Arnhall Nursery

Gardens Cottages, Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU
Submit a Review
10 145 Reviews
  • Arnhall Nursery, Dunblane
Arnhall Nursery is run from a large stone built property with unique features such as a turret. The main building set over 2 floors caters for babies up to 3 years old. They have a separate building in the garden which caters for their 2.5 to 5-year-olds. They also have their own outside class room and log cabin. The nursery has a large and completely enclosed garden and its very own forest schools on its doorstep.

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that delivers high-quality childcare which is created by working with parents to understand the individual needs of each child.

The nursery is set in beautiful surroundings on the Keir Estate, ideally located just off the M9, it has a safe and secure garden where children can play and learn about the outside world.

Children are encouraged to learn through play and nursery staff use fun and engaging activities to boost the children’s confidence.

The children take regular walks on the country estate, forest school sessions and extra-curriculum activities such as Jo Jingles and Enjoy A Ball are on offer.

All meals are included and the nursery offers healthy and nutritional breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, home-cooked by an in-house chef.

Show Arnhall Nursery on the Map

Care Provided by Arnhall Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Norma McFarlane (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 36
  • Total Places for Children
  • 107
  • 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
  • Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Arnhall Nursery

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

Arnhall Nursery Reviews (145)

Total of 145, showing 1-20
10

Arnhall Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.969) out of 10, based on 38 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Arnhall Nursery has 145 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 144
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

145
36
37
38
107

Review from E G (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Genuinely delighted with the care my daughter receives here. We recently relocated to the area and transitions can be tricky but Arnhall helped my child settle in really quickly. They are also on top of her allergies completely. It feels like she's really come on since starting.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Gemma B (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Arnhall is a fantastic nursery with great staff. My daughter started in the baby room and is now in one of the oldest rooms. Each room has great facilities for kids and it has been great to see my daughter develop over the past few years. She has become more confident and looks forward to going to nursery
every day. All the staff are so welcoming and have great relationships with the kids, you can see they all care. I would recommend Arnhall to everyone, it really is a fantastic place.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from B V (Father of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our boy absolutely loves it here. Great staff and excellent outdoor facilities. Would recommend this nursery to anyone. The staff are very personable and respectful of each child's needs and wants. Separate wood on the doorstep is unique.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from D A (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always have friendly faces and a great team with both girls. The butterfly and dragonfly rooms are full of good activities, outings to the forest and good outdoor learning adventures. Staff always provide feedback.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been looking for months for a suitable nursery for our son before finding out about Arnhall at one of the mom groups I was attending. This is by far the best nursery around the Stirling area. The children get plenty of time outdoors and have access to the garden and nearby forest. Our son has
been really happy and integrated well. The staff are really friendly and always keep us updated about his progress. They have also helped a lot with his potty training which is amazing.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from E T (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Arnhall Nursery has been amazing to both my children. They are really careful and know every individual. The amount of activities outdoors they promote it's great. I can see my two kids thriving over the years. I would definitely recommend them if you live in the area.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Liam S (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child has just started at Arnhall (as of January 2025) and the staff have been amazingly supportive with his settling in. We really appreciate the clear and open communication, either by phone or through the app and feel confident that he is well looked after. We're looking forward to seeing how
he develops in the fun and nurturing environment that is Arnhall Nursery.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been at Arnhall for over a year and a half now and is thriving. The atmosphere is fun and creative and they spend loads of time outside in nature which was really important to us when looking for a nursery. The staff know my child really well and work well with us to support him.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Ashley C (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant all round! The staff are wonderful, intelligent and attentive. Kids are learning well and outside every day. Use three of the rooms at the moment and am very impressed with them all, preschool especially.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 3-year-old son attends Arnhall Nursery. He has been at home with me since he was born so the transition to nursery for him was tough but with the kindness, patience and amazing support of the Arnhall team he now bounces in every day with no tears and is happy to leave me - something I didn't think
was going to happen which is a testament to the nursery. I cannot praise Arnhall enough, the staff are fantastic and the nursery itself has everything our little ones would ever need. The great outdoor area is such a bonus.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Helena M (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Arnhall is a great nursery, with caring staff who go above and beyond to create a welcoming and nurturing experience for children.
I particularly like the strong emphasis on outdoor time and play in the forest.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from A B (Father of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Started a few months ago when he was 10 months old, he loved it from the get-go. Staff are amazing, separate room for naps, plenty of outdoor activity. All healthy food as well! We've really seen a progress in him since he started.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from C E (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has been fantastic. They really helped settle my child in. She loves going and playing with her friends including her big nursery friends (the room staff!). The outdoor facilities are excellent as is forest school which they make sure all of the older children are able to attend once a week.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Sheena K (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm so glad I found Arnhall Nursery. My twin daughters had previously been at another nursery and I needed full-time spaces (which isn't always easy for twins). From the moment I called I felt welcomed. The room manager called me to introduce herself and I was shown around the nursery. My first thought
was, Wow. Beautiful forest school grounds and lovely learning environments.
One of my main things was a nursery with good communication. We've been at Arnhall now since November 2023 and I've always felt heard and the communication is excellent. Would never go anywhere else now.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from J C (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great little nursery. My children are very happy there. The staff are all really friendly and helpful. The children have lots of outside time, walking and playing in the forest. My children always come back having had a great time, they love all the games and songs and learn lots too!

