Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Princes Avenue, Next to Morrisons, Chatham ME5 7PQ
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7.1 57 Reviews
  • Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare, Chatham

Care Provided by Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lewis Clarke (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 18
  • Total Places for Children
  • 72
  • 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

  • Competitive fees, please discuss during tour of nursery.


  • Parking
  • Parking is within the car park of Morrisons Supermarket and at the rear of the Nursery


Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare Reviews (57)

Total of 57, showing 1-20
7.1

Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare has a Review Score of 7.1 (7.097) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare has 57 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started Owl and Bear after having a bad experience at another nursery and I was very worried she wouldn't settle, however when picking her up after her first day it was like I picked up another child. She came skipping out smiling and excited to go back the next day! It has been the same
ever since! The staff are all very attentive and treat all children as individuals knowing their needs and are very interactive with them. There is a family feel within the nursery and they make my daughter feel safe and loved. The communication is fantastic and the manager is brilliant in supporting parents and the children with any queries. The staff give clear handovers when I collect my daughter including what she's done and what she's eaten and photos are uploaded regularly to the learning journals so I can see what she has been up to. I highly recommend this nursery and only wish I put my daughter in right from the start.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Hi, thank you for your kind words and review of the nursery.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at Owl & Bear in September 2023, from his first settling-in session he has absolutely loved it.
He attends one and a half days a week at the moment and I’m hoping to increase this when he gets his funding next year.
All the staff are so lovely and spend time telling me about his day
and what he’s been up to. My son is very fussy with food and the staff noticed this on his first day and suggested we send him with a little packed lunch for them to give him after trying him with their food. They take a real interest in his interests and always provide toys for him that they know he likes.
I love seeing what he has been up to on the app too.
Since starting nursery, his speech has come on so much and he’s saying more and more each day.
He gets so excited coming to nursery and often doesn’t want to leave. He loves when he drives past the nursery and shouts to me, pointing it out and waving.
I really couldn’t be happier with our experience and would 100% recommend to other parents.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

I sent my 2-year-old son there. Last week he came home with scars under his eye, nose and face. Dad picked him up at 6.30 pm and they never explained to him or me (mum) where those bruises on my 2-year-old son came from and I have pics to prove it. I immediately sent an email and until today, they couldn’t
give me an explanation as to how my son got them from. I started having bad feelings about the nursery from the day my son started holding my neck and would say ”no” as we always approached the nursery door but just kept it to myself. Yesterday I decided to take my son out of there and into another nursery and he’s very happy there.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

This review is very disappointing as your child absolutely loved nursery and used to cry when he left, you even pointed this out yourself one day as you walked past the garden.
A member of the public also contacted us and identified how your son cried as he left the nursery!
All accidental injuries that occur at the nursery are documented correctly and parents are informed.
Safeguarding – we obviously take extremely seriously, and the children are our priority – sadly when we do take the correct action this can lead to children being removed from our setting and reviews written that are not reflective of the service we offer, something we are unable to prevent.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Owl and Bear nursery for over a year and a half, and I can't speak highly enough of them. As a teacher myself, I am keen for my son to learn and develop his education as well as social skills. The staff are very supportive and challenge the children through play.
The staff
are very kind and make time for each child individually and as a group. They have helped my son in areas where he has struggled and has also made referrals to help him get the extra help he needed in key areas of his development.
I would have no hesitation in trusting the staff here to care for my son. He is very happy there.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for your kind words! We are extremely proud of the milestones all the children in our setting are achieving on a daily basis.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my boys enjoy going to Owl & Bear nursery. The staff are amazing and makes the kids feel welcome. My boys have settled down well, and coming to Owl & Bear has boosted their confidence. I’m happy with their progress and thank the team for doing an amazing job.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been sending my daughter here since the beginning of the year and she’s settled in so well. The staff are all so friendly and her key worker is great. I am so glad I found this nursery, I can’t imagine sending her anywhere else!

