Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Spring Lane, Canterbury CT1 1SW
Submit a Review
9.8 99 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool, Canterbury
A light and spacious nursery in Canterbury

Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool has plenty of space for children to learn and explore, with three bright and airy age-specific rooms. Offering high quality care and education for babies from 3 months to children aged five with the additional benefit of having extended opening times from 7.30am – 6.30pm.

Each room is filled with age-appropriate resources and equipment such as the state-of-the-art interactive whiteboard and touchscreen computer in the preschool room. Babies and toddlers enjoy sensory and heuristic play sessions in the beautiful community room.

The main garden has an outdoor classroom with a cycle track around the outside, two low-level tree houses, a climbing net, a water feature, digging and planting areas, and chalk and painting boards.

Safety is their number one priority. All practitioners are First Aid trained and all nurseries have specialist SEND staff for children who require additional support due to special educational needs.

The nursery has its own chef on site and with all nutritious meals and delicious, healthy snacks are sourced from trusted suppliers and cooked by the chef with menus changing seasonally. The nursery's kitchen holds a 5*EHO rating for food and hygiene.

All-inclusive fees mean that you have less to pack on a busy morning, with everything from healthy lunches and snacks to branded nappies and wipes included.

The team at Canterbury nursery looks forward to welcoming you and your little one. The friendly, experienced and highly qualified staff are on hand to conduct a personal nursery tour, so book a visit today and they will show you all the nursery has to offer during your own personal tour.

Show Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool on the Map

Care Provided by Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Mandy (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 45
  • Total Places for Children
  • 143
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • 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
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (99)

Total of 99, showing 1-20
9.8

Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.770) out of 10, based on 52 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool has 99 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 77
  • 22
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

99
3
26
52
47

Review from Robyn H (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff have been amazing and have put me at ease every day. They treat my little girl like their own, I couldn't ask for any more. The app is unreal, I can see what she's eaten and how long she has slept for which also makes nursery less daunting for me.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that the team has made you feel at ease and that your little girl is treated with so much care.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really caring staff. Have 2 children here and would recommend to others. Management generally quick to respond to queries.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear you're happy with the care your children receive. Thank you for your recommendation.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from B M (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are friendly and welcoming and have helped to make our babies experience personal to them. They have helped us feel calm when one hasn't been well and have looked after her as she transitioned between rooms. Her care has been at the forefront of every decision.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with the team.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Alice K (Mother of Child) published on 19 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A really lovely, caring nursery that has looked after our boys for several years now. We trust the team absolutely. Many have known our boys since we first started and we love the relationships that we have all built.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your five star review! We're so glad to hear that you've had such a positive experience with the team over the years. Building strong relationships with families is incredibly important to Bright Horizons.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Heather F (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our youngest is always happy going to nursery. Our eldest is also happy going to preschool. He is always happy being handed over to his key person. Whenever I come to collect him, he is always happy and content, and enjoying some kind of activity. I always receive feedback and handover about his day.
I know that he is very well looked after and enjoys his time at nursery. I am very grateful for how well looked after he is by the staff and I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that both of your children are happy and content at our nursery and preschool. It's great to know that you feel well-informed and confident about their care.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Alexandra R (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really friendly nursery/preschool who have helped my daughter through some morning anxieties. She really enjoys going and has made some great friends. Great activities - she always comes home having taken part in a wide range, both outside and inside.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that our team has helped your daughter through her morning anxieties and that she enjoys attending and making friends. It's wonderful to know she participates in a wide range of activities. Your feedback means a lot to us!


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from G M (Father of Child) published on 1 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All three of our children have attended this place at some stage or another. Overall, we have been happy with the experience and teaching provided. The change in policy regarding two full days we found frustrating but we know it's nothing to do with the people working at this particular Bright Horizons.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your review. We're thrilled to learn that you have a wonderful experience at our nursery and we apologise that we had to change our booking policy. Thank you for your understanding.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Arianna F (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I could not be more satisfied on how my daughter progressed and grew up with the help of all the teachers and the most caring manager who went above and beyond to make sure my daughter was happy and cared for.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your five-star review and for sharing your positive feedback with us!


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from G V (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot fault this nursery. Recommend it to everyone. If I had another child, I would send them here without a doubt. Staff are 10/10 also.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your review. We're thrilled to learn that you have a wonderful experience at our nursery. Thank you for choosing us!


