Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

79 Bridgewater Road, Taunton TA1 2DU
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8.1 31 Reviews
Tops Day Nurseries Mini Mariners offers versatile indoor and outdoor learning environments for children aged three months to preschool, with flexible booking arrangements to suit parents' needs. Dedicated caregivers prioritise individual development and maintain a secure, joyful atmosphere conducive to early years learning.

The nursery emphasises creativity and key skills like literacy and numeracy. As part of the commitment to eco-sustainability, Tops Day Nurseries promotes a culture of reducing, reusing, and recycling resources, fostering environmental responsibility among children and staff. They offer various extracurricular activities like Tops Cooking School, Tops Forest School, meditation, yoga, Rugby Rangers, Boogie Mites, and tooth brushing.

Families are encouraged to contact the nursery as often as they like to stay informed about their child's day at nursery. Staff meticulously record essential details like sleep times, nappy changes, and food intake, which are shared through daily reports on EYLOG. To support children's health, Tops Day Nurseries provides a no-added sugar menu across all facilities, ensuring a nutritious and wholesome diet for your child's nursery experience."
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Care Provided by Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Camila Tavares (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 26
  • Total Places for Children
  • 36
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 4 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

Funding & Fees Guide for Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

  • 0-2 Years
    Full Day (8:30am – 5:30pm): Standard £79.56 | Subsidised £56.52
    Morning (8:30am – 1pm): Standard £50.94 | Subsidised £33.84
    Afternoon (1pm – 5:30pm): Standard £50.94 | Subsidised £33.84
    Early Start (8:00am – 8:30am): Standard £6.64 | Subsidised £4.80
    Late Finish (5:30pm – 6pm): Standard £6.64 | Subsidised £4.80
    Additional Hourly Rate: Standard £10.20 | Subsidised £7.28


    2-3 Years
    Full Day (8:30am – 5:30pm): Standard £78.84 | Subsidised £55.80
    Morning (8:30am – 1pm): Standard £50.58 | Subsidised £33.66
    Afternoon (1pm – 5:30pm): Standard £50.58 | Subsidised £33.66
    Early Start (8:00am – 8:30am): Standard £6.60 | Subsidised £4.76
    Late Finish (5:30pm – 6pm): Standard £6.60 | Subsidised £4.76
    Additional Hourly Rate: Standard £10.12 | Subsidised £7.24


    3-4 Years
    Full Day (8:30am – 5:30pm): Standard £73.08 | Subsidised £51.84
    Morning (8:30am – 1pm): Standard £46.98 | Subsidised £31.32
    Afternoon (1pm – 5:30pm): Standard £46.98 | Subsidised £31.32
    Early Start (8:00am – 8:30am): Standard £6.12 | Subsidised £4.44
    Late Finish (5:30pm – 6pm): Standard £6.12 | Subsidised £4.44
    Additional Hourly Rate: Standard £9.44 | Subsidised £6.70

Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery Reviews (31)

Total of 31, showing 1-20
8.1

Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery has a Review Score of 8.1 (8.139) out of 10, based on 1 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery has 31 reviews.

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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 15 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mini Mariners have gone above and beyond for my daughter, the change in her development has been extraordinary, and I truly believe this is because of her experience at the nursery, she's always so excited to go, and I couldn't think of a better place for her to be.

Reply from Funke Olotu, Marketing at Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

Thank you for your heartfelt feedback! We're thrilled to hear about the extraordinary development in your daughter since she joined Mini Mariners. Creating a nurturing and exciting environment for every child is our top priority, and we're honoured to be a part of her journey. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to continuing to support her growth and happiness.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Allergens weren't catered for and steps to avoid allergens that we had agreed and put in place with a member of staff to put the ingredient list prior to his nursery day on the eylog weren't done. I have decided to withdraw my child due to this as I don't think this is a good fit for a child with allergies.
Part of the problem is the lack of allowing packed lunches as I could have catered to his food allergens and then we might have considered keeping him there. Lack of communication and opportunity to discuss problems. Lack of following through with plans of problem-solving. Just in general lacks consistency with what they say and what they do.

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Review from B L (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery, always happy to stand and have a chat about your child and tell you about how your child got on and what they did at nursery. My personal experience is they are a lot better than other nurseries in the area.

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Review from Hope C (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From day one, the nursery staff have been incredible. All the staff have the exact temperament you would like for someone looking after your child. They are always calm, kind and patient, even when my child doesn't want to go in. My girl loves her key worker and is always asking when she will see her.
The staff were incredible in helping my little girl to start walking when I was worried about it. There are always fun and different activities going on, and I get to see photo's through the app which I love. It just feels like they really care. My child calls all the carers her friends.

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Review from Tom M (Father of Child) published on 11 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My Children go to Tops Mini Mariners and have done for several years now. Unfortunately, the nursery standards appear to have slipped over in recent months and it does feel that things are held together by a select few members of staff.
I do feel like staff turnover has become more common to the point
where it's now having a detrimental effect. I can see this by the number of times my child's key worker changes and the lack of familiarity I have with the team at Mini Mariners these days. It may be that I have high standards but this wasn't how Mini Mariners was before.
I also find that the sickness policies enforced by Tops have become so strict that it has got to the point where my children are hardly there. This is highly inconvenient for a working parent and not consistent with other nurseries.
On a positive note, the nursery staff that are left are amazing. Two of which, are both unfortunately leaving.

