Leo's Den Nursery

37 Law Street, off Great Dover Street, London SE1 4DZ
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9.9 59 Reviews
  • Leo's Den Nursery, London
Leo’s Den Nursery is in the heart of Southwark, and opened in 2009 in a converted public house very close to all major transport routes, with London Bridge and Borough high street stations close by.

Leo's Den Nursery prides itself on being a safe, caring and valued early education setting where children learn and thrive. They see parents returning to the nursery again and again, so that each of their children has the wonderful start in life that Leo’s Den nursery enables every child to have. The nursery also offers both two and three-year-old funded places and the 30 hours funded option for those parents that qualify.

With the areas of Bermondsey Borough, Peckham and Camberwell close by, Southwark is a very diverse area with children coming from many different backgrounds and cultures and many children having English as their second language. Leo's Den is a fully inclusive nursery and they celebrate and nurture each and every individual child, and have great relationships with the whole family. The staff team also reflect the diverse cultures of the area and bring many different cultures and languages to enhance the setting.

Key carers have professional rich bonds with their key children and their families, and they are very proud of all that their 'very strong' Parent Partnership brings to the setting.

Leo's Den offers a wonderful EYFS curriculum with many enhancement classes for the children to enjoy. These include weekly Ballet, Mindfulness and Yoga sessions, as well as Fun Phonics and Wild Fangs (the wonderful world of living things). With two lovely outdoor spaces/gardens, the children have many learning opportunities to try out their physical skills and enjoy lots of outdoor learning experiences whilst having fun.

From the start of the Covid pandemic, the nursery has remained open throughout and continued to serve the key workers of the local community, with many new families joining the nursery

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Care Provided by Leo's Den Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Tony Hailwood
  • Person in charge
  • Rachel Hine (Nursery Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 32
  • Total Places for Children
  • 65
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 4 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:45-18:30
    Tuesday 07:45-18:30
    Wednesday 07:45-18:30
    Thursday 07:45-18:30
    Friday 07:45-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays , Three staff training days per year. [ Inset Days]

Funding & Fees Guide for Leo's Den Nursery

  • Fees from 1st April 2024;


    Monthly Rate:
    4 Months to 2 Years,
    2 days - £723.61,
    3 days - £1080.15,
    4 days - £1433.19,
    5 days - £1622.30.


    2 years - 3 years:
    2 days - £647.39,
    3 days - £966.43,
    4 days -£1282.30,
    5 days- £1401.94.


    3 years - 5 years:
    2 days- £622.05,
    3 days - £928.60,
    4 days - £1232.00,
    5 days - £1332.92.
    Please note that your child may qualify for the Free 'Early years funding' from the age of 2 years in April 2024, you need to apply on the government website.

  • Our fees are very competitive with the local area.
    We are a private nursery, but look after our local and extended community by keeping our fees at a rate that is affordable for parents.

Leo's Den Nursery Reviews (59)

Total of 59, showing 21-40
9.9

Leo's Den Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.862) out of 10, based on 34 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Leo's Den Nursery has 59 reviews.

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Review from M L (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience with Leo’s Den Nursery is an institution that strives to get to know their families and exceeds expectations.
I believe management is forthcoming and their presence is seen clearly and deeply. I have seen the combined energy from practitioners and teamwork bring a positive experience
for the children, their daily needs are met through a variety of activities and playtime which extends beyond its walls. Communication is a priority, as others have said, I am able to keep track of my child’s progress and state of mind which is important to me.
I really enjoy and am grateful for the partnership.
I would not hesitate to recommend Leo’s Den to other families.

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you so much, we really appreciate your lovely words.


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Review from Natalie J (Mother of Child) published on 29 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been very happy at Leo’s Den Nursery since joining. The team are great and has really welcomed her. Regular updates are given and loads of lovely pictures of what the children are doing during the day. Would definitely recommend!

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you for your lovely comments. It's a pleasure to care for your child.


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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 29 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter started at Leo’s Den late last year, for a few days a week. I’m always struck by how personalised the attention on her seems; how updated each of the staff and admin are, and that they seem to genuinely understand what she needs, and to be able to respond to it. There’s clearly a lot of
communication between drop off and pick up because whatever I’ve mentioned to the worker when I drop her off is relayed back to me when I collect her.
It feels a very nurturing environment, and they managed to introduce new foods during a fussy phase and to help her nap which I’d been nervous about.
She’s clearly learning. She comes back singing new nursery rhymes, her vocabulary has improved quickly and she shows off her newfound yoga moves!
We’re kept updated throughout the day and (despite the tears at drop-off) she comes out smiling.

