Children's House Nursery

The Old Mill House, Station Road, Southwell NG25 0ET
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9.9 70 Reviews
  • Children's House Nursery, Southwell
Children’s House is the only independent family run nursery in Southwell.

The nursery is the only childcare setting in Southwell offering forest school sessions with Level 3 Accredited Forest School Leaders

If you are looking for friendly, flexible, caring and affordable childcare, then Children's House might just be the right setting.

The nursery makes learning as fun as possible, whilst also making sure to nurture, challenge and encourage children to reach their full potential.

Children’s House loves outdoor learning and child led activities- using natural resources where possible.

The amazing team includes an Early Years' teacher who oversees the planning and delivery of the foundation stage.

The nursery offers an 'under 3s' Unit and a separate 'foundation unit', both catering for the child's individual requirements, the brilliant cook provides nutritious home cooked food and can cater for special diets as requested.

Why not book a visit and see how Children's House aims to become part of the extended family, a home from home, a place where memories are made and magic happens daily.

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Care Provided by Children's House Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Karen O'Connell
  • Person in charge
  • Nicola Carter (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 15
  • Total Places for Children
  • 55
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for Children's House Nursery

  • Full day £72.50


    Full time £326.25 week


    Morning/Afternoon £42.75

  • Flexible funding options are available for children accessing funding from the term after they reach 9 months of age- please contact nursery to discuss.

Children's House Nursery Reviews (70)

Total of 70, showing 21-40
9.9

Children's House Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.943) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Children's House Nursery has 70 reviews.

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Review from H C (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter absolutely loves nursery, each stage she's been in she has loved. The staff are all brilliant, full of energy and smiles. I feel very confident in the nursery and feel relaxed when she's there.

Reply from Karen O'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you, it's always lovely for the staff to be recognised for what they do and how hard they work to ensure the children have a wonderful time at nursery.


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Review from B Y (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves this nursery. Very lovely staff and always helpful.
Very kind people and can see my son attending this nursery for many years ahead until he goes to school.
They cater nicely to my son's diet and always engage in activities such as Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan.

Reply from Karen O'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review, we do try and cater for any child whatever their development stage, culture or likes and dislikes.


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Review from M W (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child really enjoys going to Children's House Nursery. I know that they are safe and are being well looked after. The handover from staff at pick up time is always greatly appreciated and it's nice that staff take the time to tell me about my child's day. Staff are all helpful, caring and friendly.
The blossom app is great. I always look forward to seeing updates about my child's day. I can see that my child has access to a wide range of activities and learning. My child has shown improvement in various aspects since attending. I am really pleased that events are planned such as Santa visits and the Easter bonnet parade. I would definitely recommend Children's House to anyone.

Reply from Karen O'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you for such a wonderful review, we love the app, it has made many parents very happy seeing their children's activities.


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Review from K F (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are lovely and really care for my child’s individual needs. Each day they do something different to help her exploratory learning. The space is good and the variety of toys / activities keeps my little one entertained.

Reply from Karen O'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you, it's wonderful for the staff to be recognised for all that they do, we really appreciate you entrusting Children's House with your little one.


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Review from Jade G (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been using Children’s House Nursery now for 5 years and both of our girls absolutely love going. The staff are super friendly, from the moment you drop off in the morning and they provide a fun, safe and varied environment for all ages. The updates on the Blossom app throughout the day are fantastic,
I love seeing little videos of the girls laughing, playing and learning new things whilst I’m at work. They do so many activities with the children, from trips to the park, learning sign language, visiting the local library, messy play, forest schools and so much more. Our girls have also always slept and eaten so well there and love the home cooked food. I can’t recommend Children’s House enough!

Reply from Karen O'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you, it's so wonderful to receive such wonderful praise, the staff work tirelessly with passion to give all of the children a magical time whilst with us.


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Review from Greg H (Father of Child) published on 27 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

To be honest, this review can cover from December 2021 when my daughter started to the present day. The nursery and all staff are great with my daughter, she's well cared for, well fed and happy at nursery. She is engaged in a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities (no matter what the weather!).
They definitely aren't a 'clean play' nursery where your child won't get mucky by not using paints etc. We regularly get an apology from the staff as my daughter has a tendency to jump right into the middle of all activities. Who cares about a paint stained t-shirt when our child has had great fun and learnt something new? I know I don't! Great work, keep it up!

