor space for the children to explore, leading them with creative and positive activities that develop confidence and the importance of teamwork.

Staff make sure children are safe and comfortable in their environment, teaching them how to create boundaries and respect for each other.

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Review from Lauren F (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter started here in January 2026 and she is extremely happy. We are so grateful.

The level of care and compassion for the kids is lovely and my child feels safe here, sometimes does not even want to come home. Once she settled in after starting and she loves it.

The meals are brilliant, variety really helps her to explore all foods rather than get used to beige foods, sometimes I cannot believe the options she gets!

Lots of fun outside with fresh air and changing tasks in the room. Keeps her busy, happy and that makes us happy. Definitely recommend.

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 Kaleana W (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience
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 E G (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience

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
Overall Experience
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
Overall Experience

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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No Rating

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (1) & Events (0)

News
  • Posted: Tuesday 09 Jun 2026We recognise the incredible value grandparents bring to children’s lives and learning. Our nursery is proud to offer opportunities for grandparents to join our team. If you are passionate about...
Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Arnhall Nursery.

Awards / Recognitions (41)

Meet the Team (6)

Norma McFarlane Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2003
Norma McFarlane

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 MacDonald Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2011
Amanda MacDonald

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 O'Neil Job Title: Bumblebee Room Manager Joined: 2021
Caroline O'Neil

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 Dick Job Title: Ladybird Room Manager Joined: 1995
Julie Dick

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 Dickson Job Title: Grasshopper Room Manager Joined: 2017
Dawn Dickson

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 Hallam Job Title: Dragonfly Room Manager Joined: 2018
Jayde Hallam

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.