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 21-40
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 Emma B (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

You pay a premium but it is worth it - an excellent nursery. Varied activities and encouragement to be more independent prepares children really well for school. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Orchard Barns Ardleigh.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

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


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Review from Michael H (Grandfather of Child) published on 7 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandson absolutely loves attending this nursery. The outside space they have is amazing and the staff are fabulous. The menu and food are of an exceptionally high level. He is always happy when he returns home and I would 100% recommend anyone to send their child here.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your fantastic review. We are delighted to hear how much your grandson enjoys nursery with us, especially the fresh and nutritional meals we provide.


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Review from Tracy H (Grandmother of Child) published on 6 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandson is absolutely thriving since attending this nursery, he loves the staff and receives care and education that is second to none. His speech is developing greatly and is clearly loving every minute of his time here.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear how much your grandson enjoys nursery and is developing well with us.


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Review from Karen R (Mother of Child) published on 6 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Orchard Barns since she was nine months old and she is now three and a half. She has therefore spent time in each of the nursery rooms. The care she has received has been absolutely outstanding. The staff without exception have been excellent and show genuine interest in my
daughter’s development and learning. She has had the opportunity to take part in well thought out activities every day she attends. The food always sounds delicious and my daughter talks about how much she enjoys it. Both the rooms and the outside space are well thought out and the children are able to spend time outside whatever the weather. Overall we could not recommend Orchard Barns more highly.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review, it is fantastic to hear how much your daughter is enjoying her time with us and is developing well.


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Review from Cara W (Mother of Child) published on 6 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Child settled very quickly.
Great communication.
Lovely outside space.
Good variety of menus.
Staff all very friendly.
Love the photos and observations.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review. It is fantastic to hear how much your child is enjoying her time with us, especially our great outdoor space.


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Review from Lorna B (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery with competent and caring staff. My son loves coming to nursery and always comes home smiling. The facilities are great especially the outdoor areas. My son loves the menu on offer and the food is always nutritious. The variety also means he is constantly trying new foods.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your lovely review, we are delighted how much your son enjoys nursery, especially the great menu and outdoor space we have.


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Review from Thea K (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Orchard Barns is such a lovely nursery, the staff are so friendly and helpful.
When I viewed the nursery I felt as if it was a bit like home and immediately thought my son would love it.
My son has only been there for two months and I can already see how much he has learnt from being there. It’s
amazing! I also get updates during the day on how/what he is doing during the day and that I feel is amazing as I feel like I am there and part of his day too!

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted how comfortable your son is at nursery and how much he is developing.


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Review from Suze S (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children attend/attended Orchard Barns from the age of 1. They absolutely excel in delivering 1st class care, love, fun and education, I really trust there skills and judgement while taking care of my babies! My kids adore the staff, who are friendly, welcoming and professional. I love the fact
the food is cooked on-site and organic. The staff are very knowledgeable about early years development and education, and both my kids have a great, fun time there. I highly recommend Orchard Barns to anyone.

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Review from Daisy B (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I always feel safe when I drop my daughter to Orchard Barns nursery, meaning that I can focus on my work. Handovers, both at drop-offs and pickups are always great, even if its close to the closing time the staff always want to engage in conversation to let you know what kind of day my daughter has
had. I absolutely know that my daughter has a great bonded relationship with her key workers and that she knows if she feels sad or overwhelmed she can always go to them for reassurance. They never mind if I call to ask how my daughter is, in fact, I am buzzed straight through to her actual room (Stars at the moment) and I can speak directly with the manager of the room at any time about my daughter. I would also recommend Orchard Barns because the nursery really helps with progression within my daughter, and during lockdown due to COVID-19, I could really see that she needed the skills, that Orchard Barns provides in order to continue and further her development.

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Review from Ella H (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would highly recommend Orchard Barns. My eldest son has attended for two years and has developed wonderful bonds with the staff over that time. It has been lovely to see all the wonderful activities and themed weeks that he has taken part in which has far surpassed my abilities at home! My youngest
has just joined the nursery and with the help of lots of cuddles and attention has settled in well. The facilities, including the outside classrooms, on-site chef and garden are wonderful. Thank you for looking after my two boys so beautifully.

