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 21-36
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 V A (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a wonderful nursery, and the staff are excellent, friendly, welcoming and caring. There are lots of different activities for the children to take part in, and they always make sure the children are safe and happy. Great outdoor forest school, which our son loves. We couldn't be happier with
our choice of a nursery and would highly recommend it to any of our friends and family. We would like to say a big thank you to all of you at Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary; you are amazing.

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

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


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Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 20 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined Orchard Barn Nursery at the age of 10 months. It was after a few stressful months and I was concerned about her reaction to such a change. I was amazed at how quickly she adapted and what a difference the last four months have made. The kind, welcoming and professional approach she's
received from everyone has helped her become the confident cheeky toddler she is. As much as I miss her, I know I leave her in a safe and friendly place. She clearly enjoys spending time with her peers and gains new skills daily. The Parentzone app with regular updates is very helpful. The calm rural location is also a great benefit. Overall, I feel lucky we joined Orchard Barn Nursery. Thank you.

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

Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear how much your daughter has settled in with us.


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Review from S M (Grandmother of Child) published on 22 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary highly enough and at the very top is their loving care. My granddaughter started at aged eight months and the staff very quickly realised that after her nap each day, she likes to have a cuddle for a few minutes before venturing off to play. They know all
of her special, lovely ways. The nursery is situated in a countryside environment with an emphasis on outdoor play. The staff go to so much effort to make the daily activities interesting. Recently there have been celebrations of Australia Day, Chinese New Year and St David’s Day. The meals are home-cooked, very nutritious and of such a wide variety. I am so glad that my granddaughter attends Orchard Barns, Stratford St Mary. Thank you to all the staff.

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 Lynne M (Grandmother of Child) published on 22 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is such a lovely, friendly nursery. My fifteen-month granddaughter has been attending for seven months and absolutely loves it. The staff are very caring, friendly and patient. Even though she is very young, they help her to join in all the activities safely so she can learn and have fun. The meals
are excellent and well balanced. Regular assessments are provided and my granddaughter has a clear affection for the staff. Great nursery and lovely staff.

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 Momoko K (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary is such a joyful place for our daughter. We moved back from abroad and English wasn’t her first language at the time however, she settled in so quickly. We truly believe this was due to the tremendous effort from her key person and all the other staff! From day one we
knew we made the right choice and felt welcomed. Our daughter loves everything about the nursery: the lovely staff, her friends, food and numerous activities including forest school in the woods which is located literally next door. Everyone is very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and if we have any questions or worries we know who to ask which is reassuring. They also provide very detailed daily reports as well as added tips for home learning. We highly recommend Orchard Barn, Stratford St Mary.

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

Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear how happy your daughter is with us and is having such a positive experience and journey.


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Review from Jenny H (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a wonderful nursery. I have two children who currently attend the nursery and they couldn’t be happier there. The care and attention from staff are excellent. The range of activities that they plan for the children is varied and interesting. Best of all they get messy! Plus the forest school
element to the nursery is fantastic- they build bird hides, make popcorn, make bird feeders and so much more. The staff are always willing to go the extra mile for the children. The updates you receive throughout the day are lovely with photos and detailed comments and the food that the children are provided with is healthy, varied and sounds delicious! A wonderful nursery!

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Review from Tori S (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have two children that attend the nursery and have done for the last 3 years. The children have participated in so many fun and exciting activities both indoors and outdoors. As well as the fun that the children have at the nursery, the main selling point are the bonds that the children have built
with the staff. They really take the time to get to know the children and their personalities. Communication from the nursery is excellent. Both children have thoroughly enjoyed going to the nursery which is an environment that has helped develop their social and learning skills in fun and interactive way.

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

Thank you for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear how much your children enjoy our fantastic outdoor space and activities we have.


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Review from Kayte R (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 16-month-old son started Orchard Barn Stratford St Mary this year, after looking at many nurseries around this area we found Orchard Barn was the best by far. His skills of sharing and interaction with other children has improved immensely since attending. The staff are amazing with him, very attentive
and caring. Their communication with myself is everything I could wish for, from the weekly parent updates to the Parent App to see what he's been up to that day. Would highly recommend to anyone, 5* outstanding in my opinion.

