Arnhall Nursery

Gardens Cottages, Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU
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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.

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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)

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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.

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Review from Stewart B (Father of Child) published on 21 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves attending Arnhall and has great relationships with the staff in his room, they have been amazing at supporting him and keeping his routine normal and fun after the arrival of his baby brother who is also booked in to attend. The experiences supplied by the nursery are second to none, especially
all the outdoor space and activities, and he especially enjoys getting to go to the forest every week.

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Review from Nicola P (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children at Arnhall, both love attending. Staff are friendly and fun, food is carefully considered and enjoyable. The nursery has a big focus on the outdoors (important to me) and makes an excellent use of the outdoor space with a large nursery garden and forest walks and activities. Learning
opportunities are well thought out and messy play is encouraged.

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Review from T M (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have just started both of my children at Arnhall Nursery in January. I am very happy with my children’s progress. My son’s speech and language have been coming along extremely well and in just a short period of time. My son loves coming to nursery and is very happy and excited in the mornings when
he’s going to nursery. I think that the staff are great and you can see that they really care for the children and really enjoy what they are doing. My daughter is learning new things every day and really seems to enjoy being in a stimulating learning environment with her new peers. I am very happy and relieved that I’ve found a safe and nurturing environment for my children.

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Review from Christine C (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Arnhall has offered my children amazing experiences from babes to pre-schoolers. The staff are first class and can’t do enough to make your child feel special. The forest and garden are lovely environments for the children to play and explore. Would recommend to anyone!

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Review from F M (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery have been very supportive for my daughter, especially in her first toddler room. She has made friends with her peers and learned lots of new skills. She loves being outside and this is facilitated. The office have been supportive of us as parents as we navigated our daughter's journey into
nursery.

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Review from R A (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

By all measures, Arnhall is a superb nursery for our twins. Excellent learning and interactive environment which is a rare find. The staff provide a rich experience and warm environment. The care provided is worth a lot more.

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Review from Zoe A (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely amazing local nursery. Staff are excellent with my little boy. So many things are done with the kids from forest trips and activities, to garden learning and safety, indoor PE, various types of play areas that regularly change/rotate within the rooms. My eldest also attended the nursery and
I have to admit il be very sad once this one leaves and our Arnhall journey finishes after 6+ years. Highly recommend to anyone looking for first-class fun daycare in the Stirling area.

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Review from Claudia G (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly and well-prepared staff. Good outdoor and indoor activity. My children is very happy and learning every day something new. We are very happy to have chosen this school. Highly recommended.

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Review from Laura A (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot rate Arnhall highly enough. Staff go above and beyond for the children and the forest school is something my daughter always talks about after she comes home. Good healthy homemade food served. Office staff are extremely efficient when dealing with questions or queries. Could not have chosen
a better start for my daughter than Arnhall!

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Review from Liz W (Grandmother of Child) published on 26 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The quality of care my granddaughter is receiving at Arnhall is second to none. Even after a long break with covid, she settled quickly back into her nursery routine. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable, the outside space is wonderful and the communication is always fantastic. I would definitely
recommend Arnhall to anyone looking for a relaxed, safe and stimulating environment for their children.

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Review from Neil W (Father of Child) published on 11 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Arnhall Nursery have been excellent throughout the pandemic: keeping us well informed. staying open as able and continuing contact when not. Now we are back full-time, they continue to offer a fun, educational and outdoor focused nursery. Staff genuinely know and care for the children, and make an effort
to tailor the care to each individual. Happy child: happy parents. Thank you!

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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 6 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Arnhall highly enough! Both my children love being outdoors and it was great to find a nursery that caters for this. They participate in forest school and go for walks as well as daily outdoor play in the nursery garden which is full of resources encouraging their imagination and
creativity. They also have freshly made hot meals, which offer a great variety of things for the children to try. All meals, snacks, and drinks are included in the cost.
They also offer French and Spanish classes (payable separately). A great nursery that I would highly recommend!

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Review from Carol M (Grandmother of Child) published on 11 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two grandchildren aged four and two started the nursery after the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted. They had relocated from another nursery and we were obviously a bit anxious about the transition. We needn’t have worried as they have settled in very well indeed. The facilities are excellent and
the outdoor environment could not be better. The staff, led by the very professional, warm and considerate manager are focused on providing an exciting and stimulating experience for the children. We feel extremely happy that Arnhall Nursery provides such a nurturing and positive early education provision for our grandchildren.

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Review from Duncan I (Father of Child) published on 3 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves going to Arnhall Nursery. The staff are friendly, they are always thinking of interesting activities for him to do, it is very outdoor centred whatever the weather and the standard of the meals he is offered is very high.

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Review from N N (Mother of Child) published on 1 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our children attend Arnhall; having done so from 12 months old. All aspects of the care and education on offer are of an extremely high standard. It is clear that the nursery environment promotes resilience, nurture, care and respect; both children are always keen to attend and speak positively of their
time there. One of the main attractions for us was the outdoor space and forest school. Both children love being outdoors exploring and this is strongly promoted at Arnhall. The documentation through photos, seeing them laughing with their peers exploring the great outdoors says it all! Communication is always open, and any questions are promptly answered. The introduction of an app for uploading the children’s activity throughout the day is an ideal way to share information and provides reassurance that all is well. The staff are all extremely caring and friendly and have continued to deliver at a level of excellence through a very difficult year.

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Review from Bronwen J (Mother of Child) published on 1 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at Arnhall Nursery in August 2020, just after the first set of restrictions lifted. The team were amazing with him and helped him settle in so well. I love how excited he is to tell me about all the activities he has been up to. The outdoor space at Arnhall is great and a huge plus point
for the nursery. All of the staff are so friendly too. I can see how well my son has developed even in the short time he has been with them. I would highly recommend Arnhall to any parent.

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Review from N S (Mother of Child) published on 1 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Arnhall is a fantastic nursery in a wonderful rural setting. Our toddler starts chanting “nursery!” as soon as we turn onto the road, and runs eagerly towards the staff which for us says it all! Every day he gets to enjoy a variety of activities and the children are taken outside into the forest every
day which we especially love about its setting. The staff are all caring and attentive, and really seem to enjoy their days with the children. The meals are nicely varied, and the chef must be very talented as somehow our son eats everything at nursery he wouldn’t touch at home! Everyone is always very helpful if you have questions or need assistance. It has been odd starting nursery during a global pandemic and not being allowed inside or to meet everyone properly for obvious reasons but it hasn’t hindered how our son has settled in, he clearly loves his days at Arnhall and has a lot of fun, and we couldn’t recommend Arnhall more highly.

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Review from S K (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children at the nursery and both have a brilliant experience. The staff have been kind, caring and positive from day one. The outdoor experience the kids get is so good, for me, the setting is one that cannot be rivalled. There are always plenty of different activities and learning opportunities
available to the kids. The food is also a big positive here, a real variety of healthy food is served and my kids eat so many more different types of food than they would at home. Overall, a great place and I will continue to recommend.

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Review from Hannah H (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Arnhall Nursery have always been super with my son, taking the extra time required to get a shy and anxious boy settled and participating. The office staff have always been very helpful and friendly, promptly responding to questions and queries. The outdoor space is super and I like that
children are encouraged to play and explore outdoors whenever possible.

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Review from Lauren C (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a wonderful atmosphere at this nursery. The educational journals are lovely to keep an eye on what they get up to during the day and to see them happy with their friends. The food menus are great. The children love all the outside time, forest school and exploring the grounds. We are very pleased
with the care and attention our children have received here.

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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

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Awards / Recognitions (39)

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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.


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