Doodle Do Day Nursery

The Old Church Hall, Portland Road, Bishop's Stortford CM23 3SL
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9.5 75 Reviews
  • Doodle Do Day Nursery, Bishop's Stortford
Doodle Do Day Nursery is a private day care nursery located in a stunning converted church hall in Bishop’s Stortford.

Situated just a short distance from the town centre, the Nursery is in the ideal location for both local residents and commuters into London.

Doodle Do Day Nursery enables children to develop and flourish, fostering a love for learning through play to encourage each child to reach their full potential. Their mission is to provide enriched learning opportunities in a secure environment for children to be naturally curious and confident.

The nursery offers a variety of extracurricular activities including Spanish lessons for all children on Wednesday mornings, Yoga for all children on Thursday afternoons and sport coach for toddlers and pre-school on Friday mornings.

Staff encourage parent’s contribution to their child’s learning and work closely with them to gather information about their child’s learning at home.

Care Provided by Doodle Do Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lianne Bloomfield (Deputy Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 28
  • Total Places for Children
  • 86
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Doodle Do Day Nursery

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.


Total of 75, showing 1-20
9.5

Doodle Do Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.527) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Doodle Do Day Nursery has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Our child has been at this nursery for three years, and while they are well-cared for and happy, we've experienced significant concerns. The staff turnover is alarmingly high; we've seen at least five managers during our time here. This constant change has led to atrocious communication from management,
making it challenging to stay informed about important updates. Additionally, the quality of nutrition has noticeably declined, likely due to budget cuts. Although our child enjoys their time here, we would seriously reconsider sending a second child. Consistency and better communication are needed to regain our trust.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. It's good to hear you believe our children are well-cared for and that your child enjoys their time at nursery. We are saddened to hear of your concerns though. We do pride ourselves on our communication and make efforts to ensure we are consistent despite any staffing changes. Our food and nutrition are of huge importance to us, and I would like to reassure you there have been no budget cuts to impact this. However, we take your concerns very seriously and our Nursery Manager would be happy to speak to you directly in more detail about what we can do to resolve these. If you would be happy to speak to us directly it would be much appreciated so we can continue improving the service we offer for the families of our community.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Doodle Do since she was 1 year old and is now 3. She loves going to nursery, the staff are all so welcoming and friendly. Each day there are different activities set up with different learning focuses, the staff update the app regularly with what she’s eaten, and photos of the
activities and shares learning updates so we know how she’s getting on. The team were supportive through potty training too! Since the nursery manager started it has it’s gone from strength to strength. The children in the toddler's room do weekly yoga and Spanish lessons, have had a drama school come to visit and even had a fire engine come this week. The nursery has recently made a real effort to involve parents by hosting an Easter activity afternoon which the children and parents loved. I’m very grateful for the team at Doodle Do and all the hard work they put in!

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are so lucky to be part of your daughter's early years and watch her learn and grow day by day.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has attended Doodle Do since being in the baby room and is now at preschool. He loves coming to nursery each day and has thrived from the care of the staff there. We have seen his confidence, development and interests nurtured and there’s an attitude of continuous improvement at all levels,
which is great to see.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review, and the staff at Doodle Do enjoy watching your son grow and thrive every day.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughters (aged 1 and 3) attend Doodle Do Day Nursery four full days a week. Every day the children are happy to go in and explore their rooms, staff are so friendly and welcoming, they have fantastic relationships with my daughters. I see updates on the app of wonderful, well-thought-out activities
from each of the girl's base rooms, I am also updated about what they have eaten, special individual learning snapshots, personal care and sleep information. Communication is excellent by phone and email and in person. The nursery has a warm home-from-home feel with staff who care so much.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your very kind words. It is lovely to hear that our parent partnership and the sharing of information is received well.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since the new manager has taken over, the nursery has gone from strength to strength. New activities have been introduced and the staff now seem very supported. My child is in the toddler room and he loves football and Spanish lessons. He comes home excited to talk about the new things he is doing.
There are always a variety of activities (indoor and outdoor) which tie into themes of what the children are learning about that week and plenty of messy play. The menus are varied and healthy and communications are much improved. The staff are wonderful with the children and the manager and her team are doing a great job.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your wonderful feedback and great review about Doodle Do. We all love watching your son grow and develop day by day.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot fault our experience with Doodle Do, we are very happy! The staff have been excellent from day 1, right from showing us around as prospective parents to enrolling our son, they have made us feel supported as new parents and have created a warm, nurturing and educational environment in which
our child has thrived. We originally came to Doodle Do from a recommendation of another parent and since starting the new management team have further improved the facilities and activities such as introducing yoga sessions and Spanish lessons which the children have loved. I would highly recommend the nursery and wouldn’t consider putting our son anywhere else!

