Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Sefton Avenue, Farnworth, Widnes WA8 9JZ
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9.8 16 Reviews
Dunky's Day Nursery and Forest School Farnworth is situated in the Farnworth area of Widnes. They are open from 8am to 6pm 51 weeks of the year except for bank holidays.

The Nursery is in the building formally known as St Pius Church. The Nursery is arranged over three large areas and can cater for children from 0 to 11 years.

The nursery has the highest standards of security including state-of-the-art door access and CCTV throughout. In the Forest School children can take calculated risks in a controlled environment, where they will follow the principles of the Forest School 5-pointed star.

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.
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Care Provided by Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Marie McSorley (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 28
  • Total Places for Children
  • 70
  • 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 & Christmas Day

Funding & Fees Guide for Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

  • Full day is £70.00
    Am and Pm is £50.00
    Short day (9am-3pm) subject to availability is £60.00
    7.30 start is £7.85
    An extra hour is £7.50

Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth) Reviews (16)

9.8

Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth) has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.819) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth) has 16 reviews.

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Review from Anna P (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Dunky's for the last 3 years and has loved her time there. Staff are friendly, caring and develop excellent relationships with the children in their care. The facilities at Dunky's are excellent and provide children with a wide range of learning opportunities. My daughter has
enjoyed forest school and is always excited to tell me what she has been doing. The app provides me with a full overview of her day, including what she has eaten and any observations made by her teachers. When my daughter was in the baby room, all nappy changes, feeds and naps were recorded which was really helpful. Parents can also add observations of any learning or activities that have taken place outside of nursery. We are so happy with our daughter's development since she joined Dunky's. She has become confident, eager to learn and is well prepared for school later this year. I would highly recommend this nursery!

Reply from Marie Mcsorley, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for your lovely review, we have enjoyed watching her grow and learn.


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Review from Jaclyn G (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 2 boys have attended this nursery for 3 months and have absolutely loved their time here. The forest school part was the biggest deal for my oldest as he loves being outside and they have shown him things I wouldn't have in terms of learning. The baby room is so cosy and catered for my youngest.
All the staff are so helpful and friendly. They will take the time to chat and listen to you. Sadly, we had to leave for personal reasons and Dunky's have done their best to help us in a sticky situation but would definitely recommend this nursery to anyone from the area as cannot find a fault with them. Me and my husband have been happy. Thank you.

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Review from L W (Father of Child) published on 18 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Really happy with the nursery, both the environment and team that look after our child. Our little girl is smiling on the way in and always has a smile when picking her up. She seems to have a really good time when at nursery.

Reply from Marie Mcsorley, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you very much for your review. We are so happy your child is happy with us here at Dunky's.


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Review from Paul M (Father of Child) published on 9 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would recommend Dunkies Nursery to anyone. All Dunkies staff who I have dealt with over the last two years have been very friendly and approachable. The facilities at the nursery are outstanding inside and out for the children to play and develop. My son's development has flourished in the two years
he attended nursery am very confident he is more than ready for school in September. For that, I am very grateful. Thank you to everyone involved.

Reply from Jane Mclean, Senior Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for your kind review. We are so happy you have been pleased with your choice of nursery.


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Review from K T (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dunky's Day Nursery is a fantastic setting. Staff are highly passionate about their jobs and regularly go above and beyond what is expected. Communication is clear and the nursery works hard to establish a strong, positive home/setting communication. The nursery prides itself on high standards and that
is evident whenever I visit to pick up my child- no matter the time of the day, the children appear happy and engaged. My child has been at Dunky's for 10 months now and she is happy to see the staff even though she is not yet of speaking age, you can clearly see the positive relationships she's got with the staff who work there.
The nursery environment is absolutely gorgeous and so unique. The church building is set out and structured in a highly creative way that offers the children a wide range of opportunities, in addition, the baby room is wonderful! I highly recommend Dunky's Farnworth to any prospective parents who are looking for a caring, nurturing, fun-filled nursery.

Reply from Marie Mcsorley, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for your lovely review, we're happy both you and your child have settled in our setting and we are looking forward to watching her grow and develop.


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Review from Hannah T (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Overall, Dunkys Day Nursery is great. Kind and welcoming staff who are eager to help and make your children feel comfortable and settled. The forest school was a reason why we chose this setting and it has not disappointed. The range of activities and meals that are conducted in the outside space is
exceptional and a credit to the staff and resources. We as a family have sent 3 children here and our fourth will follow suit.

Reply from Marie Mcsorley, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for your lovely review, we're happy you and your children have and still are enjoying our setting.


