Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Redbury Barn, Colchester Road, Ardleigh, Colchester CO7 7PQ
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8.6 47 Reviews
  • Orchard Barns Ardleigh, Colchester
Orchard Barns Ardleigh is a beautiful nursery providing care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years from Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

The nursery is easily accessible from the A12 and A120 and is five minutes from Manningtree railway station, so is ideal for commuters.

Orchard Barns offers exceptional outside play space, forest school-themed sessions and outdoor classrooms along with an expertly designed indoor space providing well planned and stimulating environments with carefully chosen high quality furnishings and equipment.

The Nursery’s approach goes above and beyond the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to foster deep level learning and optimise potential. They offer a range of unique educational experiences which enable children to become successful, lifelong learners including, Wake up and shake up, a range of bespoke activities which promote your child’s well-being and confidence, and Garden Champions.

Garden Champions is the Nursery's own bespoke Above and Beyond Educational Experience gardening activity. This activity extends children’s knowledge of the outdoor environment, habitats, caring for living things, growth cycles and growing vegetation outdoors.

The Garden Champion activities are an effective method of harnessing the children’s curiosity in this area and shaping their understanding of the world around them. Staff are supported to deliver these sessions through The Royal Horticultural Society’s School Gardening Awards scheme.

The Nursery Chef prepares all the children’s meals fresh on the premises each day, and the menus have been designed using the latest nutritional software to ensure they are nutritionally balanced, as well as delicious.

The dedicated staff team support children to fulfil their potential through a range of engaging experiences and learning opportunities, which are tailored to each child’s own developmental needs and interests.

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Care Provided by Orchard Barns Ardleigh

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Clare Evans (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 24
  • Total Places for Children
  • 68
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Orchard Barns Ardleigh

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.

Orchard Barns Ardleigh Reviews (47)

Total of 47, showing 1-20
8.6

Orchard Barns Ardleigh has a Review Score of 8.6 (8.618) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Orchard Barns Ardleigh has 47 reviews.

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Review from Simon E (Father of Child) published on 1 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Orchard Barns have been lovely and so supportive of our daughter who started there as a baby and has now reached the age of 4 and has left to start primary school.


We are very grateful to you all for helping our daughter grow into the lovely little girl that she is! She definitely is

ready for school, thanks to you all, but already misses all of the lovely staff and her friends from “Barns” as she still calls it!


I hope you continue to be popular and a wonderful place for young people to thrive.


Reply from Clair Hallums, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind words. It has been our absolute pleasure to have supported her journey and we miss her in the preschool room too. We all wish her a lovely first day at school.


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Review from S W (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son loves going to the nursery at Orchard Barns in Ardleigh and has developed a lot in the time he has been there. It is a great space, the staff are lovely, and there are just so many fun activities that the kids do every day. I’m jealous of all the fun they have!

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Review from Rebecca P (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff team at the nursery are amazing. They are willing to support and be a listening ear with family concerns. The staff are kind and caring. I can not thank them enough for supporting my daughter and getting her the help that she needs and deserves.

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Review from Lorna N (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is always very happy to attend nursery, never hesitates to run into the classroom!
The staff are always happy and friendly and have really taken the time to get to know him and understand his daily routine.
He has progressed significantly since starting at Orchard Barns and I’m always surprised
when he comes home with something new to show me.

Reply from Clair Hallums, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear that you are happy with the care and learning your child receives at Orchard Barns Ardleigh.


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Review from S R (Father of Child) published on 27 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son has only been coming to the setting since October last year but we can already see a huge difference in his confidence and overall self. This is because of the care he receives from all staff at Orchard Barns Ardleigh. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a childcare setting
for their child.

Reply from Clair Hallums, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your review and recommendation. We are very pleased to hear the progress your son is making with us.


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Review from Sarah P (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter enjoys her time at Orchard Barns so much. Everyday at pick up she has a huge smile on her face and she has made so many friends. She adores the staff and always enjoys her meals. I throughly recommend this nursery.

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Review from Jenny H (Great-grandmother of Child) published on 6 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My great-grandson adores the nursery. When we pick him up, the staff are so lovely and friendly. They have recently climbed up Mount Snowdon to raise money for three of the children who attend the nursery. Couldn’t wish for a better team to look after the children.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review; we are delighted to read your positive feedback on our nursery.


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Review from Trevor W (Father of Child) published on 2 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy we have found such a supportive nursery with fantastic staff. Our child, who has complex needs, has never phased the staff, and they have created a wonderful environment for her to thrive in. I cannot recommend this nursery enough.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your great review; we are delighted to hear your positive feedback.


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Review from Charlotte K (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would one hundred per cent recommend Orchard Barns Ardleigh. They have been amazing with supporting my child from fourteen months old. Nothing is ever too much trouble and they have a great understanding of my child’s needs and will do anything to help develop him.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your lovely review, we are delighted to hear your positive feedback.


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Review from Rhianna E (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter absolutely loves attending Orchard Barns Ardleigh, she is always so happy to go in and has the best time. I would highly recommend them, she has settled in so quickly and the portal for communication is so helpful, it's lovely to see what she gets up to every day.

