Dolly and Bear Day Nursery

7 Carnarvon Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6LR
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9.8 37 Reviews
  • Dolly and Bear Day Nursery, Southend-on-Sea
Dolly and Bear Day Nursery, Southend-on-Sea offers full time childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years.

Children can have fun and develop their skills with the support of a team of early years practitioners.

Children can learn and play in a stimulating and creative atmosphere.

There are nursery spaces for the different age ranges, including mobile and non-mobile babies. Each room reflects the seven areas of learning as prescribed in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Care Provided by Dolly and Bear Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Dolly and Bear Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Charlotte Gifford (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 11
  • Total Places for Children
  • 62
  • 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

Funding & Fees Guide for Dolly and Bear Day Nursery

  • Our nursery hours are 07:30 - 18:30, we offer morning and afternoon sessions.
    Full Day £65.00
    Half Day Session £38.00

Dolly and Bear Day Nursery Reviews (37)

Total of 37, showing 21-37
9.8

Dolly and Bear Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.828) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dolly and Bear Day Nursery has 37 reviews.

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Review from C H (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl has only been going to this nursery for around a month now but she absolutely loves it! All of the ladies are so lovely and she has so much fun. We love all of the updates on the app! As a new mum going back to full-time work, you just want to be reassured your little one is in the best
hands. Thank you.

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Review from Harriett O (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The most wonderful nursery. I couldn’t be happier with this nursery. My son loves going and the manager is absolutely fantastic. I would recommend Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Southend to anyone! My son is always happy and tells me how much fun he has every single day.

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Review from V H (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending for a couple of months now. She went from being really anxious and worried to absolutely loving it in a very short space of time. All the staff have been amazing and the app is a great feature. I can definitely tell she has picked up some more skills since being there.

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Review from Anamaria I (Mother of Child) published on 25 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We changed 3 nurseries until we found this one. My daughter loves going, there are so many daily activities. The manager does such a brilliant job and is very careful to children's needs. We went from: 'nooo I don't want to go', to, 'when can we go to nursery Mummy.'
Thank you for taking care of my
treasure.

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Review from Renata I (Mother of Child) published on 25 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really great place. Staff are excellent, friendly and it has a close family feel. Always know what they have been doing all day or eating via the app. My son loves this place and his nursery teachers. Highly recommended.

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Review from Marisa V (Mother of Child) published on 25 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I recommend this nursery to everyone who want their children happy and still have the best education.
My baby goes to this nursery for 7 months now and when I pick him up he is always happy.
My First language isn’t English, I speak with my kid in my language and when I speak English he does understand.
One of the best choices that I made was to put him in the nursery, he can understand both languages and interact with other kids of his age.
The staff are really friendly always keeps me up to date on his development and always trying new things with him.


I’m very thankful for being so amazing and being so good to us.


100% recommend to all parents that want the best for their children. ????


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Review from Akeem A (Father of Child) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves the nursery and he has been able to develop his social skills thanks to the magnificent efforts by the staff who engages him a lot. Great staff to children ratio, good communication and wide range of foods served to children. I'll definitely recommend.

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Review from Roxy D (Mother of Child) published on 13 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy with the staff and the activities the children are involved in. My daughter enjoys going there and playing, they have a garden and kids are prepared for school learning letters, singing and eating healthy.

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Review from Zoe E (Mother of Child) published on 11 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery, brilliant staff and brilliant communication with staff to parents. My child loves this nursery. I wish this nursery was around when my eldest went to nursery as its lovely. I love the app that they use to communicate with the parents.

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Review from Kirsty H (Mother of Child) published on 11 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter currently attends this nursery and we have had amazing experiences with this nursery. The staff are very caring, attentive to her needs, communicate with us parents brilliantly and have my daughter's best interests at heart. This nursery isn’t money-orientated like the rest we’ve previously
visited/attended, they truly care about the children they have attending. The extensive list of activities and trips out that the nursery offer is what made us choose them, I prefer a more natural approach with natural open play toys/gentle parenting and the nursery covers both gentle caring wellbeing and mainstream caring. 5-stars for absolute sure!

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Review from Paige G (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to Monkey Puzzle for over a year now and she has come on so much. I really liked the look of the setting when I had a look around before sending my girl there. The staff are polite and helpful and tell me what my little girl has done through the day. She really enjoys going
to nursery. I have also recommended the nursery to my neighbour who is sending their son to Monkey Puzzle in September. I really like the nursery and will tell anyone who asks.

