The Old School Nursery

The Old School, Main Street, Honington, Grantham NG32 2PG
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10 40 Reviews
  • The Old School Nursery, Grantham
The Old School Nursery is a beautiful rural nursery situated in Honington at the Sleaford/Lincoln fork (A607/A153) just 10 mins from Grantham centre and the next village on from Barkston.

The nursery offers government funded places from nine months old (subject to eligibility), government funded places for three and four-year-olds and is registered with the Government Tax-Free childcare scheme.

The nursery is Hygge accredited - Hygge is the Danish way of living, incorporating mindfulness, a sense of being, and caring for yourself and others. The children enjoy a calm and relaxing atmosphere where they can explore, learn through their experiences and have fun.

The nursery garden has a wealth of experiences for the children. A sensory path, known as the Mindfulness walk, a tee-pee, a large 'Fort' incorporating things to climb, tyre-swings and a slide, large tractor tyres to climb, and a viewing station so that the children can say Hello to the donkeys and the ponies in the field next door. The garden also has raised beds where the children grow vegetables, which are then cooked by the resident chef. The nursery prides itself in being sustainable, and the items in the garden have been transformed from other items, such as pallets, old tyres, wood left-over from projects.

Inside, the nursery promotes a feeling of home in a calming environment, where the children are free to explore the natural open-ended resources, to enhance their learning. The practitioners are resources too, who sit with the children, join in their play, and enhance the learning opportunities when the time is right, by asking open-questions, and showing the children how to find out things.

A small setting in a small village location, The Old School Nursery really is a hidden gem, where the families become an extended family, where they care for each other and thrive on the enjoyment they have.

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Care Provided by The Old School Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Taylor Stewart (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 10
  • Total Places for Children
  • 26
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 6 months
    • to 4 years 11 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-17:45
    Tuesday 08:00-17:45
    Wednesday 08:00-17:45
    Thursday 08:00-17:45
    Friday 08:00-17:45
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & between Christmas & New Year

Funding & Fees Guide for The Old School Nursery

  • £37 -£60, £300 full time.

  • Stretched funding available for 9 month-3 yrs old (11.3 hours per week) Sessions 8-1 or 8-6 , some afternoon sessions may be available on request.
    Term time only (15/30 per week)or streteched funding (11.3/22.6 per week) available for 3 yr olds and vulnurable 2 year olds, slightly more flexibility with session times, please enquire.
    Funded hours will be deducted from your weekly costs in accordance with our price lists. Please ask for more information.
  • Parking

  • They have a large onsite car park.


The Old School Nursery Reviews (40)

Total of 40, showing 21-40
10

The Old School Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.972) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Old School Nursery has 40 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from H R (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful little nursery! We have been so happy with our son’s progression at nursery and eagerly await his daily report and photographs from the app. The staff are not only very caring and conscientious but also engaging and fun to be around. The meals and food provided throughout the day are
fantastic, varied, well balanced and nutritious. We are both quite jealous and wish we could be as well fed at lunchtime! We have been very impressed and will be sending our younger son here too (if there’s space)!

Reply from Mel Hart, Owner/Manager at The Old School Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review! It is a pleasure to look after your son, and we look forward to number 2 attending too!


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Review from N H (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has been taken over in the time my little one has attended and what an incredible difference it has made. It's now a warm and inviting environment and team, for children and parents alike. My little one loves attending and when I drop them off they are always happy which massively eases
my mum guilt. Although it's small, I think this is one of its strong points as they know each child so well. There are lots of opportunities for time outside in a wonderful village setting and surrounding farmland.

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Review from S O (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son transferred to The Old School Nursery from a larger town nursery as I felt a smaller more homely nursery would suit him better. The nursery is a beautiful, characterful, cosy old school building set in the countryside, overlooking the fields. I couldn't believe the positive difference in him,
almost immediately. He settled in so quickly and was obviously enjoying his time here. He particularly enjoys spending time outdoors exploring the garden and looking out over the wall at the animals and spotting tractors in the adjacent field. This is all fantastic but I feel the most important part of a nursery is the staff who work there. Everyone from the manager, the ladies in the rooms and even the cook are so wonderful. Kind, welcoming, open and accommodating are just a few words I would use to describe the team. My son has learned so much during his time here. It is wonderful to be updated daily on what he is learning and enjoying by using the app. I'd highly recommend it!

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Review from Jessica W (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son absolutely loves it there and he is flourishing! The app makes it so easy to see what is happening, I can log on at any time and see updates as they happen. The staff include photos, videos and learning developments daily. The outdoors area is just the right size and in a quiet, safe location
with gorgeous views. Indoors is warm and inviting and just a beautiful space for my child to spend his days. More importantly than this though, is how well they know him and how much they love him. They know how independent he is and they tailor everything to that, right down to how they serve his breakfast and how he learns and plays. They are affectionate and really care about him as his own little person. My younger son is starting in a few months and I have no doubt that he will be as happy there as his brother. If he's going to spend his day with someone other than me, I'm so glad he's with them. I cannot recommend this nursery highly enough, I am so, so glad I found this hidden gem.

