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 Rebecca P (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at this nursery are exceptional. Since day one, they have taken the time to get to know my son and to incorporate things he likes into the day. When he has been less confident, they have been really creative to make him feel more comfortable and relaxed (like tucking his comfort teddy into
his jacket for walks outside). My son gets to go outside no matter the weather and always seems to do different activities each time. But in comparison to his previous nursery, this is so much better as I can see he is getting a better quality of care. I'm so pleased this nursery was recommended to me.
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Review from Megan I (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery in a great location with brilliant staff. I have a girl (now at school) who attended Arnhall Nursery since she was 9 months and my wee boy currently attends and really enjoys it. It is in a great location and the kids get outdoors most days. There is a specific room for the age 4-5
group which is great for focusing on their preparation for school. They retain their staff who are friendly, caring and very approachable. Overall a great place for your kids to go.
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Review from Aileen B (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery. Staff are caring, approachable and respond to the individual needs of my children. The online learning journals are updated regularly, keeping me informed of my children's progress and show a wide range of learning opportunities. The nursery provides a very high standard of outdoor
learning.
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Review from Gordon (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Arnhall is a well run nursery in a convenient location. Staff are friendly and professional at all times and their interest and enthusiasm in the children under their care is evident in the reports provided at the end of the day. The setting allows our child regular opportunities to be outdoors and
play in a healthy, safe learning environment. We feel fortunate to have found this nursery.
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Review from Susan M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Award winning nursery in an inspiring location offering indoor and outdoor learning with Forest Kindergarten. Genuine parental and child engagement with developing the nursery activities to develop young minds. Nursery staff and children have big hearts with regular citizenship projects in the community.
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Review from Ellen M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Arnhall is a fantastic nursery. My son has been at the nursery since he was five month old. The staff are lovely and are very supportive. The staff will make sure that the children get as much fresh air as possible and my son is always talking about what he finds and sees on his walks. He of course
has his favourites but you would find it very difficult to find someone you didn't like in this nursery. The food menu is varied and so yummy that second helpings are never refused as evidenced from my sons report card! I would really recommend this nursery to anyone.
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Review from Nicola B (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Arnhall is a great place, my son loves going there and enjoys all activities on offer, especially the outdoor area, he also likes to help look after the rabbits and make sure they have had their carrot. Staff are always welcoming to him and provide him with lots of cuddles when needed. He enjoys the
food that is provided. Any time we go into the nursery it is always clean and there is a wide variety of toys for the children to play with.
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Review from Nikki B (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been attending Arnhall one day a week for almost 18 months. He has now experienced two rooms and I can't wait for him to reach the 3-5 room. The staff have been fab - they are all very attentive and really appear to care. The communication is excellent & the management team are also
very responsive. The nursery is conveniently located just off the motorway on the Keir estate and the kids are outside whenever possible. I only wish I could send him more often.
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Review from Garry M (Father of Child) published on 22 October 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent facilities, spacious and full of activities the kids love, including outside learning space for 3-5 years. Staff very friendly and take excellent care of kids. Both our 2 have a great time at Arnhall.
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Review from Claire H (Mother of Child) published on 22 October 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. My daughter is extremely happy there. The staff make such a huge effort, and it is obvious it is more than just a job to them. They genuinely care about each child. It is set in the Keir Estate and has a lovely outside space filled with imaginative things for the children to play
with. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
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Review from Jemma G (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one started at Arnhall a few months ago. I was really anxious about how he would settle in as although we do a lot of social activities he is always with me and very rarely left with anyone else so I was uncertain how he'd adapt to nursery. Arnhall couldn't have done a better job at getting
him settled, the staff are lovely and I could see quite quickly he was building a connection with them and I could tell from comments they made that they were quickly getting to know his wee personality which was really reassuring. They were also so supportive towards me as the mum struggling to get used to leaving my boy. I really don't think the whole experience could have been any better and it continues to be great. I love the online learning journals and being able to a we what he did during the day and I love the wee activities they plan for the little ones, recently T in the park! I would not hesitate to recommend Arnhall to friends or family.
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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.

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