Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

6 The Row, Higham Road, Stratford St Mary, Colchester CO7 6JU
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9.9 36 Reviews
  • Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary, Colchester
Orchard Barns Stratford St Mary is a beautiful nursery providing care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years from Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm.

The Nursery’s approach goes above and beyond the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to foster deep-level learning and optimise potential.

They offer a range of unique educational experiences that enable children to become successful, lifelong learners including, Wake Up and Shake Up, a range of bespoke activities that promote your child’s well-being and confidence, and Garden Champions. They also have weekly Rhythm Time sessions run by an outside company.

Garden Champions is the Nursery's own bespoke Above and Beyond Educational Experience gardening activity. This activity extends children’s knowledge of the outdoor environment, habitats, caring for living things, growth cycles, and growing vegetation outdoors.

The Garden Champion activities are an effective method of harnessing the children’s curiosity in this area and shaping their understanding of the world around them. Staff are supported to deliver these sessions through The Royal Horticultural Society’s School Gardening Awards scheme.

The garden at Stratford St Mary has undergone a major refurbishment which was finished in mid-December. The children are now benefitting from an enhanced and exciting outdoor space.

The Nursery Chef prepares all the children’s meals fresh on the premises each day, and the menus have been designed using the latest nutritional software to ensure they are nutritionally balanced, as well as delicious.

The dedicated staff team supports children to fulfil their potential through a range of engaging experiences and learning opportunities, which are tailored to each child’s own developmental needs and interests, ensuring they are fully prepared for their next steps in education.

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Care Provided by Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Diane Sexton (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 13
  • Total Places for Children
  • 37
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holiday & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

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

  • Fees include all food, nappies, wipes, sun cream etc.
  • Parking

  • Parking is available in the village hall car park next door.


Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary Reviews (36)

Total of 36, showing 1-20
9.9

Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.946) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary has 36 reviews.

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Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at Orchard Barns for the last 2 years, and my now school age daughter also previously attended. It is the most wonderful nursery with lovely, caring and dedicated staff, fantastic facilities both indoors and outdoors and great food. Communication between staff and parents is great. My
children have really flourished here, making lovely friends and learning lots of new skills. I cannot recommend this nursery highly enough.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you so much for this amazing review. I am so glad you and your children have enjoyed being in our setting.


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Review from K W (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Would give Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary 10 stars if I could.
No other nursery compares. Since our first visit, we completed our child's application on the same day. Always a warm welcome by all staff. Each room has been thought through and is full of creativity and creations from the children. You
can just see how much children love it there and that's key.
Our daughter loves it at Orchard. We are always greeted with a smile and given time to let our key person know how our night/morning went.
The staff are incredible, and all put so much time, passion and care into everything they do. Like a home from home.
Outside play is always encouraged and the forest school is great. The food is fantastic. The rooms are always clean. They're Always at the end of the phone.
We receive updates on the app throughout the day and a full handover on pick-up. They truly care and go above and beyond and I never feel rushed out the door.
If you're looking for an incredible nursery, look no further than Orchard Barns.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you very much for this amazing review, we are so pleased that you and your daughter love our nursery.


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Review from T P (Father of Child) published on 26 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to send my daughter here. She is always happy to go in and comes out smiling without fail, excited to tell me about her day. She adores her key person and is non-stop talking about her. It's clear she receives the best care possible and is given loads of opportunities
to explore a variety of activities every day. Thank you so much to all of the staff.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for your lovely review, we are so glad to hear how happy your daughter is at Orchard Barns.


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Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has only been at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary for nearly a couple of months now, but the difference it has made to her development is remarkable. She is one of the younger ones in her room and has picked up so many new skills so quickly from watching the slightly older children like using
cutlery and drinking on her own.
We enjoy getting updates through the app during the day. She absolutely loves the food, the most common thing we chat about when I pick her up!
The baby room feels safe, secure and cosy and the outdoor space is great for little ones. All the staff we have met are lovely and clearly care for all the children they look after.
It is daunting trying to find a nursery that you would be happy to leave your child in, especially when they are your first. But we couldn't be happier with Orchard Barns and the initial guilt of having to put our daughter into nursery has completely gone when we know she enjoys it so much and is cared for so well.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for your lovely review, we are so happy to hear that your daughter loves being at nursery and you are able to leave her guilt-free.