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Review from Chloe P (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love this nursery! They are so friendly and understanding here! My son never has a bad day and is always busy doing something! My son has been speaking so much more since starting and will even tell me about his day!

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Review from Lilly C (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at Monkey Puzzle for just over 6 months and I cannot recommend it enough. He settled in really well, we have no issues at drop off he’s happy to stay there. The staff are so committed to caring for your child but also developing them - my son has really come out of his shell with other
children and his communication skills have really improved. Facilities are excellent and there is always an activity alongside playtime.

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Review from Lauren C (Mother of Child) published on 3 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was so worried about my son joining a nursery because he wasn't very sociable when it came to other kids but we couldn't be happier. The staff are incredible, so friendly and caring. My son has progressed so much within six months and I truly believe that's due to how understanding, patient and caring
the staff are to the children. Would highly recommend this nursery, it is so accommodating for all children.

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Review from Carmen L (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love the fact the staff are very caring, approachable and professional. My little one is enjoying nursery and I can see the activities are improving her skills in many ways. For me it has been an excellent experience and above all I know my little one enjoys it!

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Review from Jade M (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to this nursery for about 6 months and all the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and take great care of all the children they look after. My daughter always comes home really happy and wanting to tell me all about what she had done at nursery and is always excited
to go back. With all the extra measures that have had to be put in place due to COVID, they have been very informative and very professional and I believe they have been doing great to uphold all hygiene requirements. I think it’s great how they have taught the kids about the virus and my daughter is now obsessed and always asks to wash her hands to get rid of the germs.

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Review from Alin P (Father of Child) published on 30 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An amazing place for kids and the lovely staff are always available. My son enjoying his time spent in the nursery and is always happy to come here. I could not recommend a better place. Thanks for everything and especially for the patience needed to work with the kids.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.828)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.828) out of 10 for Dolly and Bear Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.828 for Dolly and Bear Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (189 Excellents x 5) + (37 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 227 Ratings = 4.828

  • 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 Dolly and Bear Day Nursery is based on 19 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 62 number of registered child places is 12.4, which has been reached with 19 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (1)

Top 20 Nurseries East of England 2021

Recipient: Dolly and Bear Day Nursery

Date: Friday 28 May 2021 More details

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Meet the Team (10)

Charlotte

Charlotte

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2020

My team and I are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life by caring and supporting them to learn and grow in a positive and stimulating environment.


First Aid Trained
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Wellbeing Officer
Fire Officer
Safeguarding and Child Protection Training
Food Hygiene.


Tara

Tara

Job Title: Nursery Deputy Manager

Joined: 2021

Tara and the team are dedicated to ensuring all children with special educational needs are given the best opportunities at nursery.


Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo).
Behaviour Coordinator.
Fire Officer.
First Aid Trained.
Safeguarding and Child Protection Training.
Food Hygiene.


Dashurije

Dashurije

Job Title: Senior Nursery Practitioner

Dashurije is our Nursery 3rd in charge & Pre School Room Leader


Dashurije has her level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education


Designated Safeguarding Lead
ABSS Wellcomm Trained
First Aid Trained
Safeguarding and Child protection training
Food Hygiene


Claire

Claire

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2024

Claire has her Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education.


Claire loves supporting children to learn, develop and flourish whilst in her care.


Leah

Leah

Job Title: Nursery Room Leader

Joined: 2024

Leah has level 3 diploma in Early Education.


Leah is currently on Maternity Leave and is due back in May 2025.


Ellie

Ellie

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner & Deputy Room Leader

Joined: 2024

Ellie is our deputy room leader is our 2.5 - 3.5 year old room.
Ellie thrives on supporting children's learning and development to reach their next milestone.


Ellie has her Level 3 Diploma in Early Education


Viktoria

Viktoria

Job Title: Nursery Practioner

Viktoria works within our 1.5 - 2.5 year old room.


Viktoria has her Level 2 Diploma in Early Education and is currently working towards her Level 3.


Orchid

Orchid

Job Title: Nursery Room Leader

Joined: 2024

Orchid is our Room Leader for our 2.5 - 3.5 year olds.


Orchid has an amazing amount of knowledge and understanding around children's behaviours.


Orchid loves to incorporate the curiosity and Montessori approach into her everyday activities. Orchid loves to devolvement the childrens everyday skills.


Orchid has her Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education


Hannah

Hannah

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2021

Hannah is one of our nursery practitioners in our 3 - 5 year old room.


Hannah has recently qualified as a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner


Heidi

Heidi

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2022

Heidi is a Nursery Practitioner in our 1.5 - 2.5 year old room.


Heidi has her Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education.


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