Submit a Review for Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary
6 The Row, Higham Road, Stratford St Mary, Colchester, CO7 6JU
View full details of Orchard Barn Stratford St MaryLatest Reviews for Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary
16 March 2026
My daughter has been at Orchard Barns for nearly a year now in both the baby and toddler rooms. It was the best thing we did moving her there after an awful experience at another nursery. Amazingly, she settled at Orchard Barns from day one and has loved it ever since.
It has a small, home from
home feel and all the staff are very kind and caring. They actually care about the children and it isn't just a job for them.
Well thought out, enriching activities happen every day my daughter is there and time outside is plentiful. The chef makes home cooked, nutritious meals which my daughter loves and we are kept well up to date of everything through the app.
I highly recommend Orchard Barns! It can be daunting handing over your baby but I know my daughter is in safe hands with all the staff there.
16 March 2026
Our eldest has been at Orchard Barns for a few years and our youngest is due to start in a few weeks. We love the nursery and the team there and have always felt complete confidence in leaving our child in their care. The facilities are great and the way they structure the day is fab for giving the
kids both routine with freedom. My child's favourite activities include 'rhythm time' and forest school, plus playing in the garden. Any concerns we've raised about our child's personal abilities within the nursery setting have been immediately and professionally addressed in the most supportive and caring way. Our child has thrived going to nursery here and we would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
16 March 2026
Great nursery - really welcoming and friendly staff who I trust completely. My little girl has been there 1.5 years now and just loves it. Good healthy food and lots of opportunities to play outside. The staff are great at coming up with creative activities to do as well.
13 March 2026
WE moved our child from another setting in 2024. We were attracted by positive feedback from other parents and the rural/outdoor setting and space. We are very pleased with Orchard Barn, staff, environment, food and would recommend to others.
03 March 2026
My little boys been at Stratford St Mary's Orchard Barn for coming up to two years now.
We are both very pleased with the staff at the nursery. They're very friendly, helpful and polite.
My little boy always comes out smiling and incredibly happy saying his had a good day. He especially loves
playing outside in the mud kitchen with his wellies on and making dens!
Seems like every day they do different activities from the way my little man talks about his day with great excitement. They also seem to have a very good meal selections throughout the day!
Added bonus they open 51 weeks of the year.
Visited a lot of different nursery and orchard barn was without a doubt the most comforting and accommodating when making our choice.
Thank you.
02 March 2026
We feel so lucky to have both of our children at Orchard Barns - one in the Baby Room and one in the Preschool Room.
From day one, it has been clear that all of the staff genuinely care for the children. Every member of the team is warm, attentive, and dedicated, creating a safe and nurturing
environment where little ones can thrive. It's so reassuring as a parent to know they are surrounded by people who truly have their best interests at heart.
What really stands out is that the nursery listens to what parents say. They value feedback, take on board any concerns, and work in partnership with families. We always feel heard and supported.
Most importantly, our child actually asks to go to nursery - which says everything. Seeing both of our children so happy, confident, and excited each day gives us complete peace of mind.
We honestly couldn't recommend Orchard Barns highly enough!
26 February 2026
We couldn't be happier with Orchard Barns. It truly is an amazing place, and we feel so lucky that our daughter attends.
The staff are absolutely brilliant - warm, caring, and genuinely invested in the children's happiness and development. They create such a nurturing environment where every child
feels valued and supported. It's clear how much love and dedication goes into everything they do. They keep us updated through the app and give detailed handovers.
The nursery is always clean and well-organised, which gives us great peace of mind. The environment is welcoming, safe, and thoughtfully set up to encourage learning and play. They also have their own chef who creates home cooked meal everyday. My daughter loves stopping her for a chat.
Our daughter is thriving, and we couldn't ask for more. We would highly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a caring and professional setting for their child.
26 February 2026
My son attends the baby room and is always happy to go in every morning and always has the best time. The staff are wonderful, caring people who have helped our son develop and share our joy in each milestone he reaches. The different activities they do every day look great fun, and the regular
updates on the app keep me in the loop of everything going on.
They always have a fantastic variety of food which he happily polishes off.
The outside space is perfect and I love that they go out in all weathers.
Fantastic nursery, and glad we chose to take our son here!
19 February 2026
My son has been attending this nursery for some time now, and I couldn't be more pleased with our experience. The outdoor garden areas are especially impressive-there's so much space and so many opportunities for the children to explore, learn, and develop new skills. The activities are engaging and
thoughtfully planned, and the facilities are excellent. Most importantly, the staff are all incredibly warm, caring, and supportive. It's a wonderful nursery with fantastic activities, beautiful outdoor space, and a truly nurturing environment.