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Review from L P (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Orchard Barns is the only nursery I would send my daughter to. The staff are phenomenal at their jobs, making sure to give the best care possible. My daughter truly loves everyone there, they went above and beyond to help her settle in. It's clear that the staff are passionate about their job and provide
a clean, happy environment every day for the children, giving a warm welcome upon arrival and a full handover about their day at pickup.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you so much for your kind words. We are glad you are happy with the nursery and all our staff offer!


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Review from G S (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Possibly the best nursery in the area. Our son has come in leaps and bounds since attending. The staff are fantastic so caring, professional and they really care about their job. I would recommend this nursery to everyone.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for this amazing review, i am so glad you are happy with all that we offer.


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Review from R F (Mother of Child) published on 17 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We have loved our time at Orchard Barn. The team helped our 3 year old settle in quickly after a move from London. She has since flourished and is a confident, happy girl, who is ready for school.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for your review, we are so glad your daughter enjoyed her time with us.


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Review from H F (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery was the only one willing to take my child with physical disabilities and from the first meeting, I knew this setting was perfect. My boy has flourished so much. He has enjoyed his time here so much. The activities are so varied. The support he has been given to develop his skills ready
for school can really be seen. They have been a support to me as a parent and my child. They have not let his disability stop him and worked with him to find ways to make it work.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for this amazing review. It was a pleasure to have you and your child in our setting and wish him all the best at school.


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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used Orchard Barns for 3 years now for both our sons and we could not be happier. It is the friendliest, most magical place. The staff are caring, hardworking and conscientious. The setting is beautiful and the children are happy, confident and always playing, learning and making friends.
We
cannot recommend it more highly - the perfect nursery.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you so much for this lovely review. We are glad you and your sons are so happy in our nursery.


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Review from H W (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery. My daughter has been attending this nursery for a year now and is really happy here. The outside space and forest school are wonderful. Seems to take part in lots of varied activities and eats nice healthy meals. Lots of photos and updates of what she is up to are provided over the
app and staff are always really friendly and communicative.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for this lovely review. We are pleased that you and your daughter are so happy with our nursery.


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Review from Hannah C (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This place is absolutely amazing! The best nursery I have come across throughout my children’s early years experience. Our only regret is that we didn’t find it sooner. The staff are all really lovely and kind. The nursery inside is really clean and has a lovely warm friendly feel. Lovely home-cooked
lunches. The garden has recently been updated the place is really well kept and looks like the children have so much fun. My best part about this place though is the staff you drop your child off knowing they are happy and really well looked after the staff actually care about the children and it makes all the difference.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for this fantastic review. we really appreciate you taking the time to do this and are so glad that you are happy with the service we provide.


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Review from Lesia V (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you for the organisation and hospitality. This day was really wonderful. We received many wonderful emotions. Now I understand even more why my daughter likes kindergarten so much. And because of the updated playground, you can't walk away at all.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for your kind comments; we are so glad you enjoyed our open day.


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Review from A R (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children have had great experiences at this nursery, and continue to do so. It’s a lovely homely setting with supportive staff, making it somewhere my children have settled into well. The outside spaces are good, my eldest loves her forest school sessions. As the children have grown so has their
education and knowledge, learning lots of new information and life skills. Communication between myself and the nursery staff has always been brilliant, they can answer any questions I have regarding my children and the app is kept up to date with the children’s daily activities.

Reply from Diane Sexton, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you very much for this lovely review, we are pleased your children have had such good experiences in our nursery.


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Review from Emma R (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Son has settled so well into Orchard Barns; he loves his key person and all the fun activities he gets up to throughout the day that is shared on the app, so I get to see them too. He loves all the homemade cooked lunches and has done great for his weaning!

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Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 12 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

both of my children attend Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary and I could not be happier with the facilities and care provided to each of them. Their teachers have a genuine passion and commitment to what they do and I know that my children are in safe hands every day. The app they use to provide updates
throughout the day is very detailed amd informative and I love seeing all the photos.

