The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

4-6 New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TF
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10 43 Reviews
  • The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school, Leicester
The Dolls House Nursery & Pre School is a family run nursery which aims to provide children with the best start in life through playing and learning.

Every day is different at the nursery and pre-school, with a range of stimulating and exciting activities on offer for children to participate in.

There are age-specific rooms for children to spend time in, which follows the EYFS to provide children with high quality early years education, which also helps children develop their personal and social skills.

Staff members specialise in their own area of childcare as well as having the relevant qualifications to provide great childcare every day.

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Care Provided by The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • The D.H. Nursery Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Farhana Usman (Area Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 10
  • Total Places for Children
  • 60
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:45-18:00
    Tuesday 07:45-18:00
    Wednesday 07:45-18:00
    Thursday 07:45-18:00
    Friday 07:45-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

  • £71 per day - £61 per half day

  • The Dolls House is an all-inclusive nursery including home-cooked meals, nappies, wipes, Calpol and sun-cream etc. Also including weekly professional dance, singing and French lessons with forest discovery trips and outing to Manor Farm park.
    HMRC tax-free child-care and government funding for 15 or 30 hours will be accepted and administered to significantly reduce your fees.
  • Parking

  • Exclusive drop-off on King street for members only.


The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school Reviews (43)

Total of 43, showing 21-40
10

The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school has a Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school has 43 reviews.

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Review from Shelton G (Father of Child) published on 23 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Dolls House Nursery is an outstanding nursery providing the highest level of tuition and care. My son joined in 2018 and only left in August 2021, due to moving to school for Foundation. Staff at the nursery are friendly, empathetic and always giving attention to children. There are lots of activities,
trips and opportunities for children to recreate and enjoy themselves. I will definitely recommend the Dolls House to parents.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you. I'm so pleased your son was excited to start school. They will love him at school - always happy, interested in everything and so keen to learn. He will do well.


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Review from Dean G (Father of Child) published on 20 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has beeen at this nursery and playschool for over three years. She has really enjoyed every moment there, developed into a confident, independent and happy girl. We, as parents, have been really impressed with the wide range of learning, play, fun and activities our daughter has participated
in. She is now ready to start her primary school and we would like to say a big thank you to all staff and the management at The Dolls House Nursery and Cottages preschool.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you for your review. A lovely family and your daughter is an absolute joy. We have enjoyed every moment, as we did with your older child who has grown into a fine young man. How the years fly!


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Review from Magda J (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

None of the nurseries I've seen have given me this positive feeling I've had during visiting The Cottages. The manager of the Cottages is exceptional, always very attentive and helpful. So are the rest of the key workers who have made me and my son feel very welcome. The keyworkers are always attentive,
polite and professional. They have been so helpful during the adaptive process and every time I've come to pick up my son, I've always seen them giving support to him. I was worried at first, as his first language is Polish but after a few days he not only speaks better English, but he constantly sings, counts and never stops talking. After his first day, he was able to wash his hands, go toilet, tried to put his shoes on and seems to enjoy all these basic activities. The Cottages nursery food menu is also exceptional - so different to other nurseries I've seen - healthy and nutritious and also helpful with all kinds of food allergies, that my son had. I would recommend The Cottages nursery to all parents.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you, again. I believe our key team are exceptional and as you say, always attentive and striving to put the positive experience of both parents and children first. The team take pride in seeing each child develop, learn and mature to being completely school-ready. Our nutritious and balanced meals are prepared fresh in our kitchen every day.


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Review from L R (Father of Child) published on 15 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has progressed really well at both The Dolls House and now The Cottages. The staff are excellent and are always engaged and attentive with the children. We would not hesitate to recommend them to any other parents.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you. We are so proud of our staff team who strive to provide the very best experience for our children.