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you so much for the kind words. We are happy that you feel your daughter has settled in so well with us, we ensure during our settle sessions that our staff are able to bond with their key child and follow their interests as much as possible to ensure a smooth transition from parent to nursery.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Owl & Bear nursery in Walderslade have been fantastic helping my child settle into nursery life. The staff are friendly, helpful and go that extra mile. My child confidence has grown so much since going to Owl & Bear she has also come on leaps and bounds with her speech, learning new things everyday.
She enjoys going in on her days and the garden area they have is large and full of different outdoor equipment, it was the main reason I picked it and she loves being outside. I have and will keep recommending Owl & Bear.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for your lovely words. We are proud of the facilities we offer and feel our large garden area is one of our favourite things for our children to explore.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I recently began sending my son to Owl & Bear and could not be happier. We had some issues with his previous nursery not being able to meet his needs and after talking with the nursery manager I felt confident this was a better fit. All my expectations have been exceeded. Staff are amazing and go above
and beyond to create a happy environment that the children are able to thrive in. My son is like a different child in the short time he has been attending. The facilities are excellent and provide a wide range of learning and play experiences for the children.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for your kind words. Owl & Bear pride ourselves on creating a positive environment for all of our children. We are so happy that your little one has settled in.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery. My daughter is always so excited to go. From the staff to the facilities I don’t think there is a bad word I can say. Always so friendly and are quick to help with anything needed. It’s always hard to see your firstborn go to nursery and they have made the process so easy and went above
and beyond to meet every need.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for your kind words. We know how difficult it can be to trust people to look after your most precious possessions, we are glad you feel that Owl & Bear are the right place for your daughter.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant Nursery. My son started at the beginning of the year and has settled in so nicely. His key worker has brilliant communication and the manager at this branch is very good at his job. He takes a personal interest in the children, again communication is brilliant and they are very reassuring,
especially as a first-time mum, that your child is cared for.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery. caring and polite staff. Always welcoming. My daughter loves going to nursery. She he has settled in well. A big thanks to all the staff for all you do. It's a lovely nursery.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare since he was 9 months old. He is now nearly 3 years old.
My son settled in very well and loves the nursery. He has come on in leaps and bounds, his speech is improving and his confidence has grown massively. The nursery staff are caring and
friendly. I can also tell that child safety is important and this makes me feel happy knowing my son is in safe hands.
My son goes to nursery with a smile on his face and when I pick him up his smile is still there. My husband and I are very grateful to all the staff who care for my son.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for your kind review. We are comitted to ensuring that every child goes home happy and fulfilled after spending their day learning alongside their peers.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare is a great nursery. My son has settled in amazingly and has grown in confidence and is always excited to attend nursery.
I found it to be a safe environment for my son.
The staff are friendly and always helpful and can answer any queries promptly.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for your very kind review. Our staff are committed to fostering positive relationships with all of our parents and families, detailed feedback is key to ensuring we are all working in partnership for the best outcomes of all of the children.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have attended this nursery and they both have grown in confidence stupendously. They love going to nursery every week and the staff are so polite and inviting. They always make sure my children are welcome and they always listen to any concerns and follow routine that happens at home.
We are sad to be leaving but it’s time for us for a new adventure.
I thank all of the staff at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare for making both my children feel happy and content and safe when they aren’t with me.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you so much for your kind response. Our staff are committed to ensuring all our children settle into the nursery as comfortably as possible. We are so delighted that you enjoyed your experience with us and wish you all the best for the future.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter's only been at the nursery for just under a month but she’s settled in so quick and comes home so happy! So impressed by how professional the staff are but also so relaxed environment and friendly always at the door. Thanks so much, my daughter loves it! Would recommend to all!

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for your kind words. Our staff are committed to ensuring all children settle into the nursery comfortably. We are so happy you are enjoying your experience with us so far.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My twins have been attending the nursery for 18 months now and they love it; both run through the door as soon as it's opened! The staff have been brilliant with understanding the twin's different needs and personalities, and are always on hand to listen to any concerns about development and work with
you (one twin has a speech delay). I would definitely recommend the nursery and have already enrolled my baby for when I return to work from maternity leave.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for your kind review. Our staff are committed to ensuring the needs of every individual child in our setting are met, we are appreciative of your lovely feedback and are excited to welcome your little one when you return to work.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery. My son has grown leaps and bounds since being here. Would recommend to anyone. I have recently just started my youngest son and they have been really great at settling him in. Lovely people too.

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for your kind review. All our staff are committed to ensuring that all of the children in Owl & Bear leave our setting being happy, independent and resilient learners.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Owl & Bear since the beginning of January. The nursery were amazing at working with me and supporting me with being able to take her on at such short notice and taking into account my personal situation as my previous childcare had stopped unexpectedly. The team there
are amazing and extremely friendly. My daughter has had a great time since she started there and I am very impressed and grateful for the regular updates they give me on her day. I highly recommend them to any and every one!

Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you for acknowledging how committed and passionate our staffing team are. We appreciate your kind feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have had great experiences with this nursery; they love the staff and always come home happy. They love the garden and the animals and have learnt so much with the help of the nursery, and they have massively helped my son with his speech. I would highly recommend Owl & Bear.

Reply from Ruth Baker, Owner at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you! We think it's very important for children to learn about animals and the importance of caring for them. The guinea pigs and the chicks we hatched were loved by all the children and helped to encourage some fantastic speech/new language.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Owl & Bear is such a lovely day nursery. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and the rooms are clean. My little boy always enjoys the food and snacks!
I would certainly recommend this nursery to my friends!

Reply from Ruth Baker, Owner at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

Thank you! Owl & Bear Daycare pride itself with offering a nutritious and diverse menu, following the government guidelines on Healthy Eating in Early Years.
Our staff always take pride in their environment and their care and education of the children. It's lovely to hear your appreciation of this - thank you!


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Current Review Score: 7.1 (7.097)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 7.1 (7.097) out of 10 for Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 3.8 out of 5 from 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.3 out of 5 from 2 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 3.833 for Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare is calculated as follows: ( (24 Excellents x 5) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) + (9 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 36 Ratings = 3.833

  • 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 3.264 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare is based on 2 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 = 3.125

    • 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 72 number of registered child places is 14.4. 2 Positive Reviews ÷ 14.4 = 0.139

  • 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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Frequently Asked Questions about Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare

What is the Age Range of Children that Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare accepts?

Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare Open?

Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare 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 Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare have capacity for?

Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare has capacity for a total of 72 Children.

How far is Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare to the centre of Chatham?

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