Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool

Powder Mill Lane, Dartford DA1 1LY
Review Us
9.5 122 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool, Dartford
A BRIGHT AND WELCOMING NURSERY IN DARTFORD

The warm, homely nursery in Dartford is designed to support your child’s development from the age of 3 months to 5 years.

They support the youngest children with the transition into nursery through free settling in sessions at the beginning, and fun, engaging activities as they grow with the nursery. For preschoolers, the focus is on the transition from nursery to school. An enriching Ready for School programme gives every child the opportunity to gain knowledge and confidence to thrive in school and beyond.

Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery boasts a stunning outdoor space. There is freeflow access to the gardens so your child can explore outside at their leisure. The garden is also large enough to accommodate chickens that the children enjoy learning about and feeding.

They serve excellent, nutritionally balanced food, prepared daily by their own chef using fresh ingredients. The Creative Cooks activities also aim to install healthy food choices at a young age.

Springfield Lodge nursery is situated in a green area of Dartford, close to Brooklands Lake and Dartford Central Park. They have an onsite car park to make drop-off and pick-up times as safe and convenient for you as possible.

They would love to meet you and your little one, so book a visit today and they will show you everything the nursery has to offer during your own personal tour.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Stacey (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 48

Total Places for Children

  • 144

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact the nursery directly for up to date fees

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

Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (122)