19 February 2026
We couldn't be happier with our daughter's nursery. The staff are incredibly warm, caring, and genuinely invested in each child, creating a real home-from-home environment.
We love the strong focus on outdoor learning, with the children spending most of their day in nature and fresh air. Forest
school sessions and regular trips out and about are fantastic and really enrich their experience. Nutrition is a priority too, with a great variety of foods - plenty of fruit, vegetables, and protein to keep them energised and focused while they learn through play.
The space is beautiful, homely, and thoughtfully designed, and rhythm time makes learning and reading practice so engaging and fun. It truly is a special place.
20 November 2025
We are extremely happy with this nursery! Its small scale creates a warm, family-like atmosphere where every child is truly seen and cared for. The strong connection with nature is something we value deeply - the children spend plenty of time outdoors, exploring, playing, and learning in a natural
environment. The caregivers are wonderful: kind, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to the children's well-being and development. We've also noticed great improvements in the management over the past few months, which has made everything run even more smoothly. We couldn't imagine a better place for our son to grow and thrive!
04 July 2025
I cannot speak more highly of tis wonderful nursery. We have had two children here over four years and they have both adored it. The staff feel like family and treat every child with care, respect and thoughtfulness. The rural setting is beautiful, the facilities excellent and the activities planned
every day for the children are educational, entertaining and exciting for all ages. Orchard Barn is a happy and fulfilling place to learn and play - and our children have adored it.
04 March 2025
My son has been at Orchard Barns for the last 2 years, and my now school age daughter also previously attended. It is the most wonderful nursery with lovely, caring and dedicated staff, fantastic facilities both indoors and outdoors and great food. Communication between staff and parents is great.
My children have really flourished here, making lovely friends and learning lots of new skills. I cannot recommend this nursery highly enough.
26 February 2025
Would give Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary 10 stars if I could.
No other nursery compares. Since our first visit, we completed our child's application on the same day. Always a warm welcome by all staff. Each room has been thought through and is full of creativity and creations from the children.
You can just see how much children love it there and that's key.
Our daughter loves it at Orchard. We are always greeted with a smile and given time to let our key person know how our night/morning went.
The staff are incredible, and all put so much time, passion and care into everything they do. Like a home from home.
Outside play is always encouraged and the forest school is great. The food is fantastic. The rooms are always clean. They're Always at the end of the phone.
We receive updates on the app throughout the day and a full handover on pick-up. They truly care and go above and beyond and I never feel rushed out the door.
If you're looking for an incredible nursery, look no further than Orchard Barns.
26 February 2025
I am so pleased to have the opportunity to send my daughter here. She is always happy to go in and comes out smiling without fail, excited to tell me about her day. She adores her key person and is non-stop talking about her. It's clear she receives the best care possible and is given loads of
opportunities to explore a variety of activities every day. Thank you so much to all of the staff.
26 February 2025
My daughter has only been at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary for nearly a couple of months now, but the difference it has made to her development is remarkable. She is one of the younger ones in her room and has picked up so many new skills so quickly from watching the slightly older children like
using cutlery and drinking on her own.
We enjoy getting updates through the app during the day. She absolutely loves the food, the most common thing we chat about when I pick her up!
The baby room feels safe, secure and cosy and the outdoor space is great for little ones. All the staff we have met are lovely and clearly care for all the children they look after.
It is daunting trying to find a nursery that you would be happy to leave your child in, especially when they are your first. But we couldn't be happier with Orchard Barns and the initial guilt of having to put our daughter into nursery has completely gone when we know she enjoys it so much and is cared for so well.
12 February 2025
Orchard Barns is the only nursery I would send my daughter to. The staff are phenomenal at their jobs, making sure to give the best care possible. My daughter truly loves everyone there, they went above and beyond to help her settle in. It's clear that the staff are passionate about their job and
provide a clean, happy environment every day for the children, giving a warm welcome upon arrival and a full handover about their day at pickup.
22 November 2024
Possibly the best nursery in the area. Our son has come in leaps and bounds since attending. The staff are fantastic so caring, professional and they really care about their job. I would recommend this nursery to everyone.
17 September 2024
We have loved our time at Orchard Barn. The team helped our 3 year old settle in quickly after a move from London. She has since flourished and is a confident, happy girl, who is ready for school.
06 September 2024
This nursery was the only one willing to take my child with physical disabilities and from the first meeting, I knew this setting was perfect. My boy has flourished so much. He has enjoyed his time here so much. The activities are so varied. The support he has been given to develop his skills ready
for school can really be seen. They have been a support to me as a parent and my child. They have not let his disability stop him and worked with him to find ways to make it work.
