Cockleshell Nursery

Southend Adult Community College, Ambleside Drive, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2UP
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9.6 40 Reviews
  • Cockleshell Nursery, Southend-on-Sea
Cockleshell Nursery is managed by the Early Years Alliance and is located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

The nursery is Ofsted registered and offers 72 places for children aged from six-weeks-old to five years. The building is very spacious and light with a dedicated baby unit, large toddler room and two preschool rooms upstairs. Each age-group has direct access to outdoor and their own garden areas.

A committed, friendly and well-qualified nursery team follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and provide high-quality care and learning opportunities for all children. They have a strong emphasis on healthy eating and well-balanced meals are provided, freshly cooked on the premises.

The team place a strong emphasis on learning through play and actively encourage parents to become involved in the life of the nursery with numerous home learning activities and events throughout the year.

The nursery was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in September 2017.

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Care Provided by Cockleshell Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Louisa Titman (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 17
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 1096526
  • Total Places for Children
  • 72
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 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 Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Cockleshell Nursery

  • AM Session Babies £35.00
    AM Session Toddlers £33.00
    AM Preschool Session £33.00
    PM Session Babies £33.00
    PM Session Toddlers £31.00
    PM Session Preschool £31.00
    Full Day Babies £53.00
    Full Day Toddlers £49.00
    Full Day Preschool £49.00

  • Please give us a call for full details
  • Parking

  • There is parking to enable you to drop-off and pick-up your children.


    The college states that parents cars must not be left in the car park for the duration of their child's daily attendance. This does not apply to settle sessions.


Cockleshell Nursery Reviews (40)

Total of 40, showing 1-20
9.6

Cockleshell Nursery has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.586) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Cockleshell Nursery has 40 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Georgia M (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I highly recommend Cockleshell Nursery. I viewed several nurseries and decided to send my child to Cockleshell because of the staff who clearly care so much about the children. My daughter has built such a special bond with her key worker and the other members of the baby room. I feel that compared
to other nurseries cockleshell is very good value for money. Management is great. I highly recommend Cockleshell Nursery.

Reply from Louisa Titman, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for such a lovely review and thank you for choosing us as your nursery. We do care for all the children here at Cockleshell so we are pleased that as a parent you can see this.


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Review from Kadija N (Grandmother of Child) published on 13 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful place for your child. Staff have been wonderful, my grandchild has had a wonderful experience attending this nursery. She looks forward everyday to going to nursery. All the staff I have met seem kind and caring, the kids are put into a routine which helps them focus. I highly recommend
this place.

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Review from Elena A (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son was at Cockleshell Nursery for 3 years - from 2 to 5 years old and I can sincerely confess it was our best decision and investment ever!
School helps him grow massively! His language, vocabulary and way of expressing himself are perfect for 4+ years old. His relationships with kids are smooth
and he has got so many new best friends! The school encouraged him to eat better (he was such a fussy eater before), to take care of his home, his moral values and ideas amaze us every day and 50% - 60% of his personality was a school hard work!
He was so happy to go to school most of the time (although he can’t stand to wake up at 7 a.m. it’s perfect training for future primary school!). One of our main aims was to prepare him for primary school and Cockleshell succeeded in it 100%, now he is super positive and excited about his “big school” because he is so experienced. Thanks to all the amazing staff - highly recommend!

Reply from Bradley Flavien, Childcare Operations Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for the time you spent writing such an amazing review! We wish your son the best of luck as he starts his journey at school. I know the team will be happy to read your positive feedback.


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Review from Sarah N (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl started at Cockleshell Nursery in January 2022 and she would get so upset about leaving me, she would scream the whole way to nursery and not want to go in. The staff at Cockleshell have been absolutely brilliant with her (and myself when I would contact them because I was worried she
wouldn’t settle) and now 18 months later she has grown so much in confidence, so much so that at her school taster session she had no problem going by herself and playing and I have the staff at Cockleshell to thank for that. Thank you Cockleshell for being so amazing and genuinely caring about the children you look after.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review, we like to make sure that all our children have the confidence to go out and start their new adventures. We are proud of the fact that we have the understanding to give some of our children a little bit extra in order to help them achieve this confidence. She has done amazing!


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Review from M W (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Cockleshells is a wonderful nursery and have always been so supportive of my children's well-being and learning journey. My children get on very well with the staff and the staff are always able to tell me about new things they have done each day and how they got on. The staff are quick to identify
if there could be anything to be mindful of my children's development and are very able to support their development in the best way possible.

