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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Review from Yan A (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's very friendly staff. As a mum, I can relax to put my kid there. My kid is very happy there, making friends there. All nursery teachers like to listen to any problems and are very helpful in solving them. I feel get good support there.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words. Team Arnhall.
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Review from N C (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery has been very helpful and supportive with my daughter's transition into nursery and helping her settle. The allocation of a key worker role has been vital to this which has been great and they have kept us updated when she's with them via the app.
Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words. Team Arnhall.
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Review from Donna S (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child loves every day at the nursery and comes home telling us about all the great activities and learning they have done indoors and outdoors. She talks about all the staff highly and has great relationships with each one.
As a parent, I find the staff very friendly and approachable, and at the
end of each day, always give a brief update. Communication and updates through the app are fantastic, I enjoy seeing all the photos and what they have been up to.
I love they take part in things going on like book week, charity events, etc.
Overall I feel the nursery is a lovely safe setting with lots of outdoor space and the best staff.
Reply from Shona Maclean, Marketing Manager - Scotland & The North at Arnhall Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Arnhall Nursery for 4 years and throughout her time she has been supported very well, from babies right up. The outdoor areas are great and I hear lots of lovely stories about her forest sessions. She has great relationships with staff and I feel like they really know my little
girl very well and are great at planning activities and events based on her interests. We will really miss Arnhall when she goes to school in the summer but I’m confident that the staff have given her the best experiences to prepare her for P1.
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Review from N M (Grandfather of Child) published on 29 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughters have had the best experiences attending Arnhall. The opportunities for outdoor play and forest school experiences are by far the best. The staff are amazing at providing high-quality learning experiences. We will miss Arnhall when my youngest granddaughter goes to school in August
and will treasure the memories they have made forever. They have given them the best start in life.
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Review from R H (Great-grandfather of Child) published on 29 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have 2 great-granddaughters one of which still attends Arnhall Nursery and the other has progressed to primary school and it is very noticeable from her school work that the early learning gained from Arnhall Nursery has been very beneficial to her. We have the pleasure of looking after our other
great-granddaughter on a Monday and it is obvious from watching what she does throughout the day and the way she talks about her days at the nursery that there is high-quality teaching and learning taking place at Arnhall.
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Review from Stewart B (Father of Child) published on 21 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves attending Arnhall and has great relationships with the staff in his room, they have been amazing at supporting him and keeping his routine normal and fun after the arrival of his baby brother who is also booked in to attend. The experiences supplied by the nursery are second to none, especially
all the outdoor space and activities, and he especially enjoys getting to go to the forest every week.
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Review from Nicola P (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Arnhall, both love attending. Staff are friendly and fun, food is carefully considered and enjoyable. The nursery has a big focus on the outdoors (important to me) and makes an excellent use of the outdoor space with a large nursery garden and forest walks and activities. Learning
opportunities are well thought out and messy play is encouraged.
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Review from T M (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have just started both of my children at Arnhall Nursery in January. I am very happy with my children’s progress. My son’s speech and language have been coming along extremely well and in just a short period of time. My son loves coming to nursery and is very happy and excited in the mornings when
he’s going to nursery. I think that the staff are great and you can see that they really care for the children and really enjoy what they are doing. My daughter is learning new things every day and really seems to enjoy being in a stimulating learning environment with her new peers. I am very happy and relieved that I’ve found a safe and nurturing environment for my children.
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Review from Christine C (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Arnhall has offered my children amazing experiences from babes to pre-schoolers. The staff are first class and can’t do enough to make your child feel special. The forest and garden are lovely environments for the children to play and explore. Would recommend to anyone!
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Review from F M (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery have been very supportive for my daughter, especially in her first toddler room. She has made friends with her peers and learned lots of new skills. She loves being outside and this is facilitated. The office have been supportive of us as parents as we navigated our daughter's journey into
nursery.
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Review from R A (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
By all measures, Arnhall is a superb nursery for our twins. Excellent learning and interactive environment which is a rare find. The staff provide a rich experience and warm environment. The care provided is worth a lot more.
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Review from Zoe A (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing local nursery. Staff are excellent with my little boy. So many things are done with the kids from forest trips and activities, to garden learning and safety, indoor PE, various types of play areas that regularly change/rotate within the rooms. My eldest also attended the nursery and
I have to admit il be very sad once this one leaves and our Arnhall journey finishes after 6+ years. Highly recommend to anyone looking for first-class fun daycare in the Stirling area.
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Review from Claudia G (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly and well-prepared staff. Good outdoor and indoor activity. My children is very happy and learning every day something new. We are very happy to have chosen this school. Highly recommended.
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Review from Laura A (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Cannot rate Arnhall highly enough. Staff go above and beyond for the children and the forest school is something my daughter always talks about after she comes home. Good healthy homemade food served. Office staff are extremely efficient when dealing with questions or queries. Could not have chosen
a better start for my daughter than Arnhall!
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Review from Liz W (Grandmother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The quality of care my granddaughter is receiving at Arnhall is second to none. Even after a long break with covid, she settled quickly back into her nursery routine. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable, the outside space is wonderful and the communication is always fantastic. I would definitely
recommend Arnhall to anyone looking for a relaxed, safe and stimulating environment for their children.
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Review from Neil W (Father of Child) published on 11 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Arnhall Nursery have been excellent throughout the pandemic: keeping us well informed. staying open as able and continuing contact when not. Now we are back full-time, they continue to offer a fun, educational and outdoor focused nursery. Staff genuinely know and care for the children, and make an effort
to tailor the care to each individual. Happy child: happy parents. Thank you!
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 6 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Arnhall highly enough! Both my children love being outdoors and it was great to find a nursery that caters for this. They participate in forest school and go for walks as well as daily outdoor play in the nursery garden which is full of resources encouraging their imagination and
creativity. They also have freshly made hot meals, which offer a great variety of things for the children to try. All meals, snacks, and drinks are included in the cost.
They also offer French and Spanish classes (payable separately). A great nursery that I would highly recommend!
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Review from Carol M (Grandmother of Child) published on 11 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two grandchildren aged four and two started the nursery after the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted. They had relocated from another nursery and we were obviously a bit anxious about the transition. We needn’t have worried as they have settled in very well indeed. The facilities are excellent and
the outdoor environment could not be better. The staff, led by the very professional, warm and considerate manager are focused on providing an exciting and stimulating experience for the children. We feel extremely happy that Arnhall Nursery provides such a nurturing and positive early education provision for our grandchildren.
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Review from Duncan I (Father of Child) published on 3 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves going to Arnhall Nursery. The staff are friendly, they are always thinking of interesting activities for him to do, it is very outdoor centred whatever the weather and the standard of the meals he is offered is very high.
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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.

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.