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Review from Remi M (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Orchard Barns have been great for my daughter's development and learning. She has been at the nursery for over two years, has a lot of fun and also learns languages there which is a huge thing for me. The staff are friendly, helpful and also love their work which you can see in their everyday behaviour.
Definitely recommend Orchard Barns.

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Review from Pam G (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Orchard barns had great staff, learning and play ethic, high-quality food prepared each day and excellent indoor and outdoor environments. I am very satisfied with the care and education my child receives from Orchard Barns and would highly recommend. My son loves one member of staff in particular.

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Review from Lucy (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 3-year-old son loves this nursery - he begun in Stars and has now moved into the Rainbows room. The staff have been outstanding, all so approachable and friendly whilst encouraging him to gain confidence over the last year. His development since being here is clearly apparent and he loves all the
activities they offer (including forest school, football, art projects and French lessons!). The food menus are also great and offer a variety of healthy meals. The relationship you build with the superb admin team and special ladies (especially their key workers) makes for a really tailored care plan for your child and I would highly recommend this nursery.

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Review from Katie P (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child is very happy at Orchard Barns. This is a direct result of the care the staff provide. The feedback they provide parents is so helpful in our child’s progression. The facilities are great, with an excellent outdoor space. The food is freshly cooked and encourages kids to try a diverse range
of foods.

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Review from Holly O (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My three year old joined the nursery last month and absolutely loves it. He comes home so enthused about the staff and other children. He eats so much more with them and is doing activities with relish that I can never persuade him to at home so I feel they are really advancing his skills. Very happy
with their care and love the online portal to see what he has been up to.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review. It is fantastic to hear how much your son is enjoying his time with us and has settled in well.


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Review from Spencer G (Father of Child) published on 2 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have recommended Orchard Barns to several friends that have had children in the past year or so. I can see first hand the development each month from my son, but also how happy he is at the nursery. The nursery itself is very well managed and the staff are fantastic. I wouldn't want my son anywhere
else for his early years leading up to school.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your lovely review. We are thrilled to hear how much your son enjoys nursery, especially our fantastic staff team.


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Review from Charlotte P (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing! Absolutely love this nursery. They treat my little one as if he was their own. The nursery is always clean, tidy and beautifully decorated. I could not praise them enough. They are always so accommodating and efficient. My little one is so happy here and always has lots of exciting and fun
activities each day, as well as beautiful homemade meals that are prepared and cooked on-site by a chef. I love how much time they spend outdoors and let children explore and get hands-on. I always feel safe and confident with my little one in their hands. Will recommend them to friends and family for sure. Thank you!

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear how much your child enjoys nursery, especially with our fantastic outdoor space, activities and delicious meals we provide.


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Review from Katy G (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a friendly welcoming nursery! Our daughter has been attending for a few months and the staff have been brilliant at settling her in. The registration process ran so smoothly and we feel very happy knowing our daughter is in safe hands. The menus are fantastic and our daughter seems to really enjoy
lunchtime. Throughout our daughter's stay we receive regular updates and photos which is very reassuring and we receive regular assessments of her progress.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your kind review. It is fantastic to hear how much your daughter has settled in with us and the registration process went smoothly and easily for you.


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Review from Gemma S (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children absolutely love nursery. They make them feel so comfortable and they can't wait to tell me about their day! They can't wait to go in the morning to see both the girls and all their friends.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear how much your children enjoy their time with us.


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Review from Carly P (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’m extremely impressed with Orchard Barns Nursery in Ardleigh and would not hesitate in recommending them. All the staff are professional, caring and friendly.
My son has always been very happy there and seemed to miss the 'settling in' period! He has progressed so much in such a short amount of
time in respect of his confidence, socialising ability and independence. He is now able to feed himself with very little help, he is trying to talk more and he definitely plays more on his own rather than relying on me to be with him all the time.
My son is always happy to go to nursery and always greets me with a smile on collection. It’s such a relief to know that he is being well cared for, stimulated and making new friends. I can’t thank all the staff enough and I’m looking forward to increasing his hours soon!

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barns Ardleigh

Thank you for your amazing review. We are delighted to hear how much your son has developed with us so quickly, especially with his confidence, socialising ability and independence.


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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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