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Review from Lauren P (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Cockleshell Nursery since she was 11 months old. I cannot recommend the nursery enough. They are attentive to her needs and it is clear how much they care about each and every child. They have been flexible with nap times and ensured my and her father's requests are adhered
to. They frequently update the app too, which is a great way for us to check in whilst she is there. They engage in outside play as much as possible and have lots of garden areas for all the different ages. My daughter very quickly settled in and it is clear to me that she looks forward to going to nursery. I cannot recommend the staff and the ethos of this nursery enough.
We will be continuing to send her to Cockleshell until she is old enough to go to school.
Overall, a wonderful, safe and child-led nursery.

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Review from Catherine M (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my kids have attended Cockleshell Nursery and have absolutely loved it, they were both very shy when they started, but now they are so much more confident. The staff are amazing and the kids have always come home happy after a fun day at nursery.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you, that is what is so important. The children have had fun, are happy and have learnt so much without realising it. Learning through play is how our little ones learn so much.


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Review from C D (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have 4 children and they have all attended this nursery and been in every room and age group from babies to 4yrs. My youngest is 2 and goes three days a week. She’s always so happy to go and see her friends and teachers and has learned so much being there and as a parent who needs to work, it’s so
good to find a nursery you trust with your child. I recommend them to everyone I know who has young children and couldn’t be happier with their service.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for this lovely review, it's great to have such a journey with a family. We can see how they develop and grow and know that we had a part in that with you all.


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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined Cockleshell later than most as we moved from a different area, they have been so supportive of her and she has made some amazing friends and has built up great bonds with staff. They really go above for the children at the nursery and make a special effort with the children not just
academically but in all areas making sure their feelings and needs are always met. Thank you Cockleshells for all the encouragement and support to my little girl going on her journey to big school.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for this lovely review, wishing her an amazing time as she starts her new adventures at school. We know that she will do well.


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Review from Amy V (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I adore this nursery and so does my son! Fabulous staff and a lovely setting. My son settled in immediately after taking him out of his other nursery (after moving home). Son has made amazing relationships with peers and staff. He’s evidently grown quicker in terms of building on skills and boosted
confidence since joining this nursery. This nursery holds a special place in my heart. The staff are incredible, the app is great with plenty of helpful notifications and updates on nursery news, my son's progression/ observations, and invoices are easy to access. The introduction walk around was most pleasant and settle-in sessions were amazing. My son has been here a few months now and this was the best move we’ve made for my son - so glad we came across this nursery. Thank you staff!
Some categories for grading out of 5 stars I've given 4 only because I cannot say for certain they’re 5 stars or not out if not really knowing. I’m not entirely sure on the resources or the activities they do.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for this lovely review, we are delighted to be on this journey with your son and you as a family as he begins his learning journey.


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Review from Laura R (Stepmother of Child) published on 14 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My stepson started going to this nursery last month and he loves it! My boy is very clingy to me especially when it comes to dropping him off in the mornings but the staff are so friendly he's happy to see everyone that when he's upset by having to leave me I know he's going to be fine. He's come on
leaps and bounds since starting nursery, his confidence has grown as well as his listening, he even started to be more adventurous with different foods which is brilliant and he always comes out with a big smile on his face! The support from the staff is amazing! With my stepson being bilingual but now only having English it’s taking him longer to start talking and the staff are brilliant with him and with the staff knowing our current situation they are very supportive in any way to help our boy. My partner and I couldn’t be more proud of our little superstar and we couldn’t recommend Cockleshell Nursery enough, even in a short time.

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Review from Rebecca M (Mother of Child) published on 15 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter absolutely loves coming to Cockleshell Nursery. She always comes out in a good mood and tells me she had lots of fun and plays with friends. I also recieve photos of what she has been up to and feedback on how she is progressing. Would definitely recommend.

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Review from C G (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended this nursery since June 2021 and still attending at present. I am happy to say I have never had a problem with staff or the nursery itself. They have helped him through every stage and he loves it there, he will be sorry to have to leave to go to school.
The nursery staff are very
informative regarding your child's activities throughout the week and always encouraging them to try new things.
I would personally recommend the nursery to friends and family.

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Review from S A (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cockleshell Nursery is a lovely nursery and I would most certainly recommend it to prospective parents. Our all-round experience has been excellent and we have received support from the management team when major life events have taken place.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you, it has been such a pleasure to be a part of your children's lives. We like to think we are supporting each other as an extended family.


