The Ark Day Nursery

Hall Bank, Pontesbury, Shrewsbury SY5 0RF
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9.7 42 Reviews
  • The Ark Day Nursery, Shrewsbury
The Ark is an OFSTED rated “good” (January 2020) children’s day nursery situated in Pontesbury, approximately 8 miles south-west of Shrewsbury. This is a homely nursery that ensures your child’s well-being is paramount; where everyone knows each other and where each child can thrive in a loving environment.

Always committed to providing outstanding quality childcare through a happy, friendly and stimulating environment, with highly qualified, experienced and motivated staff.        

All of The Ark team are experienced and committed individuals handpicked for their caring and compassionate nature. Every child is allocated a dedicated key worker who will closely monitor your child’s development and become someone they know, trust and have lots of fun with.                        

They firmly believe in working together with parents at The Ark to ensure childcare is exclusively tailored to individual children’s needs. They are committed to daily updates on each child’s development and welcome parents feedback at all times.        

Each of the rooms at The Ark is developed in line with learning needs at every age. Providing a wide range of toys, activities and areas to explore to ensure the children remain engaged, motivated and most of all have lots of fun through learning and play.

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Care Provided by The Ark Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Susie Knight (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 25
  • Total Places for Children
  • 78
  • 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 & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for The Ark Day Nursery

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

  • We cater for all Government Funding Schemes: 24U, 9 months 2 & 3 Year funding, as well as Government Tax Free. We also cater for the Funding for Wales Programme.


    All sessions are inclusive of meals, drinks, snacks, nappy cream, nappy wipes, sun cream and extracurricular activities.
  • Parking

  • They have their own private car park.


The Ark Day Nursery Reviews (42)

Total of 42, showing 1-20
9.7

The Ark Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.678) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Ark Day Nursery has 42 reviews.

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Review from J D (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Ark is an outstanding Nursery. The manageress clearly runs it very well, the staff always seem pleased to be there and everyone seems to genuinely enjoy their work. When I take my daughter to nursery I go to work with 100% confidence that she is safe and happy and well looked after and no corners
are cut. I can't even drop her off at my mum's with that kind of confidence! My daughter is always delighted to see the staff when she arrives and barely even looks back to wave bye! They all know her so well that I know I can ask any one of them a question and they all know an answer. My nephew goes to a different nursery and having heard the recent news that the manageress of The Arks will be overseeing that nursery too gives us and his parents such a high level of confidence. Finally, my daughter's key worker is an absolute asset to your team. I've never met a member of staff anywhere so fitting to her role. She knows our daughter so well, always gives us detailed updates and gives us so much reassurance that she is in safe hands.

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Review from S T (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy with Ark Nursery. My child just started this October. All staff are very understanding and positive. We are very happy to be a part of Ark Day Nursery.

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Review from E H (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A really friendly team. From word go I felt my daughter would be well looked after there. They are a fantastic team. Shame there isn't a bit more grassy area to play on, have only 'good' for this area, but otherwise amazing nursery.

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Review from Matthew W (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Ark is a very friendly, welcoming team that gives outstanding care. My daughters of 3 years and the other of 10 months both go to the Ark and enjoy it very much. The staff are amazing and go above and beyond to support parents with the care of their children, the environment is well resourced with
appropriate toys and lovely outside area.

Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We take pride in providing outstanding care for all children.


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Review from Nicola C (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have 14-month-old twins who attend The Ark once a week. Since they’ve started there, their development has come on leaps and bounds and it’s clear they love going there (even though they get a bit upset during drop off and pick up). The staff are really good with updating us via the app. The staff
are really sensible when it comes to ringing for true concerns - temperatures, head injuries, etc, and I trust them completely to make the right decisions. The staff tell us when we pick up what they have been doing during the day - paint, soil etc. They often come home with their ‘artwork’ which they enjoy putting on display on the fridge and then keep pointing at it with pride. Special events we get something sent home (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day). The babies sometimes come home in their ‘emergency clothes’ which I like as they’ve clearly enjoyed their food and messy play. We live just behind the nursery and can hear the fun being had when outside which is great. Super happy.

Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm so pleased you are so happy with the care your little ones are receiving. We love looking after them!


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Review from Natasha W (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy goes to this nursery. We couldn’t be happier with The Ark Day Nursery. Our little boy loves going to nursery and is always happy when he comes out. The staff are incredible, always friendly, happy and caring. Always there to answer any questions we need to ask.
They can always tell
us about his days and what he has been getting up to. Highly recommended. Thank you all.

Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review! I am so pleased you are so happy with the care your little one gets from The Ark.


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Review from Leah E (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has been going to The Ark Day Nursery since 9 months old and I couldn’t fault it, already signed my second baby up to start at 9 months too. Staff are excellent and my boy really enjoys going. Clean, welcoming and friendly.

Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review! I am so pleased you are so happy with the care your little one gets from The Ark. We look forward to welcoming your newest addition to your family to The Ark Nursery too.


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Review from J C (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our Little boy started in January and he has settled so well, staff have been very supportive as it is an anxious time for new parents leaving their little ones in a new environment. All staff and management team have been supportive and reassuring for us leaving him.
We love the app, it's great to
keep updated with information and photos.

Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review! I am so pleased you have felt supported during your child's transition into nursery life.


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Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery works so well with my son who has learning difficulties. Can’t praise the staff enough for their patience and care. I have full confidence the children are in the best care. I thought the change of management would be stressful to my son, but if anything it’s made him happier. Very happy.

Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review. I am so pleased you feel that your son is so well supported here. We love looking after him and will continue to support him in every way!


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Review from L T (Mother of Child) published on 19 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter loves her time at nursery. At every drop-off, she smiles at the employees, giving us total confidence that her time here is a happy and fun one.
Any communication is done clearly and effectively, and all the members of staff are friendly and bubbly. Definitely recommend this nursery to
anybody considering it!

Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review. Your little one brightens up our day, so we are so pleased she loves it here with us!


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Review from L I (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall care for my children has been excellent, even with a change over of staff, everyone is friendly and welcoming and my children have enjoyed their time at The Ark Day Nursery. Both my children were not supposed to be put on social media but there has been incidents where photos have been added
to social media by mistake. Not best pleased but quickly removed when I notified them and apologies made. One of my daughters is dairy free, the team make sure meals and snacks are dairy free for her but some of the food options have seemed limited with tea time meals. I feel the nursery is a little manipulative with their prices in relation to funded hours, my child has to go two full days a week to be entitled to the fifteen hours free child care and would have to go three full days if I wanted the thirty free hours. This seems an unfair ratio having seven and a half hours daily funded across two days versus ten hours daily funded across three days. It feels unfair that due to working less hours I have to pay more for my child care!

Reply from Bethany Preston, Nursery Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. I am really pleased that you are happy with the care that your children have been given at The Ark. We love looking after your little one who is currently with us.
Sorry to hear about the incidents with social media. With me being a new manager here since April, this is something I take very seriously, and this won’t happen again.
We pride ourselves in following children’s dietary requirements carefully and make alterations within our nursery menu to reflect on these. We offer a wide variety of meals and review our menus seasonally.
Regarding our funding, this is company policy and we thank you for your feedback.


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Review from H G (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been really pleased with how well our son has settled into the nursery since he started in September. All the staff are extremely caring and go out of their way to plan and organise lovely activities. The staff have been brilliant for our son and encouraged him in a kind and gentle way. The
manager has been fantastic and is always available to chat and listen. Our son absolutely loves his time at The Ark Day Nursery and runs in every day.

Reply from Bethany Preston, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review. We will keep striving to provide the very best care and education.


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Review from Leanne D (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Ark Day Nursery is a lovely environment and you can really see how much the staff care for the children. My child has attended since she was 4 months old and I've found the staff have really helped her develop and grow into the confident child she is. Communication is good and policies are clear.
I would highly recommend to anyone.

Reply from Sandra Lutman, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for the lovely review. We pride ourselves on the fantastic communication we have with our parents. It has been a pleasure having your daughter with us. Thank you for choosing The Ark.


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Review from Rhian W (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter started nursery three days a week in September and has settled very well. She really enjoys playtime - music circle time, exploring toys outside and painting. Her keyworker is very attentive and we feel it is good value for money because she is provided with three wholesome meals plus snacks.