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from P M (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I could not recommend Arnhall Day Nursery enough! The passion the staff have is second to none. I have met multiple members of staff who work within my child's room that is able to tell me exactly how he has got on that day and how he is settling in as a whole.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Sandra T (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son goes to Arnhall and he really loves it. The stuff is great and we feel that we are part of a big family. They spend a big part of their time outdoors but with the right clothes. My daughter will be there soon.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Andy M (Father of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves going to nursery. The staff are nurturing, fun and committed and always look to provide the best care possible for all the children. They provide a wide variety of activities and always try to make use of the excellent outdoor space. Great nursery.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Dani H (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always recommend Arnhall to friends looking for childcare. All Staff provide brilliant teaching skills, every member of staff will approach my children with a full smile, knowing their name and knowing how to interact with them. Daily updates from staff let me know what my children are learning/progressing
throughout the week. Outdoor space is constantly developing and providing new challenges for the children. The varied diet is also highly important for my children and tasting and eating new foods every week. Each week is a new adventure at Arnhall.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from M N (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Arnhall Nursery is an amazing place and I feel I watch my child grow, learn and develop. He is so well supported as an individual and is hitting his milestones.
The team at Arnhall keep us in the loop and we feel so connected to them.

Reply from Norma McFarlane, Nursery Manager at Arnhall Nursery

Thank you for your kind words and your continued support.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.969)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.969) out of 10 for Arnhall 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 38 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 38 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 4.969 for Arnhall Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (441 Excellents x 5) + (14 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 455 Ratings = 4.969

  • 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 Arnhall Nursery is based on 38 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 107 number of registered child places is 21.4, which has been reached with 38 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 (39)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (6)

Norma

Norma McFarlane

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2003

Norma started at Arnhall Nursery in 2003 as a Room Supervisor. In July 2011 Norma was promoted to Nursery Manager and since this time has successfully developed into the role. Norma holds her HNC, SVQ4 and a BA in Childhood Practice. Norma is currently working towards her Froebel Practice. In her spare time Norma enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog and cycling.


Amanda

Amanda MacDonald

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2011

Amanda has worked at Arnhall for over 10 years. She holds her SVQ Level 3 in Early Years Education and Childcare, her PDA8 and is currently working towards her Froebel Practice. Amanda enjoys meeting up with family and friends and also walks with her dog.


Caroline

Caroline O'Neil

Job Title: Bumblebee Room Manager

Joined: 2021

Caroline is a Level 9 SCQF Qualified and is the Room Manager of the Bumblebee Room. Caroline joined Arnhall Nursery in 2021. Caroline is also trained in Paediatric first aid enjoys spending time with her two boys and her dog Theo.


Julie

Julie Dick

Job Title: Ladybird Room Manager

Joined: 1995

Julie is the Room Manager for the Ladybird Room and has worked at Arnhall for 25 years. She holds her SVQ Level 3 in Early Education and Childcare. In her spare time, Julie enjoys running and going away in her campervan with her partner.


Dawn

Dawn Dickson

Job Title: Grasshopper Room Manager

Joined: 2017

Dawn is the Room Manager for the Grasshopper room. She holds her HNC in Early Education and Childcare and has worked at Arnhall since 2017. In her spare time, Dawn enjoys reading, going for walks and spending time with her little girl.


Jayde

Jayde Hallam

Job Title: Dragonfly Room Manager

Joined: 2018

Jayde is the Room Manager for the Dragonfly Room and has worked at Arnhall since 2018. She holds her SVQ Level 3 in Early Years Education and Childcare. In her spare time, Jayde enjoys being outdoors, going to the gym and socialising.


Frequently Asked Questions about Arnhall Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Arnhall Nursery accepts?

Arnhall Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Arnhall Nursery Open?

Arnhall Nursery 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 Arnhall Nursery have capacity for?

Arnhall Nursery has capacity for a total of 107 Children.

How far is Arnhall Nursery to the centre of Dunblane?

1.5 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 Arnhall Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Arnhall Nursery has an Enhanced Service – more info.