The Croft Nursery

102 Lancaster Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DS
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9.9 64 Reviews
  • The Croft Nursery, Newcastle-under-Lyme
The Croft Nursery was established in 1990. The Croft is a Victorian property giving it a home from home feel - a 'Safe and Happy Place to Grow and Learn'. The nursery is open Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year and is open from 07.00 hours until 18.00 hours. It caters for 58 children, aged between 6 weeks to school age. It offers full and part time places and offer funded hours to 2, 3, and 4 years olds.

The children are placed in age and stage appropriate rooms, this enables them to engage in a wide range of activities to meet their individual needs in line with the Early Years Foundations Stage.

The nursery has a lovely secure garden which enables the children to explore and widen their experiences outdoors. A large canopy covers a soft play area which allows the children to be protected from the sun during the summer months and provides shelter in the rain.

The nursery employs a dedicated and experienced team who undertake regular training such as Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding and Food Safety.

All meals are prepared on site by two experienced cooks who provide a well balanced healthy diet. All diets are catered for.

The nursery has a wide range of visual aids around the nursery to help parents, carers and children who speak English as an additional language. This ranges from a visual menu board, plus labels around the room in children’s key home language.

The nursery is easily accessible by car or bus and is only a 7 minute walk from Newcastle town centre.

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Care Provided by The Croft Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • The Croft Nursery School Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Helen Bennett (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 15
  • Total Places for Children
  • 58
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:00-18:00
    Tuesday 07:00-18:00
    Wednesday 07:00-18:00
    Thursday 07:00-18:00
    Friday 07:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for The Croft Nursery

  • 2 Year funding accepted. 15 / 30 hours funding is available for all children from 9 months. The fee structure is simple and charges are made by the day or weekly rate. Please enquire for more information and a quote. Discounts available for siblings.
  • Parking

  • Car park to the rear of the nursery.


The Croft Nursery Reviews (64)

Total of 64, showing 41-60
9.9

The Croft Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.946) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Croft Nursery has 64 reviews.

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Review from Kerry M (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at The Croft Nursery (Newcastle) are amazing. They are caring, kind and professional. Our son experienced some difficulties with swallowing during his first 18 months of life and with the support of S.A.L.T we knew that we could trust the staff with the safe care of our son. He is now nearly
3 years old and he is meeting all milestones and loves going to nursery. He loves to talk about his day and his confidence and development have grown with the variety of experiences and activities at The Croft Nursery.

Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review and comments made.


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Review from Annisa B (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has only been going to The Croft for 2-months, but from the very first moment I stepped into the baby room with our daughter, I was sure she would be very happy there. The staff are very friendly, professional and welcoming, and our little one has always been happy to be passed over in
the morning. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming, and I am sure our daughter will thrive there. I would definitely recommend The Croft as much as other people have recommended them to us.

Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery

Thank you, Annisa, for your lovely review. I'm sure your daughter will have a lovely time at the nursery.


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Review from Francesca S (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both our son and daughter absolutely loved attending this nursery. The staff are fantastic and provide wonderful care. We look forward to when our youngest starts nursery there in the next couple of years.

Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review; it was a pleasure having your children at the nursery.


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Review from I B (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely pleased with the care our child receives. Professional and friendly staff, clean and tidy environment empowering kids skills and potential. Meaningful activities, varied and tailored to kids needs. Constant feedback on kids progresses. In house cook with good and healthy menu. Would strongly
recommend.

Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery

Thank you, I B, for your lovely review. It's a pleasure looking after your child at the nursery.


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Review from Megan G (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Croft Nursery (Newcastle) is such a high quality nursery for so many reasons. My son is always so happy to attend and sometimes does not even want to come home because he has that much fun! There has recently been a time when my son became unwell the staff took excellent care of him until I arrived.
They have worked tirelessly through the pandemic to keep all our children safe and they don't only look after our children they watch out for us parents too! The activities, meals, outside space, building and staff are all truly wonderful. 100% would recommend to other parents.

Reply from Helen Bennett, Manager at The Croft Nursery

Thank you for your kind review. It's a pleasure caring for your son at the nursery!


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Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Croft Nursery carers for my two children are to the highest standard. I feel they have helped not only my children but, myself on numerous occasions. My children have positive relationships with their peers and the staff and always enjoy their days at nursery. The curriculum and activities are varied.
As a parent, I enjoy the feedback and pictures of my children at the end of each day.

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Review from Caroline (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one loves going to nursery and has grown in confidence since she started.
The staff are lovely and warm and show such encouragement with the progress she is making.
I would definitely recommend The Croft.

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Review from R I (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has started at the nursery last month for 30 funded hours following him turning three. He has not been in this surrounding before and everyone involved in his care has done everything possible to make sure he settles in well and feels comfortable. Every time I collect him I get a full summary
of everything he's done that day. I really like getting that feedback. The staff are caring and very pleasant, I could not be happier with choosing this nursery. Will definitely recommend.