Reply from Sandra Lutman, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. It is nice that your daughter has settled in so well and that she has a nice bond with her key worker, enjoying all the activities they do together. We pride ourselves on the fantastic menu we offer.


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Review from C P (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant experience of The Ark Day Nursery so far.
They have been incredible at settling my daughter into nursery and providing feedback. She has really come on in her development and seems to love it at nursery. We are really happy with it and all the lovely staff. She seems to enjoy the food and
activities too.

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Review from Hannah H (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl has only just started the nursery but has settled in so well. All the staff are so lovely and friendly and as a parent, this makes me feel so comfortable leaving my little girl in their hands. I love how clean the setting is and the photo updates we receive throughout the week. Overall,
I am extremely happy with the choice of nursery I have made.

Reply from Sandra Lutman, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. We are so glad you decided to come to us. Your daughter has settled in so well. We are extremely proud of our nursery and the high standard of cleanliness throughout.


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Review from Dulcie R (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy with our child's progress and the feedback we receive from the staff. The activities are varied and great, and the food is a good variety.

Reply from Sandra Lutman, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. He has settled in so well. We do pride ourselves in the varied activities we provide, always keeping the children motivated, active and moving their development forward while here at the nursery. The food is varied and tastes delicious. Always a hit with the children.


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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Ark is a good all-round nursery. The nursery building is recently built, so nice new facilities. It has outdoor play space but this is primarily tarmac space with no countryside/green spaces. My children enjoy attending and like the friendly and obliging staff. They do good interactive and creative
activities. Disappointingly, they no longer offer a 3pm short day rate for new entrants which is not ideal when existing siblings are on a 3pm collection and shows a reduction in their flexibility.

Reply from Sandra Lutman, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. The building is lovely, new and purpose-built. We are busy at the moment extending different areas which are more natural - a wooded area, digging areas and planted areas. It is always a little difficult when changing session times.


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Review from Cheryl S (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 12-month-old son recently started at the Ark and following numerous lockdowns, was very upset at being with anyone apart from Mummy and Daddy. However, the staff at the Ark have been so welcoming and he has settled into nursery life so much better than I could ever have expected. He is so happy every
day at nursery and the photos on Facebook are great to show us all the different activities that he is getting involved in. Our family have all noticed how his confidence has improved since being at nursery.

Reply from Sandra Lutman, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Many thanks for your review. We are so glad he has settled in well. It has been a difficult time for families and we are here to make transitions as smooth as we possibly can. We pride ourselves on the activities we provide and can then promote on our Facebook page, showing how the children are enjoying their day.


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Review from S E (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Ark Day Nursery is brilliant. My little boy loves it. The staff are so welcoming and kind and care for my son so much. Because of all the wonderful people that work there, my boy has developed so much. Thank you The Ark Nursery, Pontesbury.

Reply from Sandra Lutman, Manager at The Ark Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words. We pride ourselves on being so welcoming. We know it can be a very difficult time for parents to leave their precious children and we hope we make this an easy transition.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.678)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.678) out of 10 for The Ark Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 12 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 4.909 for The Ark Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (132 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 143 Ratings = 4.909

  • 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 4.769 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Ark Day Nursery is based on 12 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 78 number of registered child places is 15.6. 12 Positive Reviews ÷ 15.6 = 0.769

  • 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

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

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Meet the Team (1)

Susie

Susie Knight

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2023

A Master's Graduate in Education Leadership and Management, and passionate nursery manager Susie Knight. I believe every child is unique and strive to develop a nurturing and caring environment for all children. I thoroughly enjoy coaching and mentoring my team to deliver the best care. The Ark Nursery provides a safe place for children to grow and learn, enabling them to succeed and giving them the foundation for future success.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Ark Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that The Ark Day Nursery accepts?

The Ark Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Ark Day Nursery Open?

The Ark Day Nursery 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 The Ark Day Nursery have capacity for?

The Ark Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 78 Children.

How far is The Ark Day Nursery to the centre of Shrewsbury?

6.8 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 Ark Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Ark Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service – more info.