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Review from Salvatore Z (Father of Child) published on 30 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Started at Leo's Den early this year due to the closure of another nursery. We haven’t regretted the move since. It might have not the latest advanced facilities/structure, compared to some new flashy nurseries, but we really found a perfect environment with top caring, hands-on professionals.
Our
remarkable experience is confirmed by our daughter’s happiness as she has never shown any resistance at drop off every morning since she started, in contrast to the previous one. We believe this is the best value for money nursery in this area, where childcare prices have gone through the roof.
Another strength is the prompt service at the door at drop-off and pick-up. Great effort of carers helping at those peak times during commute to and from work, alongside other school runs for us.
Other pluses: the outdoor area for exercise and playground items; very easy to use and secure buggy area; effective online platform. Priceless service for us! Wondered why we didn’t consider it earlier.

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review, we are happy your family has become part of our Leo's Den family.


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Review from Razieh K (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery. The staff are wonderful and we have great communication with them. They update me every day and I am confident that they care about my son. We are so grateful to have found Leo’s Den.

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you for your lovely comments, we really appreciate your feedback.


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Review from Miriam A (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am the mum of a 4 and 2-year-old kids. They both joined when they were only 9 months old and they have learned and enjoyed so much since then. They do loads of activities there, they go in super excited and they come out with big smiles. There are loads of extra activities that make every day different
and exciting: they bring animals to the nursery, they take them to the library, a man comes in to play guitar and sing songs, they have a specialist phonics teacher, mini sports. I will be really sad to leave the nursery as this has been home to them. Thank you so much for taking care of my babies, nurturing them, and teaching them so much at the same time!

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, we really appreciate your feedback.


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Review from Sinead M (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely staff, good child-centered care.
My son is really happy here and continues to learn and grow. Lots of different activities each day, also sports and outdoors.
Absolutely amazing, cannot recommend it enough.

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you for a lovely review. We are happy that you are happy.


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Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is absolutely great on any possible level. Right from the start my son has been super excited to go in and enjoyed spending time with his peers and carers. The daily activities really made a difference in my son’s development and his motor and communication skills are improving by the day.
Both staff/carers and management consistently go above and beyond to ensure parents’ minds are at peace. Communication is exceptional. We could not be happier about our choice.

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you for your lovely comments, we really appreciate your feedback.


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Review from Thomas H (Father of Child) published on 19 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Truly wonderful nursery. Cannot fault it! My son has been there 1.5 years and he runs in every morning. Staff are polite, courteous, and caring. Management are thoughtful and excellent communicators. You cannot go wrong by sending your child here.

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you for your lovely comments. Your little one really does love the nursery. It's our absolute pleasure to be part of so many families.


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Review from Sofia S (Mother of Child) published on 17 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at Leo’s Den at nine months, just before my return to work. He’s now a year old and has really settled in, thanks to the kind and caring staff. The nursery communicates really well, and I’ve had confidence from the beginning my son is getting excellent care. During his days at nursery
he’s well fed, cuddled, and entertained. I’ve really seen him grow, even over just a few months. I was nervous about the transition to nursery, but Leo’s Den have done everything for both me and him to make sure it goes well. Whenever I meet parents in the area I tell them to check it out, heartily recommended!

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you, what lovely feedback. So glad you love the nursery and share your views.


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Review from Eoin C (Father of Child) published on 17 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery, I have two children in there and the staff are so lovely - our kids engage in great daily activities. The space is great with a large outside area, security is taken very seriously here and the kids are always out first.

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. It's our pleasure to take care of your two little ones.


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Review from Grace E (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are delighted with Leo’s Den. We were previously with a nursery that was significantly more expensive and looked “fancier” but actually, Leo’s Den has been better on every front. The major selling point is the wonderful staff and the excellent communication. I know what my child has been up to every
day and I am confident that the staff really care about him. We are so grateful to have found Leo’s Den.

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you, our team is family orientated and communication with parents is key to us.