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Review from S R (Father of Child) published on 21 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An outstanding setting and committed staff. Both of our children love it. The personal way in which the staff engage affords a wonderful picture of how the children are developing and this is backed up with photos online. We feel assured they are getting the best start possible.

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Review from G M (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We use the nursery for all three of our children, including our baby twins. I couldn't recommend it enough. The staff are so caring and have helped all of our children settle in so well. Every day they come home and have learned something new. I drop them off knowing that I don't have to worry. The
food is excellent and they serve a substantial tea later in the afternoon so they are never hungry when you collect! They have been very flexible and a big support to our family also providing an after school club for our eldest daughter who started reception in Caythorpe. The outdoor space is brilliant, the location is beautiful with views of horses and open countryside. It really is a hidden gem!

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Review from S P (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous, home from home nursery. Wonderful outside setting with sensory path, climbing frame, mud kitchen, veg patch and fruit trees, pedal cars. In a quiet village where the children can go for walks to see farm animals and outside area overlooking fields with animals to watch. My daughter has loved
her 3 and a half years here, the staff have really prepared her well for school with learning some phonics and number recognition. She's had an amazing time here, a fantastic nursery that I would recommend.

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Review from C P (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful nursery in a lovely village setting with an area the children can look out onto the fields. My son has been at the nursery for two years since the new owner has taken over it has gone from strength to strength offering a calm and caring setting for my child to learn and grow. The staff are
very kind and caring and they went above and beyond to help my son settle into the setting offering extra support where required. Always made to feel welcome and greeted with a friendly face. Regular updates on the nursery’s online platform throughout the day so you know how your child is getting on and what they have eaten etc. I would definitely recommend this nursery if you are looking for your child.

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Review from Michael M (Father of Child) published on 4 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Old School Nursery is lovely! We would certainly recommend the setting for any parents looking for child care in the area, our daughter has been attending The Old School Nursery since the new management took over, it is a calm environment that encourages playing together both inside and outside.
We really trust all of the staff and the management. The cooked meals are a real treat and our daughter loves them! Our other children are now attending and they’ve settled in brilliantly.

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Review from Sarah E (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the service that both of my children have received at Dappledown. I am confident that the children are well looked after and have their needs met. When I leave and my little boy cries I know he will get a cuddle and get the attention he needs through the day he gets good home-cooked
food and lots to keep him busy and learning. Thoroughly recommend Dappledown and all the staff.

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Review from S S (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment I walked into Dappledown, I knew it was the perfect setting. All staff have been kind, caring and knowledgeable. Every single member of staff is invested in my sons journey and education over the last two years. He has come on leaps and bounds. I have never had a single doubt leaving
my son there, he always comes home happy, incredibly well-fed and full of chatter about his day. He has settled into the big room really well and that is testament to the love for and confidence my son has in all the staff.

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Review from Mark H (Father of Child) published on 7 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A small, intimate nursery with some lovely staff in a lovely setting. Both our kids go here and both have come on very well in the time they've spent at the nursery. They both love coming to nursery as the range of activities they do seems to keep them interested, as well as developing their abilities.
For the most part, the staff are excellent with one or two who are good with the kids but not so good at the handovers.
The extra-curricular activities that the nursery puts on (mother and fathers' day stuff etc) are good and involve the parents well. They also give you a good chance to see the staff in action, which is nice and reassuring for a parent. The online journals and logs are well used and thoroughly completed by the staff, so give you a good picture of what the kids have been up to so you can frame activities at home to complement what they do a nursery.

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Review from Kelly B (Mother of Child) published on 15 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This a lovely little nursery with really caring staff. My little boy loves coming to nursery now every day, and he has developed so much since attending Dappledown House Nursery.
It’s a wonderful nursery with wonderful staff and would highly recommend it to other parents.

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Review from Karen B (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter settled into Dappledown House Nursery extremely quickly even with being the youngest in her room and every morning she goes in happily and comes out happy.
The staff have got to know her well and provide us support with developmental milestones, such as potty training. the staff speak about
the children with such fondness you would think they were their own they really care. As a parent, I can leave my daughter knowing she is happy, well cared for, well fed and well entertained. I couldn't ask for more.

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Review from Jane R (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had 2 children at the nursery over the last 5 years. My daughter currently attends daily prior to starting school in September. The nursery is taking time to ensure she is fully prepared for the transition to school, she enjoys her time at nursery and talks very fondly of all the staff at the
nursery. I know that when she starts school she will be confident and fully prepared for the next chapter of her life.

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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 27 January 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dappledown is a lovely nursery and suits our family perfectly. We love the old school setting and the location. The nursery really makes the most of this - the children get lots of fresh air and space to explore and have fun. We often get reports of visits to see the farm animals. Our toddler runs straight
in in the morning and is very happy, chattering non-stop about his day.


