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 21-40
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

  • 34
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Review from Amy L (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are really happy with the care provided for our son at Cockleshell. The staff have great patience for settling the children in, they provide regular detailed updates on our son's development and we've really noticed the difference in his development since he started at the nursery. We feel like he
tries to say and do more each time he comes home from a nursery session! He eats really well at nursery which is always a good sign of contentment and we would happily recommend Cockleshell to other families. Thanks to all the staff for all you do, especially during such a difficult year.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for those kind words, although it has been a difficult year we have tried to make things as normal as possible for our children.


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Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 4 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined this nursery shortly after her original nursery unexpectedly closed. With their support, she settled in quickly and has come on leaps and bounds, socially, emotionally and confidently. My daughter has formed amazing friendships with the children and is very fond of all the staff.
My daughter has learnt additional qualities whilst being at nursery and the staff consistently work with me as a parent to support and encourage her development. The nursery have always been very supportive of myself and my situation as a single parent and work with me, having my daughters best interests at heart.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Teaching our children the value of friendships and good relationships is so important to us here at Cockleshell. Being kind to each other and respecting each other are just 2 of the values we have here.


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Review from Shante (Mother of Child) published on 20 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

They left my child crying for 3 hours even though I notified them my child had a ulcer on their tongue and didn't call me until 20 minutes before collection. They gave my child something that they were allergic to even though it was stated on my child's care plan that they weren't allowed it, so I removed
my child as I thought it was unsuitable for them to do that when my child is only 2 years old.

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Review from Daria (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughters have been attending Cockleshell Nursery since they turned 11 months old. I do not think I could possibly boost their curiosity, logic, mental and physical development at home as efficiently as they have done at the nursery. My kids are always happy to go there, they love the staff. The
staff have also been really helpful to us, parents. There hasn't been an issue that we didn't get support with from Cockleshell team - from the manager and accountant to teachers, chef and cleaner. They all are really part of our life. Thanks a lot.

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Review from Wayne F (Father of Child) published on 12 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Cockleshell Nursery looks after our twins full time, and we are sure this is the best place for our girls as they absolutely love adults who work with them as well as the activities they do there. Social, communication, organisational are the skills that our daughters are quite confident in.

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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children have attended Cockleshell since they were babies and I can thoroughly recommend.
All staff are amazing, friendly and approachable and have been brilliant in keeping in touch and providing activity ideas during the lockdown.
My youngest asks every day if she is going to preschool
to see her friends and teachers.
Lovely, homemade lunches always go down well.
Very informative and helpful during school transition too.
I liked the fact that babies and the younger toddlers have their rooms downstairs, unlike some other nurseries who have to carry tots downstairs to have outside play. It just felt safer to me.
Long hours also available which works better for typical 9-5 working hours.

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Review from Toni R (Mother of Child) published on 8 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son started here when he was three, my daughter also went here when she was two and a half. I can not recommend Cockleshell Nursery enough. My son was very shy with new people but since going to nursery it has really helped him. The staff are so loving and caring with my son, he gets excited to go
every morning. He loves telling me about all the fun things they have done that day including reading, drawing, playing with friends. Will be sad to say goodbye to everyone when he leaves to go to big boy school.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for those words. We will miss our lovely preschoolers when they go off on their new adventures. We hope he has a lovely time, hopefully, we will see him before he goes.


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Review from Samantha D (Mother of Child) published on 6 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I was quite nervous sending in my baby due to him not getting on well with solid food and not taking milk from a bottle. The staff in the baby room were really good at gently offering food, milk and also coping with several food allergies.
My child absolutely loves going to nursery and seeing his
friends, and his eating is coming along. It's lovely to see skills that he has picked up at the nursery and using them at home.
The staff have been superb. I would definitely recommend Cockleshells.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for that, we hope to see you back with us once coronavirus has passed.
We miss our little ones so much.


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Review from Stacey C (Mother of Child) published on 5 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has come on so well since being here. The staff have been very supportive. In such a short space of time, his speech and confidence have developed so much since he started. The app that is used is great to check up on how he is, especially on long days.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you very much for that, we believe that the communication and language development is of the utmost importance for our children. It helps them so much to grow in confidence.


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Review from Grace (Mother of Child) published on 5 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly, relaxed and structured nursery. My son has been going here since October 2019, (seahorse room) he was immediately settled, despite having mandatory two settling in sessions. The staff are all very good and my son likes them all a lot.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you, we look forward to many more fun times to come watching your son grow and develop.


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Review from Megan B (Mother of Child) published on 5 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our twin boys began attending this nursery 8 months ago. One of my sons has global development delay and had been really struggling at his previous nursery. Within just 2 weeks of joining this nursery, he really had come on leaps and bounds, we were totally amazed. He was challenged to drop old habits
straight away, and the staff supported us to continue challenging him at home. They focused on his language development especially, and we really feel that the nursery’s focus on his development has helped him (and his brother) prepare for school in a few months time. At the time of writing, we are currently in lockdown due to Coronavirus and the boys have not been able to go to the nursery, but they have both told me that they miss their teachers so much. I highly recommend Cockleshell Nursery and it’s extremely experienced, knowledgable, patient, challenging and frankly lovely staff.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you very much for your lovely words, it has been a pleasure to see both your sons but especially one of them grow, develop and find their personality in such a wonderful way. We hope to see them before they go off to school but we know they will enjoy the next part of their journey.


