Safari Childcare Halstead Road

79 Halstead Road, Lexden, Colchester CO3 9AD
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9.0 73 Reviews
  • Safari Childcare Halstead Road, Colchester

Care Provided by Safari Childcare Halstead Road

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Amy Clifton (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 12
  • Total Places for Children
  • 50
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:00-18:30
    Tuesday 07:00-18:30
    Wednesday 07:00-18:30
    Thursday 07:00-18:30
    Friday 07:00-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Safari Childcare Halstead Road Reviews (73)

Total of 73, showing 41-60
9.0

Safari Childcare Halstead Road has a Review Score of 9.0 (9.000) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Safari Childcare Halstead Road has 73 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The most important thing for me was trusting someone with my toddler, the staff at Safari are brilliant with the kids; they are so caring, helpful and non-judgemental, and I completely trust them with my child. My sons get so excited when we're on our way to Safari, when he arrives, he bursts through
the doors! I think this nursery has been brilliant for his social skills, and he has learnt so much since being there; they are always making things, baking or getting outdoors in the garden. I highly recommend the staff here, and the added bonus is they are so flexible too, open all year except for Christmas.

Reply from Chanel, Director at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Thank you so much for your kind words. What a lovely review, thank you for sharing!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great nursery. They are really creative with there activities, and they really get to know each child properly so they can get the best out of their learning experience. My son's confidence has grown massively since joining.

Reply from Chanel Lassman, Director at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

We are so pleased your little one is doing so well and thriving. We would love to know in more detail how you feel we can improve our facilities and outside space as well as other aspects. Please do email us and we will be happy to see how we can improve Safari!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Safari Childcare for just over 4-months now, and I could not recommend the setting more. As soon as we visited, we knew it was the right setting for our little girl and she thoroughly enjoys her days there and has developed so much since starting. The setting has a lovely
homely feel and the standard of cleanliness is amazing. All the staff are so welcoming and friendly who go above and beyond with everything they do! The feedback they give daily as well as the regular updates is very thorough and they really make you feel part of your child's learning and development. Both the indoor and outdoor environments are full of a variety of different resources to entertain the children and the nutritional food on offer to meet dietary requirements is superb. Having Tapestry to see online observations is great as it allows us to access her development level regularly. Without hesitation, I'd recommend this nursery and give it a worthy 10 out of 10! Keep up the great work.

Reply from Chanel, Director at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

WOW! Thank you so much, Tom, for your fantastic review! We really do love having your little one at Safari, and it has been wonderful to see her develop and grow so much in the short time she has been with us. Thank you for sharing your views; it is very much appreciated!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 3-year-old has been at Safari for almost a year now, and she has bloomed in confidence considering she is very shy! She loves it so much and always bounces with excitement when talking about her friends and teachers and what they got up to! My 2-year-old son, however, is a lot more difficult, and
I was very hesitant in sending him to nursery as he cannot talk. Yet, as always, the girls always look out for us parents as well as the children, reassuring me that they can help with him. He has only attended a few times and I am amazed at how quickly he has gone to the girls for cuddles! They bring out lots of different activities for the children getting them involved and getting their motor skills working. The garden is also a highlight of my daughters day! I could go on forever about my fondness for all the staff there but I’d definitely recommend Safari to anybody who wants their child or children in safe, caring hands.

Reply from Chanel, Director at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review and for recommending us. We are always here for our parents no matter how difficult things seem, we will try our best to help make life a little easier! Plus, we love cuddles too!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so pleased with the choice we made for our child. Safari has been so warm and welcoming. They responded to our child's needs from the start, making settling-in easier at a difficult time. Safari management is approachable and holds the team to high standards. If something needs improvement they
hold themselves accountable. Our child's carers are all unfailingly lovely and good fun and that shows in our child's excitement on nursery days.