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

We all love watching your son grow and develop week by week. He is always very happy and engages with every part of nursery life. He puts a smile on everybody's face. Thank you for your amazing review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our 18-month-old boy goes to Doodle Dos.
We are extremely pleased with the nursery, they have provided excellent care for him and he absolutely loves going. He grabs his coat and shoes in excitement when we say nursery.
All of the staff are lovely and well informed and they keep him entertained all
day with various activities. His vocabulary has rocketed since he’s been with them.
Thoroughly recommended.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review and it's nice to hear your son is excited to come to nursery. He brings his happy personality and smile every time.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team in the preschool room do such a wonderful job of making my daughter feel welcome and happy every day - from tactfully stepping in to support the occasional “cuddly” drop-off to whatever they do during the day: I get a happy, contented little girl coming home every evening (who then proceeds
to ramble on about nursery for much of her remaining waking minutes) - for ultimate peace-of-mind about how she’s being cared for, I’m not sure there’s much more we could ask for!

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

That is great to hear that you have peace of mind and thank you for your lovely review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Doodle Do Day Nursery since she was 9 months old and is now about to start school. I cannot thank the amazing staff at the nursery enough for the amazing care, love and learning they have provided her! She has been in each room of the nursery and it is such a welcoming environment
where you are made to feel like part of a big family!
The food provided at the setting is outstanding and they cater for allergies without making the child feel different.
My daughter has learnt so much and amazes me each day with the things that they have learnt such as how a bee pollinates a flower. She has also learnt how to read her name and write it beautifully too!
I can't thank everyone at Doodle Do enough for everything that they have done for me and my little one over the last 4 years and we will miss them greatly!

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you very much for your kind words. We know that the move to school will be a very positive experience and we wish you well.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Doodle Do is a fantastic preschool setting with truly amazing staff. Every morning that our daughter attends Doodle Do she can’t get out of the car and in through the door fast enough! We are welcomed every day by the wonderful staff who greet our daughter by name and remember everything about her.
Doodle Do offers comfort and support through the most passionate and nurturing preschool teachers, allowing the children to grow, develop and most importantly have fun. It has been so lovely and reassuring to see my daughter flourish into the happy, independent and confident little lady she is now. Preschool has maintained an excellent balance of play and learning. My daughter is now leaving well prepared for her first years at school. I could not recommend it highly enough! Thank you for everything!

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely kind words. We wish luck and we all know that the transition to school will be amazing.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined the nursery when she was only 11 months old. From the first days, she was well looked after by staff members who are amazing at what they do. They have knowledge, great care and interest in my child at heart. They provide fun activities, and the food is fantastic, and my daughter
loves it. She is three years old now and has grown into an independent, sweet and full-of-joy little girl, and she loves attending Doodle Do. We plan to stay here till she is five years old. And Doodle Do and all the practitioners there are like our extended family now.
We always will be grateful for the care provided at the nursery, and we highly recommend it.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your very kind words. It is wonderful to see the children flourish and become independent.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are wonderful, very caring and attentive. There has been some high turnover but that’s sometimes unavoidable. Both new staff members and key workers who have been there a while build good relationships with the children and my child looks forward to nursery every day. App updates are sometimes
a little slow but I’d rather the key workers spend their day caring for the children over updating the app so it’s not of great concern. There is outdoor space, plenty of stimulating activities and meals are balanced and varied. I'm really happy with Doodle Do overall.