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Review from Stacey W (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’d highly recommend the nursery (like I have in the past). Wonderful nursery, clean, very safe in regards to safeguarding. Homemade meals and nice snacks.
Such amazing staff. They are very caring. My son has been here since he was 2. He goes to school in September. My daughter also attended the nursery
before she started school. They had so much fun and grew from tiny toddlers to the confident little mites they are today. Thank you to all the staff.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for that, we too have enjoyed watching them grow into the confident little people they are.


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Review from Natalie H (Mother of Child) published on 4 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are lovely and my son loves his time here. He has been going to Cockleshell since he turned ten months old and is due to go to school in September. I have not had a single problem with the nursery at this time. Especially during this time, as a key worker, I am so happy that I have a safe,
responsible, caring team that will take care of my little man.
Could not recommend them more.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for those kind words. We are happy to support our fellow key workers during these uncertain times.


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Review from Rebecca O (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has really developed socially since being at his nursery. His speech is coming along brilliantly too. The staff are always on hand to offer advice and have been very sportive to us lately. I’m so pleased I chose this nursery, it was the only nursery I went to, must have been fate!
All
the staff are friendly and are really hands-on with the children during play and learning.
Thank you Cockleshell for looking after my little one so well.

Reply from Belinda Allen, Manager at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for those lovely words, we hope to be able to welcome everyone back soon.
Meanwhile, keep checking the app for our activity updates and news items.


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Review from Cheryl P (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been at the nursery for almost one year and he loves it. He is so excited in the mornings to 'go to school' and see his friends. That alone makes mornings much more bearable. The staff and management team are always cheerful and happy to help and my child happily waves to them all. My child
settled in very easily and has developed a close relationship with the key staff in his room and his progress has been great. The app is useful to get an idea of the routine, contact the nursery and see progress updates and photos. The team make sure different activities are scheduled including time in the garden, sensory and creative games. Highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Belinda Allen at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for the kind words, we appreciate your comments and any ideas to improve the menu for our children are always greatly received.


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Review from Christopher D (Father of Child) published on 30 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attends here and I cannot be happier. The staff are all fantastic and so caring of the children. We also have an app on parents' phones so can check to see how they're doing on an hourly/daily basis. It's lovely to see what meals they eat and when they sleep and so much more. Also above
and beyond they update you with there learning and will send photos and videos with the progress. Myself and wife could not be happier and can only highly recommend the place for your children. Thank you, everyone, at Cockleshell.

Reply from Belinda Allen at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for those lovely words, we are constantly striving to add to our resources and equipment to enhance the environment for our children.


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Review from Gemma H (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little girl has been at Cockleshell for just over a year and we have nothing but excellent things to say about the nursery. The staff are fantastic with both the children and parents. The mobile app is regularly updated with information throughout the day so you can see how your little one is doing.
Our little girl has so much confidence and is thriving thanks to the support and kindness of the staff at the nursery. I cannot recommend them enough.

Reply from Belinda Allen at Cockleshell Nursery

We are constantly looking at ways to improve and enhance the environment for our children, so thank you for the lovely review.


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Review from Jules F P (Father of Child) published on 23 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two boys, 2 and 5yrs old. My 5yr old loved this nursery when he was there and built strong relationships with staff and children. My experience with Cockleshell Nursery has been very positive throughout. We're always in conversation about our children's development and work together to prepare
them for life ahead. My 5 yr old was perfectly ready for school when he started, largely due to the care and guidance he received at this nursery. My 2 yr old is now in Cockleshell Nursery and loves his time there. Cockleshell Nursery has helped my family, and in some ways become part of it. They have supported us as parents and given us total peace of mind in knowing that our children are safe, happy and engaged to learn. This is a happy nursery, with happy children. I actually love it.

Reply from Belinda Allen at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for those kind words, it is a pleasure to have had and still have the boys in our nursery.


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Review from Amy F (Mother of Child) published on 23 October 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my daughter has been attending this nursery, I have seen a huge improvement in her social and physical development. All the staff are lovely. The menus are fantastic. The activities are well thought out. Overall, the nursery has a lovely atmosphere and it's very reassuring to know my daughter
is being so well looked after when in their care.

Reply from Belinda Allen at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review, it's good to know that all the hard work put in by the staff is so well appreciated. It's a pleasure to be part of your daughter's journey.


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Review from Joanna L (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined the nursery in 2016 at 8 and a half months old. Exceptional care always provided by the staff. My daughter has grown up there, learnt loads and is the person she is today. The staff have helped my daughter become the caring character she is today.

Reply from Belinda Allen at Cockleshell Nursery

Thank you for your kind words, it has been a pleasure to be a part of her journey and to watch her grow.


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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)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2024

Recipient: Early Years Alliance

Date: Thursday 28 Mar 2024 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2023

Recipient: Early Years Alliance

Date: Friday 28 Apr 2023 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2020

Recipient: Early Years Alliance

Date: Tuesday 31 Mar 2020 More details

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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.


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.