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Review from Helen H (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Dolls House Nursery & The Cottages Pre School are an amazing place for my child to be in. His confidence has grown so much ever since he’s been in The Dolls House Nursery & The Cottages Pre School. I’m proud to say my son is fully potty trained with the help and encouragement of the staff, he also
found his own identity and sense of humour whilst being around the other kids. What I can say is, there’s unity in this nursery and preschool that feel like a family. The staff are amazing especially one member of staff, she’s helped my son so much concerning his routine, his eating skills and creativity. I love that she’s hands-on when she needs to and loving at the same time, she’s amazing. Another member of staff is the same way, my son comes home and mentions his name in such joy. The management is absolutely fantastic! The staff are doing such a great job, especially under these circumstances with Covid-19. They make sure the kids wash their hands before going in and are not allowing parents in for health and safety reasons.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you, Helen, he has progressed so well since moving through to our pre-school; it's clear that he's really ready.
He treats The Cottages Pre-school as his home, which he absolutely should do. It's obvious that you do a lot of learning at home in the family. Top marks!


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Review from T G (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended since 2018 and currently attends The Cottages Pre-School. The care, attention, learning and activities the children are offered is exceptional. My son had to shield for part of the pandemic but after a short absence, he is back and flourishing, due to the interactions and stimulating
environment. The additional steps taken due to the pandemic have made me feel that the environment is safe for my son to return to, so he can continue his journey here and lessen the disruption to his life, with continuity in his environment. Each child is treated as an individual and additional attention is given where needed. In my experience, communication between staff and parents is really good and they go the extra mile to ensure you are informed and involved with reports, which at this current time is invaluable.


I feel safe and secure knowing that my son is cared for and valued and wouldn't hesitate to recommend either The Dolls House nursery or The Cottages pre-school.


Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you so much. We are delighted to continue with your son after the break; we missed him, and he is a delight to teach.
We do feel that our environment is very safe, and each child certainly is an individual with a bespoke method of learning.
We feel that our key-team rise to each challenge and as always; communication is the key. He will do well at school.


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Review from Eoin T (Father of Child) published on 5 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak highly enough of the staff at The Cottages Preschool. My daughter started in January. She has had speech delays, and since we have started her in this setting, she has come on leaps and bounds. The staff are extremely helpful and professional and have really managed to connect with our
daughter. The setting itself is really impressive, with loads of activities for the kids. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

We can see the great progress your daughter is making and we are delighted.
Our key staff continue to work enthusiastically with her, and she loves
the varied pre-school activities; especially the cooking, baking and musical activities.
We hope you enjoy the cakes.


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Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We started attending The Dolls House shortly before my daughter turning 1 and moved on to The Cottages when she turned 3. She adores the staff and her little friends at nursery, and her development comes along leaps and bounds whenever we go back to nursery after a holiday or Xmas break.
The nursery
was outstanding in supporting potty training and we had a quick turn around from nappies to the toilet.
My daughter is happy and cared for, she enjoys attending and the team will always have a special place in my heart for helping raise my child.
A great city centre nursery that doesn't compromise on quality food, experiences and developmental targets - these are always outstanding.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you, our team always like to work closely with parents as this always produces the best outcomes for the child. Her development and progress are important and ensure school readiness, confidence and character.


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Review from Pooja (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

Our daughter attended for two full days in November 2019 before falling poorly with flu. We, therefore, made the decision not to send her back (and in turn lost out on a lot of money). We sent a polite email thanking the staff for their efforts etc. with the hope of our daughter returning in the near
future. My husband then went to collect her belongings (the usual nappies, creams, wipes etc). I began to empty the bag and noticed that the nappy bag was surprisingly full. I never had any intention to count the nappies however, was left feeling extremely upset when I did. We sent a pack of 78 nappies, of which 76 were returned. My daughter's daily sheets for the two FULL days (8-4 or so) advised that her nappy had been changed TWICE on the first day and THREE times on the second day. The maths confirms that therefore, a total of 73 nappies should have been returned. We were left feeling mortified at the thought that our baby's nappy wasn't changed and as per the nursery's policy.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner/Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

I can confirm that all children, especially babies, are changed to a strict routine, with required additional changes being taken care of immediately.
No complaints were received regarding the child's comfort or cleanliness during the few short days that the child attended.
We were sorry that the parent had to leave.