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it is much appreciated. We are so happy you are pleased with Safari Childcare and we will always do our best to strive for excellence especially where our little ones are involved!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

When looking for a nursery for my little girl (11 months at the time) I looked around so many in the area, being a first-time mum, who is really picky and a teacher, I knew it would have to be somewhere special for me to send her. I immediately fell in love with Safari, the team were all so welcoming
and friendly. The building is beautiful and the rooms are laid out really well for all of their age groups, with great toys and brilliant educational activities for the children to enjoy. My daughter has now been attending safari for 5 months and gets so excited for nursery each week, definitely her favourite place in these uncertain times. She loves the ladies in Tigers (the baby room) and each day she comes out smiling and content. What I love about Safari is that they are so inclusive, nurturing, kind and the staff go above and beyond to ensure that the children are cared for in the best possible way. Sending my daughter to Safari was the best parenting choice I have made.

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

WOW! We are so proud of our dedicated and caring team and so pleased that we can make these strange times a little easier for our little ones. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review and for your kind words. We really do appreciate it and we look forward to your little one continuing to grow and develop here at Safari!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The girls at Safari are always professional. Kind, caring and seriously incredible with my child, of course with the other children too. My son always comes out happy and smiling telling us about his fun-filled day at Safari, and about their yummy food! He especially takes a liking to the team in the
preschool room, and that is simply because of all the care and comfort they have given him since being at Safari. My heart truly bursts knowing he is back and completely happy at Safari! I cannot put into words how thankful we are. My son thinks the world of the girls there, and as parents, we do too! I wouldn’t want my child anywhere else, and we will 100% be sending our second child here. Thank you again.

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Wow, such a wonderful review and such beautiful words! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your views, we truly are so lucky to have such a wonderfully dedicated team and amazing children with fully supportive parents! We would love to know how we can improve the services we offer, please do let us know via email and we will be more than happy to reflect and make positive changes.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Safari is a great nursery that puts the children at the heart of everything they do. It is run with passion, care and understanding. The staff genuinely care about each child and the kids are never bored - lots of fun to be had whilst learning every day.

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

We are so pleased you can tell we are so passionate! We love what we do and love seeing our little ones explore, learn and grow whilst with us. Thank you for your kind words!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Safari Childcare is a wonderful, friendly and loving environment. My little boy absolutely loves it there. The staff are all incredibly friendly and helpful, we know them all by name and they all know my son, this has made us see how he has settled into the nursery really helpful especially during these
more difficult times when drop off is at the door rather than going into the room with him. He always comes home happy and the ladies provide great feedback about his day and celebrate his achievements with him and us.

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Wow what a lovely review! We are so glad that your little one has settled well with the support of the wonderful team. We are happy to be making these difficult times a little easier for our families and little ones.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Safari childcare since she was 9 months old- she’s now soon to be 4 and her experience of Safari has always been such a positive one - from the moment she steps in the door her face beams with happiness at the thought of her day ahead. She’s gained some amazing friendships and
looks at the staff members as her friends too. She loves the time she spends there and is always excited to tell me all the things she’s been up to and her favourite is by far the outside time and often tells me how her favourite teacher plays games with them. The food is incredible and she always comes away feeling full and happy. The staff are all incredible and are always on hand to answer any questions we may have. I never want her to leave her happy little Safari bubble!

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

What beautiful words, we love our Safari bubble and all of our little ones in it!
Thank you for your review!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Love the nursery, great family feel to it. All of our boys love the place. I would and have recommended to friends and family. The cameras are a great feature and the staff are always happy to help and advise.

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Thank you for your lovely words and taking the time to recommend us!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going here since he was 12 months old and he is now almost 3. We have been very happy with the service. The staff are warm and friendly. The environment is clean, homely and stimulating for the children. Through the lockdowns, they have put measures in place to reduce risks. There is
a lovely garden which he loves too. Daily logs are updated in tapestry journal along with pictures of what they have been up to which is lovely to see.
I recommend Safari to anyone looking for a safe, friendly and enriching setting for their little ones.

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Where has that time gone! We have loved seeing your son grow and develop whilst with us and we cannot wait to see him flourish into preschool! Thank you for your lovely words and taking the time to recommend us!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son, now 6 attended Safari Childcare and my now 4-year-old daughter is still currently attending. They both started when they were 2 and have progressed there until school age.
I honestly cannot fault them. Both my children struggled with being away from me, my daughter still sometimes does but
they dealt and still deal with it so amazingly. They are gentle, supportive and are a great comfort to the kids.
The facilities are really good too, they offer a great play garden and lots of sensory and imaginative play within each classroom, as well as the food for children's meals, is all freshly cooked and phenomenal.