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Review from M S (Father of Child) published on 13 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has settlled in very well and is enjoying taking part in some new activities. She is well cared for by the team and we enjoy looking at the updates on the app. She has had lots of yummy meals to try as part of her weaing journey.

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Review from Sophie C (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter loves Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary she gets excited as soon as we pull up outside. She has a great relationship with her key worker. She eats healthy food, and takes part in some excellent activities. We feel extremely happy with the level of care she receives and highly recommend this
nursery.

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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary a few months ago and all of the staff have been fantastic at helping him to settle in and supporting us both with the transition. The learning and development updates we receive on the app are excellent and help keep us up to date with his progress.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear your positive feedback.


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Review from Kathryn B (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been so impressed with the care and attention shown by the staff. They have got to know my little girl really well in such a short space of time, and it's clear they really understand her personality and the things she enjoys. All the staff are incredibly friendly and professional, and it's clear
they are a happy team who love spending time with the children they look after. I'm always delighted to see how many activities they have been doing, and they spend lots of time outdoors.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for your kind review; we are delighted to hear your positive thoughts and feedback on our nursery.


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Review from Elizabeth O (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

From the initial visit and from my daughters first day, we have been very impressed with the kindness and professionalism of all members of staff. The nursery has a lovely, friendly feel, and all of the children seem very happy there. When my daughter was upset at drop-odd and taking a while to settle,
I was always kept up to date and reassured, and she very soon settled and became comfortable at the nursery and with the staff. I would highly recommend to other parents.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

Thank you for your kind review; we are delighted to read your positive feedback on our nursery.


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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 Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary 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 Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary is calculated as follows: ( (157 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 166 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 Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary 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 37 number of registered child places is 7.4, 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 (7)

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Meet the Team (11)

Diane

Diane Sexton

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2014

Diane has been with Orchard Barns for over 10 years and is a vital part of the Nursery. Alongside supporting the manager, she supports all her key children in preschool and prepares all the children starting school.


Olivia

Olivia Pulford

Job Title: Deputy Manager and Baby room leader

Joined: 2021

Oliva works in our Toddler Room and is also acting deputy manager. She likes being outdoors and enjoys taking the children for walks around the local area.


Leanne

Leanne Amoss

Job Title: Forest school lead

Leanne has been with Orchard Barns for over 20 years and is our Forest School Lead. She works in our Pre-school room and as you can imagine her big passion is the outside classroom.


Abby

Abby Constable

Job Title: Toddler Room Leader

Joined: 2023

Abby loves football and enjoys teaching the children new football tricks!


Ellen

Ellen Francis

Job Title: Bank staff

Ellen is a practitioner in our preschool room. She is passionate about engaging the children in creative projects.


Hayley

Hayley Messent

Job Title: Toddler room staff - currently on maternity leave.

Joined: 2023

Hayley is one of our core staff members here, based in toddler room. Hayley loves watching the children grow and seeing how happy they are when they achieve something new.


Maria

Maria Durrel

Job Title: Nursery chef

Maria is our chef within the nursery and cooks fresh, homemade meals and snacks every day.


Jazybeth

Jazybeth Cato

Job Title: Lunch Cover and Housekeeper

Joined: 2021

Jazybeth helps to cover our lunches and enjoys playing with the children. She also prepares our tea and helps keep us tidy.


Abbie

Abbie Lane

Job Title: Bank staff

Joined: 2024

Abbie is a member fo bank staff, helping to cover in any of the rooms.


Lila

Lila Pointon

Job Title: Pre-school room staff

Joined: 2024

Lila is a core member of our pre-school team. Lila previously completed her Level 2 qualification with us but left to have a baby, now her 2-year-old daughter comes to nursery too.


Bethany

Bethany Black

Job Title: Baby room staff

Joined: 2024

Bethany is a core member of our baby room, and is working hard to complete her level 3 childcare qualification.


Frequently Asked Questions about Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary

What is the Age Range of Children that Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary accepts?

Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary Open?

Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary have capacity for?

Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary has capacity for a total of 37 Children.

How far is Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary to the centre of Colchester?

6.3 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 Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary has an Enhanced Service – more info.