His baby brother also recently started nursery and has settled immediately - which shows how relaxed he is there and with the wonderful staff. The food is excellent and home-cooked, which was one of our reasons to choose the nursery. We also needed a nursery that opened early to enable us to drop the boys off and get to work - Dappledown recognises this by opening at 7.30am and offering a great breakfast.


Overall, we couldn't be happier with Dappledown - the boys are well cared for, take part in great activities, sing, play and interact well with other children and the staff.


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Review from Rachel (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter loves the nursery and the staff members. As a parent, it is really reassuring to see the real and genuine interest all of the staff members show in your child and in relation to their development. There always seems to be a new activity to get involved in and it is great to see how these
are informed and developed on the interest shown by the children.

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Review from Catherine C (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We are really happy with the nursery, more importantly though, the boys are happy. The staff always seem caring and kind, often thinking of new activities to keep young minds interested. It's excellent value for money and the team seem to work really well together.

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Review from Mrs P (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at Dappledown since last October when he was 10 months old. The care and attention he has received has been second to none and I have no reservations in recommending the nursery to any prospective parents. He couldn't be happier to run in each morning and has formed some lovely relationships
and friendships with the other children. The care and dedication shown by his key workers and other nursery staff have certainly made returning to work much easier for me, knowing he was in safe hands and enjoying his time spent there.

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Review from Amii (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dappledown is a great nursery in a lovely surrounding. My son has been going since he was 8 months old (now 2 1/2years) and we have never had any concerns with the care he receives. All the staff are great, very friendly and easy to speak to. The nursery is always doing new projects for the children
to get involved with to help their development.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.972)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.972) out of 10 for The Old School Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.972 for The Old School Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (245 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 252 Ratings = 4.972

  • 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 Old School Nursery is based on 21 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 26 number of registered child places is 5.2, which has been reached with 21 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

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

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Meet the Team (10)

Mel

Mel Hart

Job Title: Owner and Manager

Joined: 2022

I am the Owner and I have another nursery in nearby Grantham - Albion House Nursery. I have a Degree in Early Years and Early Years Professional Status. I have always worked with children, and I started out as a Nanny. I live at home with My Husband, Son and Dog Billie. I love to socialise with my friends and listen to live music and I have another huge passion for Pre-War cars where I organise a Vintage speed trials event every year.


Taylor

Taylor Stewart

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2023

I am the Nursery Manager, SENCO and DSL. I have a Degree in Early Childhood Studies and lots of experience with children of all ages. I have a true passion for Early Years and am dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging and enriching learning environment that supports young children's growth and curiosity.


Kirsty

Kirsty Walster

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2025

I joined The Old School team recently in 2025. I have lots of experience in early years and have a special interest in the antenatal side of early years. I love the outdoors, photography and our nurseries Hygge ethos.


Shannon

Shannon Moore

Job Title: Third in Charge

Joined: 2024

I started with The Old School in 2024 and love the homely vibe, hygge ethos and family feel to the nursery. I am level 3 qualified and working towards my Makaton qualification. A theory that I am passionate about would be Maslow's hierarchy of needs and I feel this links in perfectly with our nursery values.


Emily

Emily Trim

Job Title: Level 2 Practitioner

Joined: 2024

I joined The Old School Nursery and began working towards my Level 3 Qualification in March 2024. The nursery manager has been brilliant at supporting me with this. My passion in the early years is helping children with SEN, I work closely with our SENCO and also hold a qualification in this.


Sacha

Sacha Walker

Job Title: Level 5 Practitioner

Joined: 2024

I bought my first home in the area in November 2024 and began my role at The Old School a couple of weeks later. I instantly felt welcomed due to the homely feel the setting has. I am level 5 qualified and have worked in early years since 2018.


Mia

Mia Moore

Job Title: Level 3 Practitioner

Joined: 2023

I started with The Old School in 2023 as an apprentice and worked extremely hard to gain a distinction in my Level 3 qualification. I love getting messy and exploring different ways of learning for the children and have recently begun to develop my teaching of phonics. I live on my own with my crazy hamster Poppet who likes to keep me on my toes!


Trish

Trish Statham-Wilson

Job Title: EYQTS

Joined: 2024

I have worked at The Old School nursery since June 2024. I am based in the Pre-school room due to my experience in Early Years Education and previously being based in a School. I love teaching the children their phonics and watching the cogs turn in their brains as they begin to understand more and more, it is so rewarding!


Hayley

Hayley Back

Job Title: Level 3 Practitioner

Joined: 2025

I joined The Old School in 2025. I have two children of my own and I am Level 3 qualified. I would love to do further studying in the future within early years. I love the warm, friendly environment of our nursery and it's Hygge ethos.


Suzanne

Suzanne Mullock

Job Title: Nursery Chef

Joined: 2022

I have worked at The Old School Nursery since Mel took over in 2022. I love making fresh, healthy, home cooked meals everyday for the children here, and they love the food! I also hold a level3 qualification in early years and enjoy getting to spend time with the children over a hot lunch.


Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact The Old School Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Old School Nursery has an Enhanced Service – more info.