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Wow how time flies and your eldest is now 6, it seems like only yesterday he too was with us! Such lovely words and although we understand it is sometimes hard trying to settle our little ones we will always follow their lead and reassure so they feel safe, secured and loved. Thank you for your recommendation and taking the time to review us!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Safari for 3 years and my daughter for a year, I trust them fully with my children, the staff are amazing. When watching on the cameras I’ve seen the staff treat my children with such care and love. The management are great and honest and always there for help or reassurance!
My children love to go to Safari to see friends and the staff. To top it off the food is amazing and nutritional

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Thank you for your review! We are pleased you use the iWatch service too as extra reassurance. The chef's cooking is most certainly a huge hit! Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have already recommended Safari Childcare to my friends as I have been so happy with it. The staff are always warm and caring. Both my girls have gone here from 11 months old. I have never had to worry as I am so reassured that Safari is like a home away from home. They are provided with such fun
activities and they have always both loved the cooking. The garden is always a big hit too. My friend's eldest was really prepared for starting school so she managed the transition well. I am so pleased I chose Safari. They are also flexible and helpful which has been so needed with the craziness of this last year!

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Thank you so much for your review and lovely words!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have used Safari Childcare for the last 4 years. Both my sons have been very happy here. Great staff, delicious home-cooked food, fab facilities including an amazing garden! I couldn't recommend enough!

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

Thank you for your review! We have loved caring for your little ones and cannot believe it will nearly be time to say goodbye and wish your child well in their next chapter at big school!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Throughout my children's' 3 years at Safari, the staff have been excellent. My children are safe, cared for and happy. Any problems are quickly communicated and discussed. Throughout the pandemic, they have worked as hard as usual. I would recommend this nursery to everyone.

Reply from Sophie, Manager at Safari Childcare Halstead Road

We cannot believe it has been three years. Time flies. Thank you so much for your review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at Safari Childcare for two years and has loved her time there. The only reason she is leaving is due to moving. One of the many things we have liked about Safari is their care and compassion towards our daughter, we felt we were leaving her in the hands of people who truly knew
her and cared for her in the best way possible. The activities that were offered to help our child develop and have fun have been outstanding, and she got experiences from Safari that I know kept her engaged, learning and above all else happy. The food provided is excellent, and communication with us as parents has been second to none. I would highly recommend Safari Childcare to anyone looking for a professional, warm, friendly, engaging and fun environment for their child; they have been amazing throughout our time with them!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Son attended Safari Childcare for just over two years, leaving at the start of August as he is going to school in September. He was very happy whilst there and was extremely well looked after and I always felt that the staff really cared for him rather than it just being their job.


My son has

flourished whilst at Safari and is certainly now ready for school and I feel that safari has played a major role in his preparation, not just academically but also socially and practically.


His days at Safari always seemed full of fun and entertaining activities, my son particularly enjoyed forest school and being outside.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no hesitation in recommending Safari Childcare.
After a difficult transition in transferring my youngest child from a home setting to nursery, the whole team and management worked closely with me and my son to settle him in and over the last 18 months I have watched him grow and his confidence
go from strength to strength!
I have always been met with a "nothing is too much trouble" from the team and they have been so incredibly supportive, I can't thank them enough!
I am delighted with the service and the daily quality of care my son receives, he loves his time at nursery/pre-school and we love seeing this! With excellent extra activities including Forest School and Spanish and quality home cooked meals, its now a challenge to get him to leave!
Well done, keep up the great work - you really do make a difference!

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Current Review Score: 9.0 (9.000)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.0 (9.000) out of 10 for Safari Childcare Halstead Road 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 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.0 out of 5 from 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 5.000 for Safari Childcare Halstead Road is calculated as follows: ( (60 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 5

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Safari Childcare Halstead Road is based on 5 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 = 3.5

    • 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 50 number of registered child places is 10. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 10 = 0.5

  • 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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