Reply from Karen O'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you for a wonderful review of our childcare and thank you for being so understanding of the messy activities - a 'messy' child at collection is the sign of a great day exploring all that we have to offer.


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Review from Suzanne A (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All 3 of my children have been to this nursery and have had a really great experience. The staff are warm, friendly and nurturing and it is a real home from home environment. They plan some lovely activities to involve the parents and get involved with the community events.

Reply from Karen O'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you, we have loved caring for all three of your children, our aim is to provide a home-from-home environment and we class ourselves as one big family of staff, children and parents - it works for us and we are glad it's worked for your family.


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Review from Sian L (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My youngest daughter is currently loving going to Children's House Nursery, with my 2 older children having loved going before her. It has a caring, fun and exciting environment with staff who are genuinely interested in the children. Communication is easy and thoughtful and the app makes keeping updated
super quick. Thank you so much to all the staff who have and continue to support our family.

Reply from Karen O'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you, it's always great for the staff to get recognition for their hard work.


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Review from Sinead O (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy has had a wonderful time at Children's House and learnt so much since starting. His development has really come on. The communication has also been great and we love the app! We will miss you all.

Reply from karen o'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you, we will miss your little boy and wish you all the very best for the future.


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Review from Alla F (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved from Ukraine a few months ago, but thanks to Children's House Nursery, my daughter feels very well in a foreign language environment. And when I come to pick her up, she doesn't want to go home at all. She is very happy to be here. Excellent teachers help the child to grow and learn about
the world around him. Excellent nutrition, lots of outdoor games, various game tasks that help the child to develop. A huge thank you to Children's House Nursery for your support and help.

Reply from Karen O'Connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

It has been a pleasure welcoming you and your daughter from Ukraine, she has been a delight and her language has blossomed.


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Review from Laura G (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Children's House Nursery is an all-round fantastic nursery, from the management team to the carers, the experience throughout enquiry to sign up.
The carers are incredible; the passion they have for their jobs shines through. I drop my son off with a smile and pick him up with a bigger one. His development
is coming on leaps and bounds and I have the carers to thank for this.
The stay and play days are invaluable and help both child and parent feel more relaxed.
The app offered is a wonderful introduction to the running of the nursery; you feel like you’re part of their day and having their schedule to bring home is great to ensure their day carries on smoothly.
A special thank you to the nursery practitioners, their bubbly, positive personalities are the best thing to be greeted with each morning; it gives me a boost to my day too knowing I’m going to work and leaving my son with such lovely, caring people.

Reply from karen o'connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

It's always wonderful to read such positive comments regarding the nursery and especially our staff- they work so hard. We are loving our Blossom App and the extra level of communication it has brought between aprents and nursery. Thank you for trusting us to care for your son, he is part of our family.


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Review from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter absolutely loves going to Children's House Nursery - she skips in and doesn't even say goodbye to me! She talks about the staff at home and my husband and I couldn't be happier with the setting she's in. She settled in really well both as a baby and post - Covid break - this is down to the
enthusiastic and loving members of the team in both rooms.
Also a huge thank you to the management for coping with my ever-changing work patterns.

Reply from Karen O'Connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

That's wonderful to hear - your daughter is a joy. The staff work tirelessly to ensure the children are well cared for and having fun whilst learning. We do try to be flexible with attendance where we can so we are pleased that's something that's appreciated. Thank you.


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Review from Hannah P (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding nursery. My child shouts ‘yay nursery’ every time we pull up. No tears and just excitement from my son who previously cried every time at another nursery. They are particularly good at making each child feel special and are very in tune to their feelings and knowing how to help and engage
with them as soon as they open the door.

Reply from Karen O'Connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

That's so wonderful to hear he is so excited about attending nursery - we aim to please.


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Review from Laura P (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience of Children’s House Nursery has been outstanding. I was very nervous about my son attending nursery as since lockdown he had never left my side. He is also my only child. The staff at Children’s House are lovely, polite and very reassuring. They would tell me exactly what he had been up
to during the day and he has lots of lovely bits of artwork he brings home. My son took a couple weeks to settle completely but since he started in November, there has been a huge difference and he loves going.

