The Mere Nature Kindergarten

5 Chester Road, Mere, Knutsford WA16 0PU
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9.9 66 Reviews
  • The Mere Nature Kindergarten, Knutsford
The Mere Nature Kindergarten is set to become somewhere very special for young children.

The indoor space has been restored and refurbished to provide a well thought out early childhood environment that reflects how young children play and learn.

With the building set in beautiful leafy surroundings, the nursery will be making the most of outdoor play that is rich in experience for all ages.

The nursery sits on one of the busiest commuter routes in Cheshire. It is perfectly located for parents living locally or travelling to or from Manchester via the A556 or to Warrington via the A50.

The Mere Nature Kindergarten offers: a large, spacious and natural outdoor area, healthy and nutritious meals, a single storey building with large car park, rooms designed with access to the outdoors, high-quality equipment and resources to support all areas of child development, a new under-two's room, designed with every aspect of your child’s developmental stages in mind and a committed, professional, skilled and caring team who love what they do.

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Care Provided by The Mere Nature Kindergarten

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Stacy Kelsall-Light (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 15
  • Total Places for Children
  • 65
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 4 years 11 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for The Mere Nature Kindergarten

  • Part-time, full-time and funded places available

The Mere Nature Kindergarten Reviews (66)

Total of 66, showing 21-40
9.9

The Mere Nature Kindergarten has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.902) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Mere Nature Kindergarten has 66 reviews.

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Review from Sam W (Father of Child) published on 16 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Deciding on where to send your first child to nursery is a massive decision, we looked at a few different nurseries and child minders, however, as soon as we discovered The Mere Nursery, we knew that we'd found something special. From the first show round, we knew it was where we'd be sending our child,
not just because of the beautiful environment and setting that it is, but also the extras that came with your child having a place there. The staff are beyond fantastic and work with us very much as part of a team, with regular updates on nursery drop-offs/pickups and through the parents' app too. Our child's key workers are nothing short of amazing and offer real support and reassurance that they have our child's best interest at heart. The food that our child eats is just brilliant with incredible variety, all healthy and freshly prepared on-site. Just a fantastic nursery with truly great staff that always go above and beyond. I would 100% recommend The Mere Nursery to anyone.

Reply from Emma Willis, Manager at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

It is an absolute pleasure to look after your little boy, he is such a confident member of the toddler room with fantastic relationships with the staff. He definitely enjoys his meals and loves to spend his time outdoors- thank you for your lovely review.


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Review from Natasja G (Mother of Child) published on 5 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff do not only look after my son, but they care for him on a personal basis. He is excited to spend the day with all the ladies, and they take care to notice any changes in his personality, even when he is seemingly fine physically, proving that they are not merely doing a job but fulfilling
a passion. They encourage him through new activities but respect his pace and don't push him past his limits. We are so lucky to have chosen The Mere Nursery to care for our son during some of the most important years of his life.

Reply from Emma Willis, Manager at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

Thank you for your lovely review Natasja. I am so pleased that your little one is settled with us here at The Mere. He is a pleasure to look after.


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Review from Sarah N (Mother of Child) published on 5 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are brilliant, really helpful, efficient and supportive. They are great with the kids and have been fantastic with all our foster meetings, appointments and helping with the boys in their development.

Reply from Emma Willis, Manager at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

Thank you for your lovely review, Sarah. We are pleased that the boys are settled and enjoy their time here.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started nursery at 4 and a half months old. So it was crucial for us to find a nursery that we were 100% happy. The Mere is a fantastic nursery with high hygiene standards, spacious settings, plenty of outdoor space and a scrumptious menu. They have daily and monthly activities planned, focusing
on the development of keys skills following a lot of the Montessori principles where our son learned and thrived a lot through play. They also provide extra-curricular activities such as forest school, rhythm time and sports. Communication with parents is superb. The development of every child is observed closely by their key person and they work with parents to provide the best for each child. We learn about our little one's day every evening while picking him up and separate regular meetings with his key person. Management and staff are incredibly friendly. The Mere is unique for having all these qualities under one roof. We are a part of a big family for almost three years now. We highly recommend it.

Reply from Sarah Eyes, Manager at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

Thank you Oznur for your lovely words, it has been a pleasure to care for your little boy from such a young age. Many thanks, Sarah.


