The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton

30 Bunting Place, Chapelton of Elsick, Stonehaven AB39 8AN
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9.8 18 Reviews
  • The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton, Stonehaven
The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton offers childcare and early years education to children up to the age of five.

Staff are committed and passionate about instilling in children a love of learning that will sustain them throughout their lives.

Activities at the nursery are child-led and through them children grow in independence and resilience. They are given rich and diverse learning experiences and are encouraged to have fun and explore the natural environment and the outdoors.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Fraser Sangster (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 90

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.
    Sibling discount available 5-10%

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-17:30
    Tuesday 07:30-17:30
    Wednesday 07:30-17:30
    Thursday 07:30-17:30
    Friday 07:30-17:30

The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton Reviews (18)

9.8

The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.782) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton has 18 reviews.

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Total of 18, showing 1-18
Review from E W (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery room my child is in always appears to have high hygiene standards and the activities and toys provided for the children are safe and age appropriate.
All staff members know my child well and are able to communicate on a daily their needs, wants and interests. They are professionally and
appropriately affectionate which makes leaving my child in the care of staff members easier as I'm reassured they make my child feel known and safe.
Recently there has been an increase in social media posts showing the diverse range of learning activities my child is offered. It is also lovely to see photos of the children interacting together.
I believe the nursery have done the best with the small concrete outside area they have, with lots of opportunities to get messy and play with different toys than those offered inside, it is just unfortunate they don't have more space or more green. Thankfully opportunities to get out in the community do provide further enriching outdoor experiences.
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Review from H M (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Croft is an amazing nursery! Both of our boys have attended the Croft and both loved it. With the recent changes in ownership and management it's improving all the time. We couldn't be happier with the personalised level of care and feel very happy that our little boy is in such a safe and nurturing
environment.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It is lovely to see you have had a positive experience. Its great to hear that you value the individual care given to your children and you find…read more
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Review from Jincy J (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We are really happy with the nursery experience we have had so far with Croft Chapelton. Really welcoming staff and management. We have noticed great progress and development in our 2 year old daughter who started going to nursery when she was 14 months old.
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Review from Natalie C (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am happy with the support the Croft gave me with my daughter when she was going through a bad phase. All the support they have given my daughter when she has surgery and her recovery. My daughter absolutely loves going to nursery she even asks to go on the weekend.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for taking time to review our service. It is lovely to hear about the positive experience you and your daughter have had.
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Review from R F (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are delighted with the care and support our toddler receives at The Croft. The staff in the toddler room are friendly and approachable, and always happy to help. Our toddler loves going to nursery and gets to enjoy a huge range of activities. Staff are responsive to our child's needs and have been
so helpful throughout, with any changes and new skills our child has mastered. We can't fault the croft at all, and we are very pleased parents!
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for your lovely review of our nursery. We are pleased to hear that you are pleased with the care and support your child receives.
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Review from J C (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending The Croft since September 2024 and loves his days at nursery.


In recent months he has had a few behavioural issues and I cannot thank the staff enough for their reassurance and understanding that this was a phase most young children go through.
His main key worker, alongside