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

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear how much your son is enjoying the nursery and is developing well.


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Review from Sinead M (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Orchard Barn is a fantastic nursery! My child has been going for a year now and loves it! He runs in every morning, barely taking the time to say goodbye to me! I love the app that parents can log on to and get updates throughout the day, it really puts my mind at ease when I'm at work and I can see
him playing with his friends. I love the nursery ethos, to be outside rain or shine enjoying the outdoors and all there is on offer. My husband and I are sure this is why he is such an outdoor person, he's happiest when playing in the garden and we think it's down to nursery.
I've heard from many colleagues who's children or grandchildren have been previous attendees of Orchard Barn and I've only ever heard good things. Thank you for caring for our boy with so much love and care.

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

Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear how much your son enjoys nursery, especially with the range of outdoor activities we do.


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Review from Cath B (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of our children have attended Orchard Barn in Stratford for 3 years. It is a fantastic place. The children have had wonderful key workers in their time there and we have seen their confidence grow as they have been nurtured and cared for. The children have both loved attending and made fantastic
friends. The communication between nursery and home is first-rate and they went the extra mile during the recent COVID-19 crisis to ensure the children were supported at home during lockdown as well as the parents with regular updates, sessions and meetings online. I can thoroughly recommend Orchard Barn.

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

Thank you for your kind recommendation. We are delighted to hear how much your children enjoy nursery and the communication we have provided has been beneficial for yourself.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has attended Orchard Barn for just over two years, and I have nothing but praise for the nursery and it's extremely dedicated staff. He began attending at the age of about nine months, and from day one the staff were hugely reassuring during what was a difficult transition for both mother and
baby as I returned to work. Nothing was too much trouble, and that remains the same to this day. Regular updates are posted on the Parentzone system, including details and photos of what the children are up to, what they’ve eaten, when they’ve slept etc. The nursery staff are very approachable, and are excellent with the children - our son always has a good time at nursery and comes home chatty and happy.
I can not recommend Orchard Barn enough - the setting is excellent, with plenty of play equipment and resources, and the way they have approached the current situation with Covid-19 has been both admirable and hugely comforting in an otherwise disconcerting time.

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

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear how much your son enjoys nursery, especially with the range of fantastic activities and resources we have.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter (8-months-old) is in her second week attending Orchard Barn and has already settled in so well. The staff have been excellent at welcoming her to the nursery and have made me feel at ease from day one. She attended three settling in sessions before starting and this really helped the transition
to two full days a week. The nursery itself is wonderful with lots of bright colours and activities for the children and I particularly love the emphasis on outdoor play. The updates on the ParentZone app are fantastic as well as weekly e-mail updates from the manager about what has been happening in nursery that week. I have been really impressed with everything at Orchard Barn and would definitely recommend this nursery to any parents looking for childcare options.

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

Thank you for your lovely review. It is great to hear how much your daughter has settled in well with us and the communication and updates we provide are well received.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Orchard Barn nursery has always taken such wonderful care of both my children. There are lots of different activities for the children to take part in, and they always make sure the children are safe and happy. The staff are very caring towards the children and always take the time to make sure your
child is included in everything. They are very informative about your child's day and all the weekly news from the nursery to keep parents up to date is excellent. I would highly recommend Orchard Barn nursery to any parent looking for outstanding care for their child.

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

Thank you for your lovely review. We are thrilled to hear how much your children enjoy the nursery. Especially the range of fun activities we provide.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our 1-year-old son stared at Orchard Barn at the beginning of August 2020. He has settled in very quickly, the staff are lovely and he is very happy there. The feedback and updates we receive are excellent.

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

Thank you for your wonderful review. It is great to hear how much your son is enjoying the nursery and has settled in with us well.


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Review from Ellen W (Aunt of Child) published on 24 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

One of the best nurseries I have seen/been to. Clean, friendly and welcoming staff and fully equipped with all your children’s needs. I remember back when I went to nursery and it didn’t have any of the toys, educational values and facilities this lovely place does. I would highly recommend this place
to any of my friends or family that have children.

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Review from Gilly P (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery, lovely setting and friendly staff. My daughter loves it here, looks forward to coming every day. Very clean and organized. Would highly recommend Orchard Barn at Stratford St Mary.

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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.


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.