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Review from Liz B (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery, it’s a home from home. My baby is so happy there and the staff look after him with the utmost care and love.

Reply from Sarah Eyes at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

Thank you so much Liz for your lovely words, it's our great pleasure to have your child with us.


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Review from Zoe M (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended The Mere Nursery for over a year and now and we couldn’t be happier. She is always happy to be there and has fun with the staff and other children whatever the weather. The setting is lovely and feels comfortable, relaxed and welcoming. The staff are so friendly and all genuinely
seem to care about my daughter's well being.

Reply from Sarah Eyes at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

Thank you for your lovely comments, Zoe.


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Review from Tony R (Father of Child) published on 22 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started in March and was not used to strangers and wouldn’t leave her mum's side.
Within 3 months, she was waving us goodbye telling us to go in a sense and always smiling. She now hugs her mentor when she arrives.
This has also made her outside of the nursery so much more confident,
she runs around the park without the need for someone by her side.
Without a doubt, the best thing we’ve done for our daughter was to send her here.

Reply from Sarah Eyes at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, Tony.


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Review from Rebekah E (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have been really pleased with the service offered at Mere Nursery. My daughter has found drop offs hard and upsetting but the staff have done everything possible to ease the transition. I have also valued calls throughout the day to let me know when she is calm and happy.
The team at Mere excel
in organising original play, themed days and wonderfully creative activities, there is always something going on.
Overall a lovely place with a welcoming feel.

Reply from Sarah Eyes at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

Thank you for your lovely review, Rebekah.


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Review from Rhiannon R (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone at The Mere is so caring and attentive. They genuinely care for the children and design interesting activities menus and spaces that allow them to grow and explore.

Reply from Sarah Eyes at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

Thank you for your lovely comments, Rhiannon.


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Review from Sue W (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery. My son loves it here. The staff are lovely and make such an effort to make sure the kids are happy.
Meals are outstanding and when I hear what's on the menu I drool. A lot of thought goes into the weekly menu.
All in all, I highly recommend this nursery.

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Review from Bec R (Mother of Child) published on 11 October 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After returning to the UK from Australia, we were unsure of the nursery process. As soon as I walked into the nursery, I was so amazed at such a lovely setting. I was welcomed by all the staff and knew straight away it was right for my son. My son loved the nursery and all the team in the baby room.
I have never met such an attentive group of caring people. I was apprehensive to leave him as a first time mum, however, the care shown to my son was above and beyond and I soon returned to work knowing he was safe and happy. We have recently returned to Australia and cannot find somewhere as good as The Mere. I highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Janet Williamson, Manager at The Mere Nature Kindergarten

Hello Bec, we are proud and happy that the welcome you received at The Mere made you feel that we were the right setting for your child, it's one of the most important decisions a parent can make. To go to work each day and feel your baby is being cared for and enjoying himself is every parent's wish. The practitioners genuinely care for the babies and their passion for the children in their care shines through.
Your son is a lovely little boy and we miss him in our baby room. We loved the photograph you sent us from Australia and hope you all settle back there. I am sure your son will flourish in his new setting and soon get used to new surroundings and people. Kind Regards The Manager.


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Review from Katherine H (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with the nursery. Pleased they do a parents evening for my husband to see at night. Excellent giving discount if you recommend friends as the nursery is expensive.
Though I like it that the nursery is open from 7:30am - 6pm.

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Review from Angela S (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter LOVES going to The Mere Nursery. She settled in so quickly and I can't think of a time when it's been difficult to leave her there at morning drop off. She's so happy there and I'm comfortable leaving her as I know she is so well looked after. Our daughter's development has been fantastic
and she comes home each day having learnt new words. The home cooked food always smells amazing and my daughter's dietary requirements are well catered for. The nursery runs regular stay and play and other events and the nursery staff are all absolute superstars.

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Review from Kate P (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are delighted to have found this nursery. Our 17-month-old has been going here now for a couple of months in the baby room (after being at a different nursery previously), and I only have positive things to say about it! The staff, environment, activities and happiness of the children is second to
none. The menu appears to be ever-changing and varied, the children have a variety of things to do and there's always something being organised to help their development or keep them entertained. The staff are really good at keeping you informed of what the little ones have been up to, and the manager of the nursery is always contactable. We are delighted and will be sending our second child here too. I can't recommend it highly enough. Thanks to The Mere!