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Camilla S (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery, friendly staff. Always smiling on the way in and lots of talk about at the end of the day. It's not just about getting through the day, it's making the most of it through learning and play.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted that you find our nursery lovely and our staff friendly.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Chris R (Father of Child) published on 1 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our 4-year-old graduates to school this year and we will be sad to see him leave Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool. He always looks forward to coming and has lots of friends here.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your lovely review! We're sad to see your 4-year-old graduate but thrilled to hear he's had such a positive experience with us. It's wonderful that he has enjoyed coming and made many friends.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Hala A (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It's been a very positive experience right from the time my son joined and the way he was embraced, he quickly enjoyed the experience of going to nursery school. The caretakers are all lovely and caring, he just loves them.
Also, he was born premature and had some development delays which they continuously
tracked and supported. I am personally very happy with the nursery and staff.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your review. We're thrilled to learn that you have a wonderful experience at our nursery. Thank you for choosing us!


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Kinga S (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool is a dynamic and friendly nursery which our 4-year-old enjoys attending. Although he hasn't been attending for long, after our move, he walks in and out of his class with a massive smile, as if he's been attending forever. He has kind and caring care
workers who inspire independence. All day, wrap-around care is a massive benefit too.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that your 4-year-old is enjoying his time at Bright Horizons Canterbury and feels so at home. It's great to know that he's happy and confident and that our caring team inspires his independence.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you very much for taking care of my son, best staff.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Hello, thank you so much for your positive feedback!


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Samuel L (Father of Child) published on 31 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are attentive towards my son's needs, always speaking to me about his progress and behaviour at drop-off and collection. I always feel that my son is in a safe space and I'm always happy to drop him off in the mornings.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with the team.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Ewa D (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Exceptional experience! Our children loves it here - the garden is spacious and very well equipped and the staff are so caring and loving. We get along with everyone but we formed especially strong relationships with four members of staff, in particular. We chose this place for the extended opening
hours which has allowed me to continue working. I've now changed employment but we will keep the children in here as I simply cannot find anything that compares in terms of facilities and staff. Plus, like me, if you're a fan of outdoor learning then look no further!

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted your children love it here, especially our garden. It's great to hear our caring staff have made a strong impact. We're glad our extended hours helped you and we appreciate you choosing to keep your children with us despite your job change. For outdoor learning fans, we're glad to be your top choice.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from C M (Father of Child) published on 25 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

been an excellent experience for all of our children. Great staff and the kids have fun.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable feedback with us. We appreciate your kind words.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from T (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Noticed a significant improvement in my child's development. he's social and loves playing with kids of his age. He has developed healthy eating habits thanks to the food variety offered. Fine motor skills are improving thanks to activities.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from S W (Father of Child) published on 5 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool provides plenty of opportunities for my child to develop and explore. Providing a range of activities that they enjoy and building strong relationships with both their peers and the adults in the room.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from C W (Grandmother of Child) published on 5 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Toddler room - the staff are wonderful! The relationship she has with the staff speaks for itself, even those who do not work in the room. They are always so informative of her day. We see on the app the lovely activities they set up for the children and their learning focus, yet allowing them to fully
explore the room. It's lovely they have an outside space off their room now - hopefully, they will get some climbing equipment like the other gardens. Menus are superb! A fantastic range of nutritional dishes. We are extremely happy with her overall progress and experience so far.

Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

Thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.770)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.770) out of 10 for Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool 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 52 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 52 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 4.770 for Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (484 Excellents x 5) + (131 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 621 Ratings = 4.77

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 52 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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 143 number of registered child places is 28.6, which has been reached with 52 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (4)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2019

Recipient: Bright Horizons Family Solutions Ltd

Date: Tuesday 30 Apr 2019 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2018

Recipient: Bright Horizons Family Solutions Ltd

Date: Thursday 01 Mar 2018 More details

Top 10 Large Nursery Groups 2017

Recipient: Bright Horizons Family Solutions Ltd

Date: Wednesday 01 Mar 2017 More details

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (2)

Amanda

Amanda

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Hello, I am the Nursery Manager at Canterbury Nursery.


I've worked for 13 years in various schools, nurseries and preschools. I have an Early Years qualification in Childcare and Young Families, her role also includes Nursery SENCO Health & Safety Lead and Designated Safeguarding Manager.


I am my team works closely with families to meet their childcare needs, offering bespoke free settling-in sessions and home visits to welcome new families. The staff team are both established and experienced practitioners who feel passionate about offering high-quality care and education for children.


Clair

Clair

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Hello, I am Clair and have worked in Early Years for many years, the last seven years managing nursery and preschool rooms.


I have recently been promoted to Deputy manager supporting the staff team and nursery manager to ensure excellent learning opportunities for children.


Frequently Asked Questions about Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool

What is the Age Range of Children that Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool accepts?

Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool Open?

Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool is open: 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.

How many Children does Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool have capacity for?

Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool has capacity for a total of 143 Children.

How far is Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool to the centre of Canterbury?

0.9 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 Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool has a Platinum Service – more info.