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Arnhall Nursery

Gardens Cottages, Keir Estate, Dunblane, Stirling FK15 9NU
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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...  

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

Opening Times

  • Monday07:30-18:30
  • Tuesday07:30-18:30
  • Wednesday07:30-18:30
  • Thursday07:30-18:30
  • Friday07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Christmas

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:

Arnhall Nursery Reviews (152)

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10

Arnhall Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.967) out of 10, based on 43 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Arnhall Nursery has 152 reviews.

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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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Review from C E (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

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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Review from Sheena K (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I'm so glad I found Arnhall Nursery. My twin daughters had previously been at another nursery and I needed full-time spaces (which isn't always easy for twins). From the moment I called I felt welcomed. The room manager called me to introduce herself and I was shown around the nursery. My first thought was, Wow. Beautiful forest school grounds and lovely learning environments.

One of my main things was a nursery with good communication. We've been at Arnhall now since November 2023 and I've always felt heard and the communication is excellent. Would never go anywhere else now.

↩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 J C (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

Great little nursery. My children are very happy there. The staff are all really friendly and helpful. The children have lots of outside time, walking and playing in the forest. My children always come back having had a great time, they love all the games and songs and learn lots too!

↩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 P M (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

I could not recommend Arnhall Day Nursery enough! The passion the staff have is second to none. I have met multiple members of staff who work within my child's room that is able to tell me exactly how he has got on that day and how he is settling in as a whole.

↩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 Sandra T (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

My son goes to Arnhall and he really loves it. The stuff is great and we feel that we are part of a big family. They spend a big part of their time outdoors but with the right clothes. My daughter will be there soon.

↩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 Andy M (Father of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

My daughter loves going to nursery. The staff are nurturing, fun and committed and always look to provide the best care possible for all the children. They provide a wide variety of activities and always try to make use of the excellent outdoor space. Great nursery.

↩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 Dani H (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

Always recommend Arnhall to friends looking for childcare. All Staff provide brilliant teaching skills, every member of staff will approach my children with a full smile, knowing their name and knowing how to interact with them. Daily updates from staff let me know what my children are learning/progressing throughout the week. Outdoor space is constantly developing and providing new challenges for the children. The varied diet is also highly important for my children and tasting and eating new foods every week. Each week is a new adventure at Arnhall.

↩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 M N (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Arnhall Nursery is an amazing place and I feel I watch my child grow, learn and develop. He is so well supported as an individual and is hitting his milestones.

The team at Arnhall keep us in the loop and we feel so connected to them.

↩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 Neil C (Father of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

Fantastic nursery, filled with positive experiences for our daughter. The team at the nursery take great care to ensure the kids have a fun and educational experience each day. Couple this with fantastic food and a brilliant outdoor setting, needless to say, our daughter is very happy.

↩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 Laura L (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

Excellent nursery, both of my children are/have attended here and we couldn't ask for much more. Staff go the extra mile to make sure the children are happy, settled and learning in preparation for school. So friendly, open and helpful.

↩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 Fern F (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Excellent nursery! My son started at 7 months old and he has flourished.
They are kind, supportive and caring.
He loves nursery days and we have no concerns about sending him in.

The food is amazing, some days I am jealous of the lunch options.

↩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 Rebecca W (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

My son loves going to this nursery and as his mum, I don't have to worry at all about him. The staff are brilliant, he has a close bond with everyone in his room and specifically his key worker. They do lots of different activities and take them outdoors as much as the weather allows. I can see the impact they are having on his learning every day. The staff clearly really care about my son and I know he is in incredibly safe hands. Booked my unborn son in for a place already!

↩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 E M (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

Amazing nursery in a beautiful setting. My little one is always happy to go in and play with all her friends. The frequent updates on the family app during the day give peace of mind that she is being well cared for. The staff are all fantastic too and have a great bond with my little one.

↩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 Bekka S (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
The staff at Arnhall have been amazing with my family. They meet my daughter's needs and help her grow and develop. They have created a tight-knit community that feels nurturing and safe and my daughters loves going to nursery every day (even asking to go on weekends!) The food variety and frequency are amazing and my wee one comes home asking for all types of different foods!

The outdoor environments are the perfect mix of traditional classroom and forest school which meets our families' needs perfectly.

↩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 P (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

Both my children have used Arnhall and I think it's excellent. Caring, sensible staff and fun activities, including lots of outside time - make it really enjoyable for the children. My daughter loves attending. Also really useful that there are early drop off and later pick up options around work times, which I find invaluable. Would highly recommend it.

↩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 S O (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

My daughter has absolutely thrived at Arnhall, she is growing in confidence every day and genuinely loves the carers in her room. The mix of indoor and outdoor learning, the use of materials available and the creativity and kindness of the staff make me very happy to hand over my little one each day.

↩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 Julie S (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

The nursery staff is very friendly and attentive creating a close relationship with children and listening to feedback from parents. Our key worker has really helped with our son's confidence and nurtures his skills.

↩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 Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

Wonderful nursery, can't fault it! Lots of messy play, outdoor exploration, learning and development. The staff are excellent and the facilities are great. Any issues dealt with in a timely and supportive manner.

↩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 F T (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience

My children are so well looked after, and I can tell this by how pleased they are to go to nursery. They're always given a variety of activities, opportunities and adventures; they're fed well and their general wellbeing is carefully considered and nourished on a daily basis. The outdoor learning areas are great and staff seem happy to be there.

↩Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words. Team Arnhall.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (1) & Events (0)

News
  • 09 Jun 2026

    We 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)

Accreditations

There are no accreditations posted yet for Arnhall Nursery.

Meet the Team (6)

Norma McFarlane
Norma McFarlaneJob Title:Nursery ManagerJoined: 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 MacDonald
Amanda MacDonaldJob Title:Deputy ManagerJoined: 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 O'Neil
Caroline O'NeilJob Title:Bumblebee Room ManagerJoined: 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 Dick
Julie DickJob Title:Ladybird Room ManagerJoined: 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 Dickson
Dawn DicksonJob Title:Grasshopper Room ManagerJoined: 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 Hallam
Jayde HallamJob Title:Dragonfly Room ManagerJoined: 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.

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