9.5

Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.504) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool has 122 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool
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Total of 122, showing 41-60
Review from R U (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Our son spent 1 year in this nursery and overall we were not very happy with the care he received. There is a massive staff turnover and we didn’t know who was actually taking care of him. A high staff turnover is a reflection of poor management. When he moved rooms, we weren’t informed who the new
key person was; nor we ever had any updates on his progress. It was not until I overheard another parent enquiring that I asked for an update. When we left, it turned out he had a progress book we’ve never seen before.
He had some ‘unexplained’ accidents with staff sweeping the floor and not knowing there are babies around. He was not given enough to drink which we noticed at pickup since he was begging for water. In his last few weeks, he started crying in the car when we turned to enter the nursery.
On some occasions, they couldn’t take our son at opening time due to staff shortage but management was nowhere to be seen.
The way he was dressed at pick-up showed lack of care.
Reply from Jed Waddington, Digital Marketing Manager at Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for sharing your experience. We have shared your comments with the relevant teams for further review. If you would like to contact our dedicated complaints team, please email…read more
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Review from Georgina E (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool for over two years and my daughter started end of April 2021. I cannot fault the nursery for the support they have given me and my children over the last twelve months. Keeping in contact during lockdowns,
allowing me to freeze my sons account and the support they have given my daughter and myself since she has started too. My daughter has been fairly unsettled during her sessions but the staff have been amazing at being honest with me about how she has been, offering reassurance and making me feel as though I can call as much as I like. I feel my daughter has massively improved within only a couple of weeks and this is all due to the amazing staff. My son also would cry when I left him since lockdown but now runs in without looking back, they both clearly love nursery and are well looked after and cared for. I’m always praising the nursery to family and friends and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for childcare.
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Review from Lucy M (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Springfield Lodge since February. She found leaving me hard at first but every single staff member has been so kind, warm and welcoming to her. They really make her feel at home and encourage her. You can tell they really care about the children and do everything they
can to ensure they have a good day. They are always able to tell me all about what my daughter has been up to, eaten, toilet trips, who she plays with etc. I drive away feeling content that my daughter is in the best hands.
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Review from Amy (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My first daughter attended the nursery in 2016 at one year old and my second daughter in 2018 also at one-year old.
Our experience of Springfield Lodge has always been positive, the indoor facilities, food and communication have always been great. The outdoor space is amazing and the team really make
the best of it, outside all the time, Sports Day events and Graduation Ceremonies!
However, what makes the Springfield Lodge stand out are the staff, personable, relatable and caring.
I would strongly (and I have) recommend the nursery.
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Review from Ann-Julie W (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Springfield Lodge for eighteen months. She made the transition from another Bright Horizons branch to this one, when we moved house. The team made it very easy for us, as parents to change her over but also made my daughter feel incredibly welcome, to the point she barely
needed a settling-in period, she was so happy to go in. Recently, my daughter has qualified for the thirty hours of funding and the nursery supported us with the required paperwork and were able to offer us an extra day too. As I am a key worker myself, my daughter has continued going to nursery in this most recent lockdown and the nursery have facilitated a day change in order to ensure my daughter is in childcare on my busiest days at work. This was hassle-free and easy to arrange with the manager. Making it so easy at such a difficult time, has been greatly appreciated. My daughter is very happy at nursery and jumps out of the car every day with a smile and waves me off.
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Review from Lynne L (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending the nursery for two years now and loves it. The staff are friendly and helped him settle in quickly. The activities are varied and keep our son engaged. We know he's going to be well cared for and enjoy his time there.
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Review from Emma M (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery since she was 8 months old. When she joined, we didn't know she would have several learning disabilities. The nursery have been amazing and have made many adaptions for her. She wouldn't be where she is today without the amazing support that she has received at
the nursery. We will be sad to be leaving in September as she will be starting school. No doubt about it, I would one million per cent recommend Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge to anyone.
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Review from Maryam G (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had recently moved into the area and were looking at nurseries to send our two children. I had been anxious sending my children to nursery after having a long maternity leave at home with my two children. This was the third nursery we looked at and we instantly felt this would be the best place to
send our children. The staff are amazing - hard-working and dedicated. My children have achieved a lot of milestones. My son is still currently at the nursery and he is doing exceptionally well in his communication and understanding of the world. He will be soon leaving nursery to start school and if we do have another child, we will definitely be coming back. Thank you so much for the wonderful four years of taking care of our children.
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Review from Sarah M (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since joining Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge my daughter has come on in leaps and bounds. She loves attending and often runs straight in and to those who look after her with is a testament to how good they are. They take the time to understand each child's needs and help them develop. They are warm
and welcoming and it is generally a great place for kids to learn.
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Review from Matthew T (Father of Child) published on 19 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. Their levels of engagement with our daughter are amazing and they are having a hugely positive impact on her development. She loves spending time there and constantly is telling us about what she's got up to that day and who her favourites are!
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Review from Nicola P (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended the nursery since he was 1, he absolutely loves it here, and we haven’t had a day where he doesn’t want to go. All of the staff are very kind and helpful. I can’t fault the nursery at all. Will definitely be recommending it to friends.
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Review from Lavinia E (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very supportive day nursery. They have been a major support system in helping my child with his additional needs and supporting me as a parent. Their childcare knowledge is outstanding. Their care and support have been invaluable.
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Review from Ola A (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I remember when I was going to register my daughter at this nursery, I went on the website and read all the reviews. So many people were saying all the amazing things about the nursery, then I went on with the registration. My daughter has been there for A year and 2 months now, and I never for once
regret taking my daughter there. The staffs are so amazing, their attitude towards the parent and children is excellent. Bright Horizons has helped my daughter so much in many ways, and I am happy I made the right choice.