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Review from Michelle B (Mother of Child) published on 15 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Orchard Barns is an extremely friendly nursery, my daughter has settled well after changing to this nursery, they provide and create such amazing activities for the children to partake in to help them learn through playing and encouraging their imagination. They are attentive to the children’s needs
and provide healthy meals throughout the day. The outdoor space is lovely with plenty to do for all ages. I would highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review and feedback. We are delighted to hear about your experience with us.


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Review from Tracy R (Grandmother of Child) published on 11 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandson attends the nursery. He has become a very confident little boy since joining. The staff are amazing and very welcoming. The standard of care is second to none and I would highly recommend. He is always talking about the lunches he receives which are cooked daily on-site by the chef.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear your positive feedback.


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Review from Gary R (Father of Child) published on 11 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has absolutely thrived at Orchard Barns. They approach each child individually and ensure all their needs are met. Support for parents is also more than expected. The whole team are outstanding.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your lovely review, we are delighted to hear what a positive journey you and your son are having with us.


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Review from Crystal G (Godmother of Child) published on 7 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic setting. I always enjoy picking up my godson from here as the staff are so lovely and helpful. The menu is very diverse and offers a range of quality food. The nursery is very efficient in keeping us up to date with the current situation and guidance.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your great review, we are delighted to hear your positive feedback on our Nursery.


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Review from Paul U (Father of Child) published on 19 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at Orchard Barns when he was 6 months old and finished when he turned 4. Going back to work and having to leave your 6-month-old child with people is a tough thing to deal with as a parent. However, I can honestly say the team at Orchards Barns exceeded expectations in all areas. The
consistent information they give you via parent zone (app on your phone) to the kindness they give you at the door at drop off and pick up. I am a musician and they welcomed me in when my son was a year to come and play some songs to the little ones. Food that was served was something that I daily felt jealous of when looking at my own lunch. My son learnt so much during his time and I loved watching him soak it all up. I feel they helped shape his personality and confidence that he has. They fully got him up to speed in a difficult 2020 so he was ready for school. Not only did they care for my son but they showed him love. My daughter starts next year and I cant wait. Wonderful kind people.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your wonderful review, we are delighted to hear how much your son developed with us and we cannot wait to welcome your daughter.


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Review from Adam D (Father of Child) published on 16 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We recently put our 2-year-old into Orchard Barns nursery. Every member of staff is friendly to talk to, and they all genuinely care for the children. We looked around a few nurseries, and this one was outstanding compared to the others in the local area.


The app they use to feed updates is excellent,

and they update it regularly throughout the day. This gives you peace of mind that your child is being well looked after and that they are having fun!

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Review from Kayleigh L (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to Orchard Barns for nearly two years, since nine months old. I was very satisfied with how quickly he settled in and how much he has come on since being in their setting. Very calm and caring atmosphere and friendly, approachable staff. Would definitely recommend it.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review, it is lovely to hear how much your son enjoys nursery with us.


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Review from Paul G (Father of Child) published on 16 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely amazing nursery. The staff are so lovely nothing is too difficult for them. The manager and admin are always keen to help. Lovely garden space. Fantastic activities. Couldn’t ask for a better place for my son.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear how much your child enjoys nursery, especially our great outdoor space and range of activities we have.


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Review from Lina U (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one is looking forward every morning to see her key person and her friend.
Every day they are having fresh and tasty food.
I receive updates on how she is doing, sending photos.
It looks like she is having a good time there.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review, it is great to hear how much your daughter is enjoying nursery with us.


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Review from Rachel O (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending this nursery since she was one and has always enjoyed going there. The nursery provides excellent care. My daughter talks about all the ladies very highly and has a lovely relationship with them. I love the communications that we receive during the day and feel happy that
she is safe and having a good time with the varied activities and the healthy food they provide. I would highly recommend this nursery. My second daughter will be going there when she’s older, and I’m sure she’ll love it too.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear how much your daughter has enjoyed nursery, especially the range of activities we have to offer.


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Current Review Score: 8.6 (8.618)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.6 (8.618) out of 10 for Orchard Barns Ardleigh is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.9 out of 5 from 5 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.750 for Orchard Barns Ardleigh is calculated as follows: ( (47 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 4.75

  • b) 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 3.868 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Orchard Barns Ardleigh is based on 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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 = 3.5

    • ii) 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 68 number of registered child places is 13.6. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 13.6 = 0.368

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Orchard Barns Ardleigh

What is the Age Range of Children that Orchard Barns Ardleigh accepts?

Orchard Barns Ardleigh accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Orchard Barns Ardleigh Open?

Orchard Barns Ardleigh is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Orchard Barns Ardleigh have capacity for?

Orchard Barns Ardleigh has capacity for a total of 68 Children.

How far is Orchard Barns Ardleigh to the centre of Colchester?

3.4 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 Orchard Barns Ardleigh to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Orchard Barns Ardleigh has an Enhanced Service – more info.