Latest Reviews for Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary
16 March 2026
My daughter has been at Orchard Barns for nearly a year now in both the baby and toddler rooms. It was the best thing we did moving her there after an awful experience at another nursery. Amazingly, she settled at Orchard Barns from day one and has loved it ever since.
It has a small, home from
home feel and all the staff are very kind and caring. They actually care about the children and it isn't just a job for them.
Well thought out, enriching activities happen every day my daughter is there and time outside is plentiful. The chef makes home cooked, nutritious meals which my daughter loves and we are kept well up to date of everything through the app.
I highly recommend Orchard Barns! It can be daunting handing over your baby but I know my daughter is in safe hands with all the staff there.
16 March 2026
Our eldest has been at Orchard Barns for a few years and our youngest is due to start in a few weeks. We love the nursery and the team there and have always felt complete confidence in leaving our child in their care. The facilities are great and the way they structure the day is fab for giving the
kids both routine with freedom. My child's favourite activities include 'rhythm time' and forest school, plus playing in the garden. Any concerns we've raised about our child's personal abilities within the nursery setting have been immediately and professionally addressed in the most supportive and caring way. Our child has thrived going to nursery here and we would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
16 March 2026
Great nursery - really welcoming and friendly staff who I trust completely. My little girl has been there 1.5 years now and just loves it. Good healthy food and lots of opportunities to play outside. The staff are great at coming up with creative activities to do as well.
13 March 2026
WE moved our child from another setting in 2024. We were attracted by positive feedback from other parents and the rural/outdoor setting and space. We are very pleased with Orchard Barn, staff, environment, food and would recommend to others.
03 March 2026
My little boys been at Stratford St Mary's Orchard Barn for coming up to two years now.
We are both very pleased with the staff at the nursery. They're very friendly, helpful and polite.
My little boy always comes out smiling and incredibly happy saying his had a good day. He especially loves
playing outside in the mud kitchen with his wellies on and making dens!
Seems like every day they do different activities from the way my little man talks about his day with great excitement. They also seem to have a very good meal selections throughout the day!
Added bonus they open 51 weeks of the year.
Visited a lot of different nursery and orchard barn was without a doubt the most comforting and accommodating when making our choice.
Thank you.
02 March 2026
We feel so lucky to have both of our children at Orchard Barns - one in the Baby Room and one in the Preschool Room.
From day one, it has been clear that all of the staff genuinely care for the children. Every member of the team is warm, attentive, and dedicated, creating a safe and nurturing
environment where little ones can thrive. It's so reassuring as a parent to know they are surrounded by people who truly have their best interests at heart.
What really stands out is that the nursery listens to what parents say. They value feedback, take on board any concerns, and work in partnership with families. We always feel heard and supported.
Most importantly, our child actually asks to go to nursery - which says everything. Seeing both of our children so happy, confident, and excited each day gives us complete peace of mind.
We honestly couldn't recommend Orchard Barns highly enough!
26 February 2026
We couldn't be happier with Orchard Barns. It truly is an amazing place, and we feel so lucky that our daughter attends.
The staff are absolutely brilliant - warm, caring, and genuinely invested in the children's happiness and development. They create such a nurturing environment where every child
feels valued and supported. It's clear how much love and dedication goes into everything they do. They keep us updated through the app and give detailed handovers.
The nursery is always clean and well-organised, which gives us great peace of mind. The environment is welcoming, safe, and thoughtfully set up to encourage learning and play. They also have their own chef who creates home cooked meal everyday. My daughter loves stopping her for a chat.
Our daughter is thriving, and we couldn't ask for more. We would highly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a caring and professional setting for their child.
26 February 2026
My son attends the baby room and is always happy to go in every morning and always has the best time. The staff are wonderful, caring people who have helped our son develop and share our joy in each milestone he reaches. The different activities they do every day look great fun, and the regular
updates on the app keep me in the loop of everything going on.
They always have a fantastic variety of food which he happily polishes off.
The outside space is perfect and I love that they go out in all weathers.
Fantastic nursery, and glad we chose to take our son here!
19 February 2026
My son has been attending this nursery for some time now, and I couldn't be more pleased with our experience. The outdoor garden areas are especially impressive-there's so much space and so many opportunities for the children to explore, learn, and develop new skills. The activities are engaging and
thoughtfully planned, and the facilities are excellent. Most importantly, the staff are all incredibly warm, caring, and supportive. It's a wonderful nursery with fantastic activities, beautiful outdoor space, and a truly nurturing environment.