other members of staff in the baby room, and management, were all so supportive in overcoming these issues.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for reviewing our service. It is lovely to hear that your child and yourself have found the support reassuring.
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Review from Peter W (Father of Child) published on 27 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have a boy that is always happy to go to nursery where he is greeted happily every morning by all the staff he meets on his way in. We often get feedback that is written in great detail about his progress. There is a lot of good toys and activities outside and inside. The outside play area is not
the biggest but they often go on trips to the outdoors.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for taking the time to review our service. it is lovely to hear that the staff all make you feel welcome and you are happy with the level of feedback you are receiving. We are going to be…read more
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Review from I S (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We who've used the Croft in Chapelton for 3 of our children and have only ever had a positive experience. Staff are great with the kids. A few years ago there were a lot of staff changes but most of these staff have returned to work here. I think this says something about why they have come back.
The
nursery is in a great location for us and the children have a lot of opportunities to be outdoors and explore the community around them.
The management team are very approachable now and respond quickly to any queries. We get regular feedback on the children's progress with observation reports.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for taking the time to review our service. It is lovely to hear that for all 3 of your children we have provided you with a positive experience. I am glad that you have found the management…read more
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Review from D M (Father of Child) published on 20 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at the Croft make you feel welcomed when dropping off or picking up your child. The staff do care and take time to speak to us about what's going on and give us valuable feedback about their day. It's a fun, safe environment for my child to grow up in.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for taking time to review our service. We are happy to hear that you feel welcomed by all staff members and you value the feedback given to you at the end of the day. We have been doing lots…read more
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Review from S C (Father of Child) published on 20 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child loves going to the nursery, she particularly likes the staff. She has developed hugely since joining. It is great the the kids get to play outdoors regularly and we appreciate the daily updates on their activities that day.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for your time to review our service. We are pleased to hear that your child has developed well since joining us and you appreciate the opportunities children have to play and explore indoors…read more
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Review from David W (Father of Child) published on 20 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'm so pleased with the care that our daughter is receiving. The staff are fantastic; I feel happy and confident that she's in great hands on nursery days. The staff clearly know her well, and offer the sort of child-centred care that every little one deserves.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for taking the time to review our service. We are pleased that a child cantered approach is supporting our children well.
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Review from N B (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using the croft since 2021, there have been many changes over the years but the care for the children has always remained the same. The staff have always been very friendly, caring and attentive and you can see how much they care for the children. The children have lots of opportunity to
explore and play outside which is great.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for reviewing our nursery. We are happy to hear that although the service is now under new ownership this has not impacted the care and support of our children.
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Review from E R (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff take the time to find out my son's interests. Allow him to pursue activities he enjoys such as reading. Someone always gives a handover. Good communication each day. Lots for him to do at nursery!
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for taking time to review our nursery. It is lovely to see your positive feedback regarding our activities, child led learning and the quality of our parent handovers.
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Review from M L (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at the nursery for just over 2 months and has settled so well / so quickly. The staff made the transition from her being away from us simple - asking for her normal routine, incorporating naps, milk feeds etc.
In the short time, we have seen her grow as a person - this is linked
to all of the various activities that they do during the day. Our daughter is so happy to be dropped off with the staff and has big smiles at pick up too.
Only reason being marked down on value for money is due to us being notified of a rate increase which takes the cost above other nurseries when looking previously - although no information on whether they have also increased since.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for taking time to review our nursery. It is lovely to hear that you have found the admission and transition for your daughter to the nursery a smooth and positive experience.
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Review from Claire S (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at The Croft Nursery in Chapelton in January 2022, starting just after she turned one. We have found the nursery great; the staff are always happy, friendly, and welcoming. My daughter has made lovely bonds with the staff too and often talks about them once at home. She has always
been happy and excited to go into nursery which I think is a good reflection on how great it has been. The children have a lot of fun each day and do a variety of tasks, games, learning etc. They also spend time outdoors going for walks, exploring, and playing in the garden which I think is great. We have had regular updates and progress reports which have allowed us to get feedback on her development which has been excellent. It's great leaving your child knowing they are safe, happy, and having fun. I could not recommend The Croft Nursery at Chapelton enough!
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Review from Natalie C (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have 2 children who attend and between both they have been to all four classes babies - pre-school and I cannot fault any of them. The Croft have been great at growing their confidence and teaching them independence as well as sharing, respect and patience. You can see they truly care for the children
and do their job with passion. Only one negative which doesn't effect the care of my children which is that the owner (who isn't based in the premises) isn't the best "people person" and can come across quite rude but all staff based in the setting are incredible! Highly recommend.
Reply from Fraser Sangster, Nursery Manager at The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton
Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. Its great to hear such wonderful feedback and we are so pleased your children have a great experience at The Croft Nurseries. Regarding your…read more
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Review from R D (Mother of Child) published on 18 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Due to having to travel for work, I needed to arrange some temporary emergency contacts and adjust some of my child's care days/hours. I felt that the nursery was very flexible and accommodating of this, and very much helped put my mind at ease.
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Review from S L (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been at Chapelton Nursery since January 2024, starting aged 15 months. From day 1 she has been happy, had great fun every day, and her development has been phenomenal. She attends 5 days a week and every day can't wait to get inside. The staff are so attentive and friendly and always go
the extra mile to get to know, encourage and help your child learn. She adapted well to the move from the baby room to the toddler room and sure she will when she progresses again. I can go to work every day comforted by the fact I know she is safe, happy and enjoying herself.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.782)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.782) out of 10 for The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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 4.782 for The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton is calculated as follows: ( (172 Excellents x 5) + (41 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 216 Ratings = 4.782
  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 The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton is based on 18 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 90 number of registered child places is 18, which has been reached with 18 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

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton

What is the Age Range of Children that The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton accepts?

The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton Open?

The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton is open: Monday 07:30-17:30, Tuesday 07:30-17:30, Wednesday 07:30-17:30, Thursday 07:30-17:30, Friday 07:30-17:30.

How many Children does The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton have capacity for?

The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton has capacity for a total of 90 Children.

How far is The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton to the centre of Stonehaven?

4.9 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 The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Croft Nurseries - Chapelton has an Enhanced Service - more info.