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Review from E T (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dunky's Farnworth provides a safe and nurturing environment in all rooms that encourages growth and support in a child's learning and development. Staff are very accommodating to every child's needs to ensure that they are settled and comfortable in their surroundings and that you as a parent are reassured
because it is the most difficult and worrying time leaving your child in an unfamiliar setting.
My child has built such lovely trusting relationships with all staff and it is shown that they all love her like their own. It's comforting to know how happy she is at nursery as she really does have the best day! What this setting provides is something so unique and different, which is not seen around this area. The outdoor provision is fantastic and my child absolutely loves spending her day outside in the 'forest'. From partaking in forest school activities her independence, learning and confidence have flourished. Overall, it is just simply a wonderful nursery!

Reply from Marie Mcsorley, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for your lovely review, we're happy both you and your child are happy at our setting.


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Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to this nursery for just over a year and he adores it. The staff are kind, welcoming and always have a smile on their faces. One staff member especially has absolutely won my son's heart.
I couldn’t have asked for a better nursery for my son and have no doubts where I'll be sending
my daughter when it’s her turn.
Thank you to all the staff at Dunkys for looking after my child, for keeping him safe and for making him the happiest boy, every single time.

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Review from Wendy H (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really lovely staff and great amenities for the children with a fantastic forest school.

Reply from Marie Mcsorley, Nursery Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery, were so pleased that you are happy with the service that we provide.


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Review from Lauren M (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child absolutely loves going to Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth). All the staff are lovely, have a great knowledge of child development and I love seeing their relationship with the children. The app is used to its full potential by the nursery staff, its updated frequently throughout the day so parents
are able to see updates on their children.

Reply from Jane Mclean, Senior Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for your lovely review. We are pleased to hear you are so happy with the service we provide.


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Review from Kate B (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Dunkys Day Nursery Farnworth since August 2021.
She absolutely loves it there and has developed so much since attending, in all areas. She has formed some really strong bonds with several of the practitioners and fellow children alike which is really lovely to see. We
worried about her socialising skills due to her being a lockdown baby but we needn’t have worried as nursery has really helped her so so much.
The staff are always really friendly and inviting. The bonds they have with the children are really nice to see. We receive regular updates via the app letting us know about her day and also about her development progress.
We are really really happy we chose Dunkys for her and recommend it to others all the time.

Reply from Jane Mclean, Senior Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased you are happy with your choice of nursery.


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Review from E K (Mother of Child) published on 18 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to Dunkys since January and absolutely loves it. The smile on his face when he leaves is just the best so I know how happy he is there. He gets so excited in the morning getting his coat on to go.
The app is really good as you get to see what they have had to eat each day and
the observations they have had. The food is always varied and he always seems to eat it plus more. Definitely recommend Dunkys!

Reply from Jane Mclean, Senior Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for your feedback, we are so happy to hear you are pleased with the service we provide.


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Review from Nadia c (Mother of Child) published on 18 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are welcoming and confidently deal with any issues that may arise.
They provide daily feedback on my daughter's day regarding activities and meals.
We are very pleased with the nursery and the experience our daughter is receiving.

Reply from Jane Mclean, Senior Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Thank you for your lovely feedback, we are happy to hear you are pleased with your daughter's nursery experience.


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Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this nursery enough! My little boy has attended since September 2021 and he absolutely loves it. He runs in every morning without even looking at me which tells me everything about how much fun he has there.
All members of the staff are very friendly and you can see how much fun
the children have with them.
I really enjoy the daily updates of pictures and observations of what they have done that day and the staff always make sure you are given a detailed handover when picking up which I think is really nice.
It puts me at ease being able to check the app to see what he has eaten through the day and when he has napped. The food the children are provided with is amazing and very balanced.
Since starting nursery I can’t believe how much my little boy has come on. I had concerns about his speaking but I have honestly seen a massive improvement since asking the staff for advice about this and I can’t thank them enough for this.
It is such an amazing nursery.

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Review from J C (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter had spent 11 months in this nursery and today is her last day as we move to a different country. From our very first show around to today, we have absolutely loved being part of the Dunkys Day Nursery forest family. Every morning she is welcomed by a friendly face who is truly excited to
see her. She has breakfast with her friends and has a day full of activities that put our play forts and days out to shame. This term she has been a dinosaur hunter and explorer and now currently flies around as a super potato chasing evil peas. She has had three key workers as she has moved through the rooms, each has taken time to get to know her and she speaks very fondly of her favourite ladies. When surveyed on the best bits though I have to mention the food. The chef makes a varied and healthy menu I check in on my break at work to find she has eaten like a queen and enjoyed lunch and dessert they even eat in the garden. This nursery is well worth a look I truly couldn't find better.