19 February 2026
We couldn't be happier with our daughter's nursery. The staff are incredibly warm, caring, and genuinely invested in each child, creating a real home-from-home environment.
We love the strong focus on outdoor learning, with the children spending most of their day in nature and fresh air. Forest
school sessions and regular trips out and about are fantastic and really enrich their experience. Nutrition is a priority too, with a great variety of foods - plenty of fruit, vegetables, and protein to keep them energised and focused while they learn through play.
The space is beautiful, homely, and thoughtfully designed, and rhythm time makes learning and reading practice so engaging and fun. It truly is a special place.
20 November 2025
We are extremely happy with this nursery! Its small scale creates a warm, family-like atmosphere where every child is truly seen and cared for. The strong connection with nature is something we value deeply - the children spend plenty of time outdoors, exploring, playing, and learning in a natural
environment. The caregivers are wonderful: kind, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to the children's well-being and development. We've also noticed great improvements in the management over the past few months, which has made everything run even more smoothly. We couldn't imagine a better place for our son to grow and thrive!
04 July 2025
I cannot speak more highly of tis wonderful nursery. We have had two children here over four years and they have both adored it. The staff feel like family and treat every child with care, respect and thoughtfulness. The rural setting is beautiful, the facilities excellent and the activities planned
every day for the children are educational, entertaining and exciting for all ages. Orchard Barn is a happy and fulfilling place to learn and play - and our children have adored it.
04 March 2025
My son has been at Orchard Barns for the last 2 years, and my now school age daughter also previously attended. It is the most wonderful nursery with lovely, caring and dedicated staff, fantastic facilities both indoors and outdoors and great food. Communication between staff and parents is great.
My children have really flourished here, making lovely friends and learning lots of new skills. I cannot recommend this nursery highly enough.
26 February 2025
Would give Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary 10 stars if I could.
No other nursery compares. Since our first visit, we completed our child's application on the same day. Always a warm welcome by all staff. Each room has been thought through and is full of creativity and creations from the children.
You can just see how much children love it there and that's key.
Our daughter loves it at Orchard. We are always greeted with a smile and given time to let our key person know how our night/morning went.
The staff are incredible, and all put so much time, passion and care into everything they do. Like a home from home.
Outside play is always encouraged and the forest school is great. The food is fantastic. The rooms are always clean. They're Always at the end of the phone.
We receive updates on the app throughout the day and a full handover on pick-up. They truly care and go above and beyond and I never feel rushed out the door.
If you're looking for an incredible nursery, look no further than Orchard Barns.
26 February 2025
I am so pleased to have the opportunity to send my daughter here. She is always happy to go in and comes out smiling without fail, excited to tell me about her day. She adores her key person and is non-stop talking about her. It's clear she receives the best care possible and is given loads of
opportunities to explore a variety of activities every day. Thank you so much to all of the staff.
26 February 2025
My daughter has only been at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary for nearly a couple of months now, but the difference it has made to her development is remarkable. She is one of the younger ones in her room and has picked up so many new skills so quickly from watching the slightly older children like
using cutlery and drinking on her own.
We enjoy getting updates through the app during the day. She absolutely loves the food, the most common thing we chat about when I pick her up!
The baby room feels safe, secure and cosy and the outdoor space is great for little ones. All the staff we have met are lovely and clearly care for all the children they look after.
It is daunting trying to find a nursery that you would be happy to leave your child in, especially when they are your first. But we couldn't be happier with Orchard Barns and the initial guilt of having to put our daughter into nursery has completely gone when we know she enjoys it so much and is cared for so well.
12 February 2025
Orchard Barns is the only nursery I would send my daughter to. The staff are phenomenal at their jobs, making sure to give the best care possible. My daughter truly loves everyone there, they went above and beyond to help her settle in. It's clear that the staff are passionate about their job and
provide a clean, happy environment every day for the children, giving a warm welcome upon arrival and a full handover about their day at pickup.
22 November 2024
Possibly the best nursery in the area. Our son has come in leaps and bounds since attending. The staff are fantastic so caring, professional and they really care about their job. I would recommend this nursery to everyone.
17 September 2024
We have loved our time at Orchard Barn. The team helped our 3 year old settle in quickly after a move from London. She has since flourished and is a confident, happy girl, who is ready for school.
06 September 2024
This nursery was the only one willing to take my child with physical disabilities and from the first meeting, I knew this setting was perfect. My boy has flourished so much. He has enjoyed his time here so much. The activities are so varied. The support he has been given to develop his skills ready
for school can really be seen. They have been a support to me as a parent and my child. They have not let his disability stop him and worked with him to find ways to make it work.