Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

2 Mather Avenue, Weston Point, Runcorn WA7 4JJ
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10 140 Reviews
  • Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn), Runcorn
Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) offers 93 childcare places in a supportive, fun setting. The nursery is open from 8am to 6pm 51 weeks of the year except for bank holidays.

The nursery has a team of skilled, caring staff who work hard to ensure children are having lots of fun while developing new skills.      

The garden area has a soft play area along with a nature trail and gardening area where fruit and vegetables are grown.

Children are offered the same opportunities outdoors as well as indoors to ensure that they have the best possible start in the indoor/outdoor classrooms.

Healthy food is offered to children each day.

They also offer holiday club which is open from 9am-3pm Mon-Fri and children must bring a packed lunch. The cost for the day is £29. If parents would like additional hours these are charged at a rate of £7 per hour.

Care Provided by Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Joanna Davies-Bate (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 12
  • Total Places for Children
  • 93
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 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

Funding & Fees Guide for Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

  • £70.00 per day
    £50.00 Am or Pm sessions
    £60.00 short day session
    £7.85 7.30 start
    £7.50 per extra hour


Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) Reviews (140)

Total of 140, showing 1-20
10

Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) has a Review Score of 10 (9.973) out of 10, based on 34 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) has 140 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one has been attending for just over a year and I have absolutely no complaints. My child is so happy, all of the staff are super supportive with any quires or questions that me or my family have. She has thrived so much since being there and I can't wait to see how much more she progresses.
I'm not looking forward to her leaving we love it that much.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you so much for your lovely review, they mean so much to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An amazing nursery. All of the staff are lovely and so friendly. My baby loves going and has so much fun. They keep parents updated on everything even when he's been upset I get pictures when he's happy and settled.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our 1 year old has been at Dunkys since October 2024, and we can see he is coming on leaps and bounds. He is happy to be there, even after holidays when regression often transpires in children. He is gaining so much in his development that we aren't qualified to give, even as parents. Thank you Dunkys.
The food is also excellent with our boy eating well, and a whole manner of different dishes.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Many thanks for your wonderful review, and welcome to the Dunky family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Highly recommend Dunkys nursery very friendly staff. I was worried about my baby starting nursery but he loves it and staff are amazing.. you receive updates throughout the day to put you at ease. My son comes out of nursery with the biggest smile on his face.. and loves going in

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you for your lovely review they mean the world to us as a team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is so lovely! I was worried about my baby starting nursery but I am so at ease with him going to Dunkys it's just like a little family for him we love it! The staff are all so lovely have helped so much to settle him in and also me with great updates about his day. They really do go above
and beyond it is such a lovely setting for the children.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you for your lovely review we are so glad you have settled into the Dunky Family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would highly recommend this nursery to all. My niece attended from babies right through to starting school and I knew then that this nursery would be my preferred choice. As a first-time mum returning to work can be daunting but all the girls have made it that bit easier. They provide regular updates
throughout the day and a run-through of the day at collection. All the staff are so lovely and welcoming, my little boy has settled right in and has come on so much. Thank you for all the hard work you do!

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you so much for this wonderful review, they really do mean the world to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started nursery beginning of September. The nursery always sends me updates of what she has been doing and pictures. I like that I can contact them for updates if I needed to. My daughter was a bit unsettled at first but with the support of the staff she has soon settled. They do lots of
different activities at the nursery too!

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Tank you for your lovely review we are so happy you have settled into the Dunkys Family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started about a month ago now and the whole process has been amazing. All staff are caring and compassionate towards both us and my son, making sure everyone was comfortable before he started properly. He has settled in really well and has the best days when he is there. He has come on so much
in such a short time, really shows all staff take the time to teach and get to know what each child likes to do. Dunky's was recommended to me and now I see why, it's a very warm and welcoming nursery. So happy with our choice in Dunky's!

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

What a beautiful review thank you so much, reviews like this mean the world to us as a Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started Dunky's Runcorn in September 2024. Over the past month, staff have helped her settle in. The amazing staff have ensured my daughter has become more settled each day. Since the day we went to look round to the current day I just know I made the right choice. My daughter comes home
so happy and that is down to the amazing staff at Dunky's. Thank you for being amazing and making bringing my daughter to nursery so much easier.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you so much for your beautiful review, it means so much to the team to hear how settled and happy our families are here at Dunkys.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We've found Dunky's absolutely outstanding for our little man. He's settled in so well as if he's been there his whole life. Always comes back with beautiful paintings, smiles and mucky from fun-filled days. Wouldn't go anywhere else, easy to talk to staff, extremely helpful and always fast to respond
and offer support when needed. Thank you for giving me peace of mind knowing my little one is taken care of whilst I'm working. Highly recommend.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you for your beautiful review we are so happy you have joined and settled into the Dunky family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our twins started in April, they had been the only children with a childminder previous to that so going straight into the preschool room was a big transition for them. The staff were lovely with them, ensuring they had the time to settle and a regular person to greet them initially as coming to nursery
they got upset. Both have allergies and as parents we were reassured that their needs would be met, they have been able to eat the same as their peers which has become more important as they have got older. They are both much more settled now and talk about the staff and friends which is lovely to see.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you so much for your lovely review, the boys have settled so well into the Dunky family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has just started this month, and all of the staff have made me feel so comfortable, they are so nurturing and caring with my 1-year-old. There are so many activities posted on the app for us to see which is lovely. The updates are fantastic, and I could not ask for better people to be
looking after him. Healthy food is prepared daily, and it is lovely to know he is getting a variety of food during his time there. Clean and comfortable nursery.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Many thanks for your lovely review, were so happy you have settled into the Dunkys family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff is lovely, they always keep me updated about my daughter and most importantly they look after her.
The nursery is nice and clean, and the kitchen’s chefs prepare fresh food for the kids every morning, thank you!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been for a couple of months now and he absolutely loves it there. The staff are very friendly and we receive regular updates on our son's progress and what he's been up to each day.
Would highly recommend it to any parents especially those that work.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you for your lovely review, they mean so much to us as a team that you are happy and settled here at Dunkys.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely Brillant!
The staff at this nursery go above and beyond for the children in their care.
The staff are amazing and nothing is ever too much trouble. My daughter comes home so happy and the handovers after each day my daughter attends this nursery are so detailed it is so reassuring as a
parent.
Great management, nursery is run so smoothly and again nothing is never too much trouble!
Outstanding!