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Review from Amy D (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was extremely nervous about sending my daughter to nursery but I'm beyond glad I chose Dunkys Day Nursery! She started in July and I can't begin to describe how much she has come on in such a short space of time. Due to Covid, she's struggled with socialising, hence me starting her at nursery to begin
with. However, she now absolutely loves it, playing with other children and learning new skills. I couldn't have chosen a better nursery and I'm positive that my daughter agrees too!

Reply from Lesley Foulkes, Business Development Manager at Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

Amy, thank you so much for your fabulous review of our new Nursery and Forest School Farnworth.


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.819)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.819) out of 10 for Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 13 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 4.890 for Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth) is calculated as follows: ( (139 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 155 Ratings = 4.89

  • 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 4.929 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth) is based on 13 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 70 number of registered child places is 14. 13 Positive Reviews ÷ 14 = 0.929

  • 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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Meet the Team (12)

Marie

Marie McSorley

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2014

I have worked at Dunky's for 10 years, I have NNEB level 3 and NVQ level 4 in childcare. I also have D32 and D33 assessors awards, level 3 safeguarding and level 2 food hygiene. I am Paediatric first aid trained and we continue to train around all aspects of childcare development.

... Read more
Kristina

Kristina Giebka

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2009

I have worked at Dunky's for 15 years. I am level 3 qualified, level 3 safeguarding and level 2 food hygiene, I have also gained a level 3 in early years SENCO. I am paediatric first aid trained and we continue to train around all aspects of childcare development.

... Read more
Natalie

Natalie Hares

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2020

I have worked at Dunky's for 3 years. I am level 3 qualified, I have level 2 in both safeguarding and food hygiene. I am paediatric first aid trained and continue to train in all aspects of childcare development.

... Read more
Rebecca

Rebecca Plumpton

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2017

My name is Becca and I started working at Dunkys as a college student 7 years ago. I have worked my way up to gain my NVQ level 3 and become a team leader of the toddler room which I love. I love to watch the children learn and grow each day and provide fun and exciting activities which help them build up their knowledge and skills. I am paediatric first aid trained and have my level 2 in food hygiene and safeguarding. I continue to do all aspects of training in childcare development.

... Read more
Shannon

Shannon Parsons

Job Title: Room Leader

Joined: 2021

I started working at Dunky's in May 2021 and began an apprentice in September of the same year. I completed my course in May 2023 and was took on as a nursery teacher. I am now room leader of the baby room. I am paediatric first aid trained, I have level 2 in food hygiene and safeguarding.

... Read more
Terri

Terri Armstrong

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2016

I have worked at Dunky's for 8 years. I am level 3 qualified and have level 2 in paediatric first aid, safeguarding and food hygiene. I continue to train in all aspects of childcare development.

... Read more
Tracey

Tracey Ashton

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2021

I started working at Dunky's in 2021 as lunch time support and was soon offered a more permanent contract. I am paediatric first aid trained, level two in Food hygiene and safe guarding.

... Read more
Michelle

Michelle Gorry

Job Title: Nursery Chef

Joined: 2020

I have worked at Dunky's for 4 years, I have food hygiene level 3 and level 3 paediatric first aid and safeguarding. I enjoy planting fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs which are then used in the kitchen to prepare our meals, I also spend time with the children doing cooks corner where we prepare simple recipes together.

... Read more
Lucy

Lucy Grummitt

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2021

I joined Dunkys in 2021 and work in the toddler room although I have experience in all the rooms. I am fully first aid trained, I have training in safeguarding and food hygiene.

... Read more
Aimee

Aimee Stobbart

Job Title: Lunch Time Support

Joined: 2024

I have recently joined the Dunkys team and my job role is to help and support the staff over lunchtime. I help get the beds out for the sleepers, act as a runner whilst the children are eating enable the staff to sit with the children and clean away after lunch

... Read more
Kelsey

Kelsey McSpirit-Dazely

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2023

I joined Dunkys in March 2023, I am level 2 qualified, I have level 2 in safeguarding and am paediatric first aid trained. I am based in the toddler room which I love. I enjoy working with children, watching them grow and learn.

... Read more
Rebecca

Rebecca Holme

Job Title: Nursery Assistant

Joined: 2023

I joined Dunkys in July 2023. since being here I have completed my level 2 safeguarding and paediatric first aid training. I am based in the baby room and I have recently began an apprenticeship to become a fully qualified level 3 nursery teacher.

... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth)

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

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

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

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

Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth) has capacity for a total of 70 Children.

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

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Dunkys Day Nursery (Farnworth) has a Platinum Service – more info.