Reply from Doodle Do Staff, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your kind words. It is lovely to hear your child looks forward to coming every day.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attends Doodle Do for three days a week. We moved from another town over a year ago and he has settled in very well with his key workers.
He has moved from toddlers to preschoolers and I’ve seen his well-being and development come along well.
Over the year, the communications and running of
the nursery has significantly improved. Management has changed, but the interim was communicated clearly and this did not affect the day to day running of the rooms.
All key workers are excellent in their own right, room leaders are exceptional. They get to know your child very well, have in depth conversations with you on activities and are understanding if there is something to work on or alert you to.
The app has been fantastic in understanding activities, food consumption and generally keeping in touch with the nursery.
I would highly recommend Doodle Dos as the location is perfect, being so close to the centre of town.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your kind words. Communication with our families is key to making positive relationships.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My twins have been at the nursery for over 3 years. The most important thing is that they’ve been very happy. Loved and cared for by some wonderful key workers. I've left a star for two of my child's key workers. Both are wonderful, kind and caring ladies. Thanks, both for taking care of my babies.
They adore you.
My husband and I have not had such a great experience. Staff turnover has been rapid. I believe around 18 managers. Each with a different style/standard. Staffing levels so low at one point we would have to queue around the block at 7 am just to try and secure a place for the children. Lots of agency staff. Need to pay the staff what they’re worth to retain them!
Invoicing is hit-and-miss. Takes months to rectify. Head Office are rude and passive-aggressive. Left-hand doesn’t know what the right is doing.
Communication is non existent. The app is massively underutilised.
Lastly, nutrition is nowhere near what it used to be. I think it’s more budget-related than the lovely Chef!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Doodle Do are so lovely and I have confidence that they look after and care for my little girl. She has settled in really well and, considering how attached to me she is, goes into nursery so happy! They provide a wide variety of food and seem to engage in different activities. My daughter
has learned so much from going to the nursery.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your kind words. We plan our activities to ensure every child accesses an enriched learning environment.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery, helped my little boy settle with everyone so easily and quickly! He even eats crumpets for breakfast now! My child always comes home having had great experiences and demonstrating new skills every week. He even sings 'row row row the boat'! Amazing staff! Fantastic approach! Great activities
and yummy food! I would thoroughly recommend it.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your amazing kind words. We teach the children Makaton, it is lovely to hear that they are using this when they are at home too.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Doodle Do since she was 9 months old. She settled in very well, the staff are so caring and friendly. She has recently moved up to the next room and also settled very quickly there, where the staff are also fantastic. The food that they have is healthy and varied and the rooms
are kept clean. The only reason I haven't given five stars is because of a couple of administrative issues I have encountered, however these are now resolved and the nursery is under new management.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely kind words. At Doodle Do we work hard to ensure the transitions between rooms run smoothly and the children build positive relationships with their key workers.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been so impressed with Doodle Do Day Nursery since our little boy started back in September 2021 in pre-toddlers. He is now in the pre-school setting which he thoroughly enjoys. The staff are all so nice and cannot thank them all enough for everything they have done to support us parents throughout
these challenging times. Although he only attends once a week as he is at another setting on other days, he has adapted so well and this is down to the care and attention of all the lovely staff. He is always so happy when we collect him, telling us about his fun-filled Fridays. Thank you all so much for everything you do.

Reply from Helen Marshall, Nursery Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for the lovely review from all the staff at Doodle Do. It has been a pleasure caring for and educating your precious little boy.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little girl started at Doodle Do in March and we had 4 settling in sessions to help us prepare ahead of her start date. The manager has been wonderful in answering all my questions and reassuring me she'll be ok. I am confident they are doing a great job looking after her and it's lovely for me
to feel looked after too - leaving your first baby is hard!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My boys started in November 2021 and they have had the most amazing time since starting, they have grown leaps and bounds. My eldest is in the toddler room and I'm so proud that he knows the days of the week and enjoys singing it at home, my youngest is in the baby room and has dietary requirements
this doesn't stop him from eating the same food as his peers as the chef is so inclusive of all children's needs. My boys are happy and this makes me so happy.
The team are approachable and have a warm and welcoming attitude. Handovers are given with detail and care, not rushed.

Reply from The Staff Team, Manager at Doodle Do Day Nursery

Thank you for your kind review, we are delighted to hear your positive feedback and how much your boys are enjoying their time with us.


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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.527)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.527) out of 10 for Doodle Do Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 16 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 4.597 for Doodle Do Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (163 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (17 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (3 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 216 Ratings = 4.597

  • 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 4.93 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Doodle Do Day Nursery is based on 16 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 86 number of registered child places is 17.2. 16 Positive Reviews ÷ 17.2 = 0.93

  • 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 (6)

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Meet the Team (3)

Lianne

Lianne Bloomfield

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2016

Hi, my name is Lianne, I have been working in childcare since 2000. I enjoy going on vacation and exploring shops.


Louise

Louise Jaycock

Job Title: Admin

Joined: 2023

Hi, my name is Louise. I am a new member of staff here at Doodle Do but I feel part of the family already. I have worked in various nurseries since 2008. I like to go to the gym and love to read in my spare time.


Suzan

Suzan

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2024

Hello! I’m Suzan, the manager of Doodle Do Nursery. I have a BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies. With over 15 years of experience in early years education, I am dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for all our children.


My passion lies in fostering holistic development through play-based learning. I believe that each child is unique and deserves personalised attention to thrive in their early years. I work closely with our team to implement engaging activities that inspire curiosity and creativity while promoting social skills and emotional well-being.


I value strong partnerships with parents and caregivers and am here to support you in your child's journey.


I look forward to welcoming your little ones and working together to provide the best possible experience at Doodle Do Nursery!


Frequently Asked Questions about Doodle Do Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Doodle Do Day Nursery accepts?

Doodle Do Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Doodle Do Day Nursery Open?

Doodle Do Day Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Doodle Do Day Nursery have capacity for?

Doodle Do Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 86 Children.

How far is Doodle Do Day Nursery to the centre of Bishop's Stortford?

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