Reply from Ellen Wentworth, Marketing Assistant at Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear that we have not met your expectations in some areas, I understand you have now met with the nursery manager and your issues have been discussed and rectified. Thank you.


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Review from Emma P (Mother of Child) published on 3 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been coming here since September and I can honestly say the staff are amazing! She has developed so much in so many ways, from speech to even toilet training! If ever I have a concern, they are on hand to help and do so with a smile. They listen and work with you. My daughter has only
been there 3 months, so far and she absolutely loves it.

Reply from Ellen Wentworth, Marketing Assistant at Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

Thank you very much for your review Emma, we really appreciate it!


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Review from Misha L (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl goes to this nursery, and its great staff are very reassuring. I'm always getting sent what my little girl is up to while she is there through the app, which I find really reassuring as she always looks so happy and always learning new things - highly recommend.

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Review from Katherine J (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used Mini Mariners for both our children and we wouldn't have considered anywhere else second time round. The nursery is like extended family to us, and my 6-yr old loves going back to see all the staff there. All the staff are fantastic with the children and really set up them up for the transition
to school. My eldest daughter is now in year 2 at school, and my current daughter is 2yrs old and has been in nursery since she was 9-months old. The nursery has fully supported both my daughters with their dairy allergy and is extremely careful during meal times and activities. The staff support and encourage toilet training, working to our routine to ensure it stays the same at home and at nursery. The staff take the children on days out, which my daughter thoroughly enjoys. The key workers always ask us for our daughters' interests and likes to plan activities around these, and the online learning journal is a massive benefit.

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Review from T D (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Tops Mini Mariners is the best nursery in our area - it’s Ofsted report is amazing. One of my children left in July and my other child started the following January. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone. The staff are amazing and approachable. Very friendly and my children are always excited
when I say it’s time for nursery. They love it there.

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Review from Nicola R (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful nursery. My son really enjoys going and has always had a brilliant relationship with his keyworkers and other members of staff.

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Review from Marlena P (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Me and my kids love this place. Staff are amazing, they help my autistic son feel like he is home. I will recommend this nursery to everyone.

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Review from Jade J (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter absolutely loves going to nursery, she has been going to Mini Mariners for two years. Staff are brilliant, the key worker is great, everyone is so friendly and helpful.

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Review from Rea G (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous, safe, fun and imaginative environment that my daughter absolutely loves being in. The staff are amazing and greet every child every morning giving that personal touch. It's hard to leave your child in the care of others but the staff make it so much easier (Thank you)
Watching relationships
grow between child and key workers is fantastic and the information you are given daily, weekly and monthly is clear.
I recommend Mini Mariners to anyone looking for a small, personal, creative nursery for their child.

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Review from Kirsty (Mother of Child) published on 24 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery with wonderful supportive staff. My son absolutely loves attending nursery and runs in without a fuss and a goodbye mummy, every time he attends.

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Review from Kayleigh M (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery, amazingly my supportive staff, not just to our children but to us as a family. I have been nothing but impressed since my boys started. The manager and her wonderful team should be very proud.

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Review from Karen D (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I trust the staff at Mini Mariners and can see the benefits in my children as a result of them spending 2 full days at this nursery. I especially love that they make the effort to get the kids outside every day, if at all possible (weather dependent!). Offering Forest School is a bonus, and I take
it up at every opportunity.

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Review from Doug J (Father of Child) published on 5 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery with really friendly staff who are 100% focused on the children. Our child has developed so much since attending.

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Review from Stephanie W (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really good nursery, very good with supporting my son and myself, cannot fault any of the staff they are very hard working.

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Review from Jodie A (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter loves going to nursery. The staff and the facilities are amazing.
The learning is delivered in a fun, age-appropriate manner.

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Review from Abi N (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Love this nursery. The staff couldn’t make your child more welcome, my daughter loves going there and has settled in so well!

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Current Review Score: 8.1 (8.139)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.1 (8.139) out of 10 for Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 1 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.1 out of 5 from 1 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 5.000 for Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (12 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 12 Ratings = 5

  • 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 3.139 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery is based on 1 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 = 3

    • 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 36 number of registered child places is 7.2. 1 Positive Reviews ÷ 7.2 = 0.139

  • 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 (8)

B Corp Certification

Recipient: Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

Date: Thursday 27 Mar 2025 More details

NMT Winner - Nursery Chef of the Year - Pete Ttofis

Recipient: Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

Date: Saturday 30 Nov 2024 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2021

Recipient: Tops Day Nurseries

Date: Friday 28 May 2021 More details

News (53) & Events (0)

News

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

Meet the Team (1)

Camila

Camila Tavares

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2022

Nursery Manager

Frequently Asked Questions about Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery accepts?

Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 4 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery Open?

Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners 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 Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery have capacity for?

Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery has capacity for a total of 36 Children.

How far is Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery to the centre of Taunton?

1.3 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Tops Day Nurseries: Mini Mariners Nursery has a Platinum Service – more info.