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Review from Cheryl K (Grandmother of Child) published on 15 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Croft I find is exceptional. My granddaughter loved it from day one. I’m always put at ease that I can phone at any time to check on my granddaughter and not feel like you're a nuisance at all. The staff are friendly and helpful and always explain your child’s day to you every time you collect
your child and you feel like you can always talk to the staff with ease; that goes for all the staff. All in all, a very friendly and safe environment for your children. I would highly recommend.

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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 11 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have always been so happy with The Croft nursery. Our boys have thrived there and it is all down to the wonderful staff who genuinely care for the children.

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Review from Claire B (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot express how happy we are with the Croft. Our little boy has attended since he was 13 months old and is now 26 months. The level of care he gets is exceptional and his development is above average in most areas and this is definitely down to all the staff at his nursery.

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Review from Timea G (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one joined the nursery a year ago after a bad experience at her previous nursery. Very caring environment, encouraging and nurturing little individuals to bloom and thrive. Was amazed seeing them using basic Makaton signs and sitting at meal times around their tables quietly focusing on their
food! Well done Croft! You are all doing a wonderful job! Highly recommended!

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Review from Y A (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were very worried that our son would not settle in the nursery when he first joined at the end of April 2019. He settled in very well and he was warmly welcomed by the staff from the nursery. My special thanks to the baby room where he was made to feel like home. He is loved and cared for by the
staff. I feel he is in safe hands while I am at work. He is now enjoying going to the nursery.

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Review from Nikki S (Mother of Child) published on 10 June 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely brilliant place, a real home from home, friendly environment. The staff are brilliant with all the children, so caring. Would recommend to anyone.

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Review from Claire W (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Croft Nursery (Newcastle)is a lovely clean and well looked after environment for my child. The staff are friendly and absolutely wonderful to my child and me. I would recommend this nursery to any parent. My child has come on leaps and bounds growing up here and has many friends.

Reply from Jayne Huxley-Steadman at The Croft Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review.


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Review from Leah H (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been going to The Croft nursery for a year and the advancement and confidence in him has been remarkable.
The staff are very good and I have always felt that it is a positive and safe environment for him.
The food is organic and home cooked and the activities that he does are continual
and educational.
They are all very proactive in ensuring the building is safe and the door access is used correctly.

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Review from Leah M (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff I've come across have always been very polite to me and gave me answers to any questions I've asked. They've helped my daughter settle back in after Christmas.

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Review from Suzie E (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been using The Croft nursery for over three years now, I used it with my first child and when my second was born and I returned to work I didn’t hesitate to send her too!
In the time that I have sent my girls there they have developed so much, the learning they acquire through play and activities
has been clearly thought about and delivered at a high level. It’s brilliant to go and pick them up and see what they have been up to with work coming home, photographs or stories about their day!
The children are cared for at a high level and their well being is important to the staff, if they have been poorly or emotional they have been supported and helped.
The food that is provided is exceptional and both children have enjoyed the home cooked food.
Overall, I think this is an outstanding nursery and I know that every day they have attended has been the best decision I made when choosing this nursery. Thank you, ladies, for all that you do!

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Review from Julie B (Grandmother of Child) published on 14 December 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Granddaughter has been at the Nursery for around a year. She was shy at first but has come on in leaps and bounds. She loves the staff and her food. Can’t thank you enough.

Reply from Jayne, Manager at The Croft Nursery

Thank you Julie for your lovely review.


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Review from Natalie W (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love The Croft Nursery Newcastle! It truly feels like being part of a family & they treat my children as there own & I recommend them to anyone who wishes to know about, good, safe nurseries to take there child/children to. My children adore the staff & are no longer picky eaters ( at nursery) They
eat everything put on their plates. I can't recommend the nursery enough.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.946)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.946) out of 10 for The Croft 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 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.946 for The Croft Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (159 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 168 Ratings = 4.946

  • 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 The Croft Nursery is based on 14 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 58 number of registered child places is 11.6, which has been reached with 14 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 (3)

'Outstanding' Ofsted Inspection

Recipient: The Croft Nursery

Date: Wednesday 27 Sep 2023 More details

Top 20 Nurseries West Midlands 2019

Recipient: The Croft Nursery

Date: Tuesday 30 Apr 2019 More details

Top 20 Nurseries West Midlands 2018

Recipient: The Croft Nursery

Date: Thursday 01 Mar 2018 More details

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Meet the Team (1)

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Helen Bennett

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 1990

I have worked at The Croft since November 1990, working with all various ages of children. Over the years I have progressed from nursery nurse to nursery manager and had the pleasure of caring for a wide range of children and their families.


I manage an experienced management team plus nursery nurses who are all qualified for a minimum of level 3 childcare. All the staff undertake additional training every 3 years such as Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding and Food Safety.


The nursery employs a cook who provides a well-balanced diet on a day-to-day basis, using fresh meat, vegetables and fruit. We are proud of our 5* Food Hygiene Rating.


I am delighted the nursery has been rated OUTSTANDING by Ofsted in September 2023, so proud of all my hard-working staff!


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