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Review from Beatriz B (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started recently at Leo’s Den and I’m over the moon with my choice.
The staff is caring and competent. The nursery is clean and safe. They have plenty of different activities every single day.

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. It's always lovely to have the point of view of new parents.


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Review from P C (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’m very happy with the nursery and feel calm when my son is there as I know he is kept safe and looked after with lots of cuddles if he needs them. My boy has been there for 2 years and I love the feeling of family and the great communication and the sense that every day they try to create some new
idea to keep the babies amused. Thank you!

Reply from Jenny Gagg, Operations Manager at Leo's Den Nursery

Thank you.
I'ts a pleasure to be a part of your extended family, and watching your little one develop and grow.
We always aim for that family feel and it is good to have that feedback from parents.


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Review from Catherine K (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My baby has been going here since September. He loves it. This is a great nursery, the staff are excellent and care for my son very well. The food menus are good, and the activities they do with the children are great.

Reply from Tony Hailwood, Managing Director at Leo's Den Nursery

Dear Catherine,
Your kind review of Leo's Den is very much appreciated, and we will continue to do our very best for you.
With regards,


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Review from Abie E (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Leos Den Nursery is like a 2nd home to my Son, he loves it there. The staff are very efficient in their jobs and friendly too. Communication is excellent, especially via their Famly app. The fact that I can log into the nurserycam and see what's going on around the place is reassuring and shows transparency.
They have managed my Son's allergy needs very excellently as well. They have a large garden in the backyard where the kids do many outdoor plays and they still take them to the park when necessary. Every month they send me a development review in form of an observation of my Son pointing out areas of commendation or otherwise. It's worthy of mention as well that their fees are reasonable compared to what others around charge yet Leos Den Nursery offer even better services. My Son has learnt alot since starting there in June 2021 and I have no reservations at all about keeping him there till he starts school at age 4. Well done team and keep the flag flying!

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Review from P L (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’ve had my two children in Leo's Den Nursery since they were 9 months old and we will be very sorry to leave (moving to a different area). Staff are energetic and kind and my kids love them. We have been very happy there and would recommend Leo's Den Nursery highly.

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Review from Patricia R (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2022
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It's a familiar environment. Staff ask before trying new food with the babies, they spend time outside in the garden, babies look happy and once they recognise faces they are likely to go and spend the day playing with their peers.
Parents can get in touch with the nursery thanks to an app where the
development and daily updates are kept up-to-date; we also have a live camera to check our little ones live.

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Review from Kaela S (Mother of Child) published on 6 June 2022
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My ten month old has been attending Leo's Den for three months and has loved her time. Having her in daycare so young made me very nervous, but the staff have been incredible and their care for her is clear.


I love seeing her throughout the day on the camera and the daily activities the practitioners

provide look amazing. She is always excited to see the staff at drop-off and I completely understand why!

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Review from G H (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our two daughters each attended Leo's Den for three years before moving onto big school. It is the best nursery in the area by far, and we looked closely at every one within a one-mile radius. The range of activities provided to the children both in the nursery and outside is phenomenal (including handling
snakes and spiders and singing in French). They were both very happy there and have both made friends they are still in touch with.


Our girls were there throughout the pandemic, and the Manager and her team kept the place running flawlessly.


But more than anything what we found special was the sense of love that every member of staff conveyed to every child.


Reply from Tony Hailwood, Managing Director at Leo's Den Nursery

We hope that all of the family are well, and the girls are doing well at school.
Thank you very much for the wonderful review and we hope to see you again one day at Leo's.
With regards,
Tony, and all of the Leo's Management


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.862)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.862) out of 10 for Leo's Den Nursery 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 34 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 34 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 4.862 for Leo's Den Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (356 Excellents x 5) + (44 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 406 Ratings = 4.862

  • 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 Leo's Den Nursery is based on 34 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 65 number of registered child places is 13, which has been reached with 34 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.

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Meet the Team (2)

No image found

Rachel Hine

Job Title: Nursery Director

Joined: 2009

Rachel is responsible for the overall direction of the nursery, dealing with parent's applications, the management of the nursery systems and dealing with parental accounts/fees.


No image found

Kemi Akinniranye

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2015

Kemi is responsible for the day to day running of the nursery, including parent contacts, organisation of the staff and the planning of activities.


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