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you for this beautiful review we are so glad you are enjoying your experience here at Dunkys, Joanna.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery and staff. My daughter only comes in once a week and she loves coming in and seeing everyone. Always keep me updated with the app which I absolutely love! I never had this with the other nursery my son went to. Would definitely recommend.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you so much for your lovely review, were so glad you're enjoying your time at Dunkys.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely wonderful staff, all welcoming my tiny 6-month-old baby and giving lots of reassurance to both Mum and baby when first started.
Helping with weaning too.
Baby is very happy to attend, love the updates throughout the day too.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Many thanks for your lovely review, we are so glad you have settled into the Dunkys family.
Take care,
Joanna.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having to make the decision to trust a bunch of strangers to take care of your little baby is one of the most difficult decisions a parent will ever make and I did not find that easy at all. I reluctantly visited most nurseries in Runcorn, honestly hating every second of every visit. Initially, Dunkys
Day Nursery was not top of my list (purely down to location) but visiting here felt different to the rest. With a warm welcome and natural, relaxed attitudes from staff, no need for them to put on a show or run off a speech, the atmosphere spoke for itself. Happy children and happy staff. Just a couple of months in and I'm so glad we came here. My baby has settled wonderfully and staff keep me updated with the app which is amazing. Staff are so genuine, supportive and friendly that you feel as if you've known them for years! My anxiety and major mum guilt have reduced massively in just a number of weeks and that's not usually something I manage to shake off easily! Thank you Dunkys gang.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we have loved welcoming you to the Dunkys family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely lovely nursery. We’re so happy with how well our baby has settled in. I was absolutely dreading him going to nursery and I’ve definitely found it more of a struggle than he has! He is usually glued to me and I worried about how nursery would handle this as I didn’t want him upset all the
time but they give so much love that after only a few weeks he was waving as he left us. Couldn’t thank Dunkys Day Nursery enough.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you for your wonderful review, they really do mean so much to the team.
Many thanks,
Joanna.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son just started this year. Finding a good nursery is so hard and I was nervous for first day but the personnel are really excellent with children. I can say that I am happy that I find them. Everyone is brilliant and my son now loves going there. I recommend this nursery.

Reply from Joanna Davies-Bate, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

Thank you so much for this lovely review, we are so made you are loving Dunkys as much as we do.
Take care,
Joanna.


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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.973)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.973) out of 10 for Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) 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 34 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 34 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 4.973 for Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) is calculated as follows: ( (397 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 408 Ratings = 4.973

  • 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 Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) is based on 34 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 93 number of registered child places is 18.6, which has been reached with 34 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 (3)

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Meet the Team (5)

Joanna

Joanna Davies-Bate

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 1997

I have worked here for 28 Years. I have my NVQ levels 2 & 3 in child care. I also have the D32 & D33 Assessors awards. I am a fully qualified Paediatric First Aider. I am level 3 Safeguarding trained, Manual Handling trained, and Food Hygiene trained. We also continually train around all aspects of childcare development.


I also recently guided my team through an OFSTED inspection where we have been Graded OUTSTANDING. 16.01.2020


Kellyann

Kellyann Spellman

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager

Joined: 2014

I have worked here for 10 Years. I have my NVQ level 3 in child care. I am a fully qualified Paediatric First Aider. I am level 3 Safeguarding trained, Manual Handling trained, and Food Hygiene trained. We also continually train around all aspects of childcare development.


I also recently supported my Manager and team through an OFSTED inspection where we have been Graded OUTSTANDING. 16.01.2020.


Harley

Harley Keogh

Job Title: Team Leader

Joined: 2014

I have worked here for 10 Years. I have my NVQ level 3 in child care. I am also the Nursery SENCO. I am a fully qualified Paediatric First Aider. I am level 3 Safeguarding trained, Manual Handling trained, and Food Hygiene trained. We also continually train around all aspects of childcare development.


I am also the Team Leader of the Babies & Tots room.


Alicia

Alicia Spellman

Job Title: Nursery Teacher

Joined: 2014

I have worked here for 10 Years. I have my NVQ level 3 in child care. I am a fully qualified Paediatric First Aider. I am level 3 Safeguarding trained, Manual Handling trained, and Food Hygiene trained. We also continually train around all aspects of childcare development.


I am the Team Leader of the Toddler room.


Julie

Julie Molyneux

Job Title: Senior Nursery Chef

Joined: 2014

Julie has been working as a nursery chef for over 20 Years. Julie has the following City & Guilds catering qualifications. They are 705 1 & 2, 706 1 & 2, 707 1 & 2. Nwrac advanced patisserie work and pastry. Julie also has level 5 food hygiene and safety.


Julie is also our Health & Safety Coordinator at the nursery.


Frequently Asked Questions about Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn)

What is the Age Range of Children that Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) accepts?

Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) Open?

Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) 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 Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) have capacity for?

Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) has capacity for a total of 93 Children.

How far is Dunkys Day Nursery (Runcorn) to the centre of Runcorn?

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