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Review from Luke C (Father of Child) published on 30 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Cottages is a lovely professional nursery with friendly staff.

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Review from V K (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going for nearly 2 years now and I have had only good things to say til now. All the staff have taken excellent care of my child and even helped where he was struggling with his speech.
I love sending my child here and will be sending my second baby too when she is of age.

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Review from Saeeda B (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our first child and first nursery.
Our experience started when our son was 1 and a half years old and he's 3 years old now.
Absolutely love this nursery.
Very friendly staff and my child feels like he's at home.
He's improving and developing every single day and this nursery is playing a vital role
in that.
Recommend it to all.

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Review from Lindsay E (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The 'baby' part of the nursery is homely and very welcoming, my son loved it there.
He built a strong bond with the staff, particularly his key worker. He absolutely adored her.
I felt so happy dropping him off each day as I knew he'd be having a brilliant, stimulating day. The pre-school section
bridges the gap between the homely feel he was to and what lies ahead once school begins. A bright and captivating environment for learning, helping me bring up my child to be fun, caring, polite and an intelligent little boy.

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Review from Corinna H (Mother of Child) published on 14 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My experiences of The Cottages pre-school has always been very good. The staff that work there are always professional and helpful.

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Review from Leah S-P (Mother of Child) published on 8 May 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Dolls House is the most wonderful nursery I could ever have imagined for my son. From my very first visit, I felt reassured that I would be leaving him in a nurturing, caring and safe environment, and he has loved it from day one. The staff are all dedicated, helpful and friendly and he has learnt
so much from the varied activities he takes part in. The catering is brilliant and he eats so well every day. Now he's moving up to The Cottages and I am so looking forward to seeing all of the exciting things he gets up to!

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Review from Lara P (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started at the Dolls House at 10 months old and within a few weeks, we saw a difference in him and his progression came on in leaps and bounds. He is now almost 3 and attends the Cottages. He has learnt so much and continues to surprise us week by week. The staff are all very personable and
caring with the children and parents particularly the owner, who knows each child's name and who their parents are. We couldn't have picked a better nursery for our son.

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Review from Sophie C (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at The Dolls House Nursery & The Cottages Pre School since she was 9 months old and she has loved it. The staff are fantastic and they all make a great deal of effort to ensure she develops and grows as a child. The food is always varied and she eats lots of nutritious meals. I
would highly recommend this nursery.

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Review from Natasha W (Mother of Child) published on 6 June 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding nursery. The staff and facilities are fantastic. My daughter has been attending this nursery since she was 4 months old. She has always been well cared for by all the staff at the nursery. I wouldn't have felt comfortable with her going anywhere else. Children are learning from the minute
they go there. The nursery follow the national curriculum for learning and have excellent activities on for the children daily. I couldn't ask for anything more from this nursery.

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Review from Kate D (Mother of Child) published on 6 May 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at The Dolls House could not be friendlier or more caring. They have a fantastic connection with the children and my baby absoloutley loves his time there. They are wonderfully considerate, professional and caring.
I couldn't be happier in my choice of nursery - it is clean, fresh, has plenty
of stimulation and well thought out play and the food is excellent. My baby comes home happy, full and tired from playing socialising, fantastic nursery!

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Review from Becky K (Mother of Child) published on 6 May 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Dolls House is a fantastic nursery. The minute we took our daughter for a trial, I knew that this was the right nursery. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I am very happy with how my daughter is progressing there, she seems more confident and is learning new songs and activities everyday!
I
would highly recommend The Dolls House to anyone.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.974)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10 for The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.974 for The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school is calculated as follows: ( (152 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 156 Ratings = 4.974

  • 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 The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school is based on 13 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 60 number of registered child places is 12, which has been reached with 13 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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