Reply from Karen O'Connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

Thank you - it's so good to hear that you are pleased with the nursery and staff.


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Review from Adele G (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since moving from Canada our little boy has been through lots of changes. The team have been lovely and really took the time to get to know him and took care to ensure he settled in smoothly. He then went into the bigger room earlier than we planned as he’d settled so well! He can be a little picky
with eating (and getting dirty!) and I’ve already noticed him relaxing more and really getting into it! It’s a great environment and I feel happy knowing he’s having fun and is looked after so well.

Reply from Karen O'Connell, Director at Children's House Nursery

So lovely to hear you are so happy with the nursery and the staff and that your son has settled so well and had fun here at Children's House. Thank you.


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Review from Ashley L (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery with excellent staff. Very understanding and helpful. In the month, my daughter has been attending the setting - her development has improved drastically. I'm so grateful to all the staff for helping my child.

Reply from Nicola Carter, Manager at Children's House Nursery

That's so lovely to hear - the staff work so hard to provide outstanding care for all of the children.


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Review from Rosie M (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Firstly, I was grateful for the taster sessions my little one received. I am really happy with the key workers and how supportive and encouraging they are and how open they are about how she is getting on. I feel happy that the nursery will give my little one confidence and help her develop.

Reply from Nicola Carter, Manager at Children's House Nursery

We are so pleased that you are happy with our nursery and staff, its what we aim for


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Review from Annette W (Mother of Child) published on 27 October 2020
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have nothing but praise for the care and attention our son receives at Children’s House. In addition to completing his record book, his key worker always takes the time to talk to us about his progress and nothing seems to be too much trouble. I am overwhelmed by the creativity that is embedded within
the nursery, from themed weeks, arts and crafts, the food provided and thoughtful tokens sent back for parents.
In addition to the care received from his dedicated team member, the home-from-home ethos is always experienced during drop-offs and pick-ups, with all members of staff knowing him well. It was a tough decision to put our seven-month-old baby into the nursery so early, especially as he was exclusively breastfed up until that point, but the team made it a smooth transition, reassuring and supporting us every step of the way.

Reply from Nicola Carter, Manager at Children's House Nursery

Thank you for such a wonderful review. The staff work so hard, and it's so lovely to receive recognition for that. We are glad you chose Children's House for the care of your baby and that you joined the Children's House family. Stay safe.


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Review from Rachel L (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter had settled in nicely to preschool thanks to the pre-visits that myself and her dad attended. We feel this really helped build her confidence in a new environment and has definitely helped with the transition. The staff are all really friendly and approachable, they are happy to answer
any questions at any time. I would definitely recommend this nursery/preschool.

Reply from Nicola Carter, Manager at Children's House Nursery

That's great to hear, always nice for the staff to receive praise. Thank you for your recommendation.


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Review from Kirsty S (Mother of Child) published on 17 September 2020
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My girls have attended Children's House Nursery from 10 months all the way up to 4 years old and starting school. They loved being part of the preschool and really enjoyed the activities such as ministers. We have been happy with the level of care and the manager and team have always been very accommodating
and flexible when we've needed to make changes. We will all miss Children's House!

Reply from Nicola Carter, Manager at Children's House Nursery

We have loved being part of your girls' lives and will miss them greatly. We wish them the very best at school and will no doubt see you about in the school playground.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.943)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.943) out of 10 for Children's House 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 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 28 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 4.943 for Children's House Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (315 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 334 Ratings = 4.943

  • 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 Children's House Nursery is based on 28 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 55 number of registered child places is 11, which has been reached with 28 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.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (3)

Nicola

Nicola Carter

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 1991

Nicola has over 30 years of experience in childcare and managing nurseries.


Karen

Karen Cunningham

Job Title: Director

Joined: 1990

Karen has over 30 years of experience in running private nurseries, and a desire to provide home from home environments and a magical environment for children to thrive.


Anna

Anna Morris

Job Title: Deputy Manager/Forest School Level 3 Leader

Joined: 1991

Anna is an experienced childcare practitioner who has the 'Mary Poppins' magic within her, Anna also delivers Forest School sessions, a true gem in our setting.


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