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Review from T R (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Every experience I have had with the nursery has been extremely positive. If I could give the staff more than five stars I would. My child absolutely loves her nursery days and her days are always filled with varied activities. I am then given feedback on a regular basis via the app. My child had an
allergy when she first started at Cockleshell Nursery and the nursery was always more than accommodating. I always felt confident in terms of her care regarding her allergy and never had any concerns. My daughter has come on leaps and bounds since attending Cockleshell Nursery and I would happily recommend it as an overall fantastic nursery setting.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for those lovely words; it has certainly been a pleasure to see her grow and develop her fun personality. We enjoy our little "chats".


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Review from E H (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy with Cockleshell Nursery for our children! They are so well cared for, encouraged, taught and nurtured. The staff all know our children so well and have really helped us as a family when we've needed some advice or support. I know our children's well-being is paramount to them and I
feel very confident to have our children in their care. Our boys come out every day full of smiles having thoroughly enjoyed their day! I would absolutely recommend this nursery to any families looking for a setting for their children.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you so much for those kind words; it has certainly been a pleasure to watch the boys grow and develop into the fun little people they are becoming.


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Review from Katya L (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl is 2 and has been attending the nursery since January. We have found it to be such a positive experience. The manager made the enrolment process, which I found a bit daunting, a breeze for me. The staff were so good when my little girl started. Right from the induction, I knew she would
be in safe hands and she settled in really quickly. Even on days when she doesn’t really want to leave me (which have only been a few as she is always so excited to go in) they just take her without a fuss and she settles very quickly. You can view everything they eat/drink and nappy changes on the app. The staff were so helpful with potty training, nothing was too much for them. My little girl just decided she wanted to wear knickers and they went with it without a fuss and she was completely dry within a few weeks. I feel like my daughter has come on so much since starting nursery and lots of people comment that she is really confident and chatty and I have to credit a lot of this to nursery!

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review. We are pleased you are finding the app informative, look out for the reports from the room senior on how the week has been in the room.


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Review from Ashleigh H (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attends this nursery, and since joining, I have seen such a massive improvement in her talking and becoming a lot more confident. The staff are very friendly and are very good at what they do. I would definitely recommend this nursery to anyone I know.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review, communication is such a big part of all-round development and learning.


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Review from Laura A (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has grown in confidence since being at this nursery. Through times of uncertainty and with lockdown in motion, he wasn't allowed to interact with other children, adults or family members.
This painful experience has become a distant memory, he is now socially mixing with other children and
staff and this has had a positive impact on his personality. He is growing into a happy, sociable little boy who is keen to work out how things work and is exploring constantly.
I thoroughly appreciate the app that they supply, when I'm on a break, staff update me with his activities and development. It's great to see he is eating and playing with others. This is heavily supported with messages from staff that shows it's not a generic post to all parents. Such a comfort in these uncertain times and when we know how heartbreaking it can be to leave your baby with someone, in order to work, but it doesn't feel like that when you can see how much fun they are having!

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you Laura for those kind words. We are pleased that we have been able to bring back some form of normality into the children's lives. You can rest assured that all our little ones will not remember any of the concerns and worries we have had over the past 14+ months. All they will remember is the fun they have at Cockleshell.


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Review from Alex R (Guardian of Child) published on 20 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager is extremely supportive and experienced with caring for children. The staff are very professional and caring. My little settled well and loves going there. Both her speech and development have improved a lot. I would definitely recommend Cockleshell.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you, Alex, for those kind words. We really appreciate your comments and we are pleased that she has come on so well.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.586)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.586) out of 10 for Cockleshell 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 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 10 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 4.892 for Cockleshell Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (107 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.892

  • 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 4.694 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Cockleshell Nursery is based on 10 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 72 number of registered child places is 14.4. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 14.4 = 0.694

  • 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 (3)

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Meet the Team (1)

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Belinda Allen

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2012

I have a Level 5 Diploma in Childcare Learning and Development and a Level 5 Safeguarding Designated person qualification.
I began my career at the nursery as a setting worker and have been lucky enough to be able to progress in my career at this nursery.


Frequently Asked Questions about Cockleshell Nursery

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

Cockleshell Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Cockleshell Nursery Open?

Cockleshell Nursery 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 Cockleshell Nursery have capacity for?

Cockleshell Nursery has capacity for a total of 72 Children.

How far is Cockleshell Nursery to the centre of Southend-on-Sea?

0.7 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 Cockleshell Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Cockleshell Nursery has a Platinum Service – more info.