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Review from Chi Chi O (Mother of Child) published on 2 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter (who is 3) started here at the beginning of November 2020. Having never been to any kind of daycare before we were unsure how she would settle in but the staff here have been absolutely wonderful at helping her through the process. She has settled into the routine really well and has made
lots of friends. The staff are very attentive to her needs (emotional/dietary) and are really good at keeping us updated with how she is doing. She is always happy at the end of the day and looks forward to going back. In her own words "I like it because its colourful inside and everyone is really nice to me".
We were fortunate enough to be granted a safe and socially distanced tour on a weekend before we decided to send her there and both my husband and myself were very impressed with the safety procedures they have in place to keep both staff and children safe during these testing times. All in all we are really happy with Springfield Lodge and happily recommend them.
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Review from Louise B (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has returned to Bright Horizons, Dartford, after extended leave due to the pandemic, the staff have been nothing but amazing. He has settled back into nursery life and comes home telling us what a fantastic day he has had. Staff keeps us updated about the day he has had, which is reassuring in
current times. I cannot recommend Bright Horizons highly enough and can assure any parent their child is receiving the very best whilst there.
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Review from Rajeeni J (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend the nursery.
My eldest daughter went there and now my youngest daughter is at the nursery.
The care given to the children has been amazing.
The staff are lovely and very approachable.
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Review from Gregory T (Father of Child) published on 12 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a parent it is always a worry leaving your children at nursery all day, it is hard not to feel guilty but the staff and facilities here are fantastic so I can be safe in the knowledge that my children will be safe and cared for. My daughter particularly enjoys forest school and my son loves to play
sports in the hall and playing with all the toy dinosaurs. There's loads for the kids to play with, the building is well maintained and the outdoor facilities are top-notch with a large secure playing field and newly installed playground equipment. The staff are great at filling you in about your child's day when you collect them and are a great help with potty training. Our children's keyworkers have been brilliant and give them extra love and attention so that the kids feel valued and welcomed in the morning, although to be fair to the rest of the staff they are all really good. The car park is also a bonus. I would definitely recommend this nursery to family and friends.
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Review from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was very lucky to get my son a space at this nursery. From the first day he started the staff loved him and cared for him like he was one of their own.
He would happily go in each morning and get cuddles from the various staff members in the breakfast room. My son is disabled so my worries were
heightened by him going to nursery but I can honestly say they care for him like I would. All staff members who are in his breakfast room and day room know about his additional needs and cares and follow his care plan to the letter.
I am extremely grateful for the care they provide my son and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to any parent seeking to put their child in this nursery.
The management team are very helpful and accommodating of requests and have made time available when my son's specialists have come to the nursery or sent in video tutorials for the staff to learn from. You should have no concerns with this Nursery.
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Review from Malachi T (Father of Child) published on 3 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
For the last year and a half, my child has attended Springfield Lodge. This nursey is excellent from top to bottom. Management smile and greet you all of the time. Lunch is customized as much as possible (My children had allergies to almost everything). My child grew in confidence and became so expressive,
she would come home and tell me stories of the great things she did in the day. The Nursery is secure and my child has never hurt herself. They have sports day summer activities and the facilities are outstanding. You can just sense it, everyone smiles and everyone seems to enjoy being around children. I would recommend this Nursey to anyone in Dartford. I didn't hesitate to bring my second born child to this Nursery because of the level of excellence. They have themed classes, staff look smart and are extremely observant of your children's needs. Thank you, Springfield Lodge, for your excellent work. If you are a parent reading this, go for it, you will not regret it.
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Review from Meri-Liis (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the nursery. Both my daughter and son went/are going to the nursery. Initially, I thought a childminder option would be better for my son, as he was only 6 months when I went back to work, however, unfortunately, the experience I had was not to my liking. So I contacted quickly
the nursery to see if they have a place and I was very lucky- my son is now full time. I leave him smiling in the morning and pick him up happy every day. He is enjoying the attention, care and comfort. Despite the number of children attending the nursery, I feel that they are all very well looked after and happy. The food choice is perfect, the assurance that if anything is wrong with my son, the nursery calls immediately to inform. The only thing that I would say is, a solution system to record daily updates about a child would be very handy and to access it via an app would be brilliant. Last but not least, my family is happy with the nursery and thank you for helping me out.
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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.504)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.504) out of 10 for Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 27 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.566 for Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (246 Excellents x 5) + (63 Goods x 4) + (28 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (4 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 346 Ratings = 4.566
  2. 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 4.938 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 27 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 144 number of registered child places is 28.8. 27 Positive Reviews ÷ 28.8 = 0.938
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

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Meet the Team (2)

Stacey

Stacey

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2012

I have worked for Springfield Lodge since 2006 and started as a Nursery Nurse within our Tawny Owls Room. Before this, I worked in Australia for a year working within a very small nursery, very different in size to Springfield.


Within Springfield, I have worked my way up to a management position. I have seen the nursery go through several changes and two outstanding Ofsted inspections.
I hold a higher national diploma in Early Years Care and a BSc (Hons) degree in Health and Child Development.


From a very early age, I have always wanted to work with children and follow the footsteps of family members who have also followed this career path bringing knowledge and experience to help and support not only the children but my team.

Jo

Jo

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Hello, I am Jo the deputy manager.


I have worked in the childcare sector for over 25 years. I have a level 3 diploma in Childcare and Education. I have a wealth of experience, working as a nanny, a nursery practitioner, a room leader and in leadership roles, joining Bright Horizons in October 2022.


I enjoy working as a team and value everyone’s ideas, I have the passion to drive my team to be the best they can be.


Watching the children thrive and grow and seeing the differences we can make in a family’s life is what I find most rewarding about my job.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Bright Horizons Springfield Lodge Dartford Day Nursery and Preschool has an Enhanced Service - more info.