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Review from N B (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am a first-time parent and my child has an egg and dairy allergy, so I am definitely a bit anxious and needy.
I felt confident leaving her from when we started in April because the staff have taken the time to get to know her and myself and know what her needs are.
The staff seem very knowledgeable
as they have supported me through weaning and sleep routine.


I feel that my child is safe and secure and is learning new things every day because they plan individually for her.


Would highly recommend.


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Review from Kevin W (Father of Child) published on 22 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is FANTASTIC. Our first child attended a few months ago, I'm told its usual for a child to wail at first, this happened for about 2 weeks but now he clearly loves going to nursery. We are lucky to get a wave bye now when we drop him off, there is not a tear in sight, well not from him anyway!
The staff clearly love children and their jobs, unusual as other nurseries I have been in this has not always been the case. The nursery offers older children a piece of fruit when on their way home, a lovely touch. There is a menu for parents to read when they drop their children off and the security which uses fingerprint entry for parents is welcome.
I am absolutely satisfied sending my child here and I would wholeheartedly recommend this nursery to anyone considering it.


A personal note of thanks to the manager and the baby room supervisor and her colleagues, extremely welcoming people and they make the worries of leaving our bundle of joy for the day disappear.


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Review from Fiona C (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mere Day Nursery is an excellent nursery.


I love the baby room and the care that the team show to my daughter. She does take a while to warm to new people and new environments. The team understood this and encouraged her and made her feel at home really quickly. To the point now, she runs in and

makes herself at home.


The environment is fun and there are so many activities for her to do that encourages her development, while at the same time it is clean and well cared for. The outdoor space is great and I am glad they go outside and have fun doing lots of different activities.


I like the way the nursery does open days to encourage other parents to meet and also runs sessions like the teddy bears picnic, which gives parents the chance to see how well settled their children are.


The food always smells amazing and she makes a real effort to cater for my daughter’s vegetarian diet, with an exciting menu, not just plain food with the meat removed.


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Review from Elaine M (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have 2 children at the Mere and they both love it. The staff are caring and genuinely interested in developing and supporting their interests. I struggle to get them to leave when I collect them, which must be a good sign!

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Review from Angela (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since joining Mere Day Nursery our son settled in immediately thanks to the warmth, and individual attention from the staff who made him feel safe and secure in this totally new environment.
Creative play plus activities within his group have been crucial to his early year's development.
The positive
and progressive attitude of all the staff is exceptional, helping to make our little boy confident and assured.
His time at Mere Nursery is filled with fun, laughter and learning, he has made many new friends which in turn teaches the children how to share. He is always happy to go to nursery and join in the activities with his friends.
On a more practical note, the meals, which are prepared on site, are healthy and nutritious, while being seated around a table promotes his social skills and interaction with other children.
Outside nursery hours Mere hold creative events throughout the year where parents are encouraged to attend, this is something we greatly enjoy doing as a family.

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Review from Catherine E (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Mere nursery is an outstanding nursery with an excellent staff who are caring and supportive of my son's development. Every week I see him develop physically and intellectually as well as enjoy a growing number of games and activities. I am confident that his time at The Mere has a positive impact!

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.902)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.902) out of 10 for The Mere Nature Kindergarten 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 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 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 4.979 for The Mere Nature Kindergarten is calculated as follows: ( (139 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 142 Ratings = 4.979

  • 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 4.923 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Mere Nature Kindergarten 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 65 number of registered child places is 13. 12 Positive Reviews ÷ 13 = 0.923

  • 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 (4)

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Meet the Team (2)

Stacy

Stacy Kelsall-Light

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2019

Hi my name is Stacy and I have a BA Hons in Childhood Studies. I have 11 year’s experience working in early years. I enjoy using my knowledge and experience to support and mentor new practitioners to provide high quality childcare and exciting new opportunities.
When I am not at nursery, I am usually spending time with my wife and our family, taking our dog Buddy for a walk in the forest or getting cosy at home with a book.


Sarah

Sarah Sanderson

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2023

Sarah is the nursery forest lead as well as deputy manager and is very passionate about outdoor learning, particularly sustainability and tending to the natural world with the children.


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