Bear's House Nursery, Hastings

11 Holmesdale Gardens, Hastings TN34 1LY
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9.9 47 Reviews
  • Bear's House Nursery, Hastings, Hastings
Bear's House Nursery provides a safe and caring environment just like home. The nursery offers each child the very best opportunities for learning and development and works in partnership with parents, valuing their thoughts and input.

Situated in Holmesdale Gardens, Bear's House is very convenient for Hastings town centre, Sussex Coast College, and Hastings railway station. The nursery has off-road parking for morning drop-offs and evening pick-ups.

Staff are ready to look after children from the age of three months to eight years with the holiday club. The nursery offers a ten per cent discount for siblings, and children attending a full week.

Bear's House offers universal Early Years Educational Entitlement (EYEE) for all children from the start of the school term following their third birthday and extended EYEE for eligible children, from the start of the school term following their 9-month birthday.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Laura Fear (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 13

Total Places for Children

  • 50

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • 7.30am - 6.00pm Full Day session £72.50
    8.30am - 4.00pm Short Day session £64.50

  • We offer universal Early Years Educational Entitlement (EYEE) for all children from the start of the school term following their third birthday and extended EYEE for eligible children, from the start of the school term following their 9-month birthday.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Bear's House Nursery, Hastings Reviews (47)

9.9

Bear's House Nursery, Hastings has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.917) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bear's House Nursery, Hastings has 47 reviews.

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Review from Robyn R (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Couldn't be happier with our choice of nursery. My daughter has been attending Bears House (Hastings) since she was 6 months old, and absolutely loves going in every day. The staff are like family to her, and she comes home chatting away about her day and all of her friends . They have supported her
development brilliantly and it is amazing to see how far she has come with the guidance and opportunity that staff at Bears House create for her. Knowing how much they care for her takes away a lot of the nerves I have about working and leaving her there full time, as I know she is having fun, learning and much loved by the friends she has made and the staff who look after her. I would so highly recommend Bear's House (Hastings). Thank you!
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Review from Rachel B (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is an excellent place. My son often comes home having learned a new skill or word. He's very happy there and looks forward to going each day.
The facilities are good especially since the refurb.
It would be good to see an improvement of outdoor play areas as it's quite dated.
Staff are
great.
Reply from Roger Cotton, Owner at Bear's House Nursery, Hastings
Thank-you Rachel, for your lovely review. We are currently re-landscaping our garden, with lots of exciting new resources for the children. Best wishes, Bears House Nursery.
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Review from Hannah B (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bear's House staff have been fantastic with our boys. They cannot wait to get in each morning. Our eldest won't stop talking about all the lovely things they do there. We feel very comfortable leaving them there each day, knowing they are so well looked after.
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Review from G W (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Incredibly happy with the care both my boys receive from all the staff at Bear's House Nursery, Hastings. My eldest has been attending Bears since he was 9/10 months, he's now four and has been thriving since day one. My youngest has recently started and adores everyone and has the most fun! We can't
fault anything and are so happy we chose Bears for both of our boys, thank you!!
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Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone that works there is lovely. Have helped my little boy progress in all aspects. He's talking more and they pay attention to what he is interested in and use this for his learning. He enjoys attending here and goes in every morning with no issues as he loves all the girls that look after him.
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Review from Lucie N (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children have attended Bear's House Nursery, twelve years apart. Our daughter recently graduated preschool here, ending our nursery journey spanning over fifteen years with Bear's House. We will be extremely emotional to say goodbye to this extremely dedicated, hardworking and caring team.
They always go above and beyond for the children and it's heartwarming to see the special connections made between the team, the children and their peers.
We were grateful to be able to attend the preschool leaver's trip to the farm recently, which is a wonderful and well-organised day out for the children. Additionally, the graduation morning was also very touching and the parting gifts were very thoughtful and appreciated.
A huge thank you to every single one of the team that has given so much to helping our children grow. Your efforts are not unnoticed and will always be cherished.
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Review from C C (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had a lovely day at graduation day.
All staff made the day spectacular.
Very well-organised, all staff dressed up for the event, made a special day for all the children.
Memorable day for the children and parents.
Bear's House Nursery is an excellent nursery. Fantastic manager.
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Review from Aaron C (Father of Child) published on 25 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is starting big school in September and although he is excited, he will miss Bear's House immensely. Under their care, he has grown in confidence and gained valuable relationships with the staff there. The staff have been great with communication and keeping us up to date with his day-to-day
learning. They regularly update the app so we get a great insight into the valuable things he is getting up to. As a parent, I couldn't be more thankful to everyone there for the love and care they have provided.
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Review from Joshua D (Father of Child) published on 27 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bears House is a fantastic nursery that achieves the perfect balance between care and education for their children. Since day one we’ve felt our son was looked after with real care, kindness and love - whilst also feeling he was being pushed to develop and prepare for school.
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Review from Silvia B (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are really happy about how our son is living his daily life at Bear's House. He is very happy to attend all activities and has a lot of fun with teachers and friends there.
A very welcoming environment, where children and parents can feel at home.
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Review from Charlotte H (Mother of Child) published on 28 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with my son's progress and the skills he has learned since being here. He really enjoys his time. He enjoys time in the outdoor space and has recently made some good connections and will talk about them at home. He is keen on all the staff members and has formed close bonds.
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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bears House is an excellent little nursery, the staff care deeply for the children and have their best interests in mind at all times. They’re supportive of their development and support them in becoming the best version of themselves. I would recommend Bears, even though we don’t live in the immediate
area I would choose to use Bears again as I am so happy with their care of my little boy.
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Review from Anna W (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at Bear’s House Nursery are each and everyone, a blessing in our lives. They treat my daughter with respect, kindness, understanding, and discipline. They encourage her to take risks, be brave, be kind, and process her emotions. I don’t know what I’d do without this team! It’s like having 3
extra parents helping out! Plus my daughter can already write her name and mine and she’s not even 4!
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Review from B P (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son absolutely loves it at Bears Nursery; it's one of the best nurseries. They have been so supportive throughout with my son, and his development and learning are growing and growing. I can't thank this nursery enough for the support they have given.
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Review from D P (Father of Child) published on 20 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been coming here right from the start and has recently progressed into the toddler room. He has built up so much confidence in himself and developed so many skills. I couldn't be happier with how he is coming along and look forward to every bit of feedback.
The staff are always professional
and do their best. I get daily detailed feedback at a great standard including all the information I could possibly need. I get regular app updates showing me new skills he has learned. Communication with bumps or knocks always comes through crystal clear on an accident sheet, my boy can be a little accident prone so I do get a few of these.
I couldn't think of anywhere else I would want my children to come to learn everything they need to before going to school.
Thank you to all the staff, you are all great.
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Review from Jessica P (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at Bear's Nursery since May this year and enjoys it there so much. The staff are amazing and always update us on how his day has been. We love looking at the app to see what he's been doing, and they are always doing such creative things with the children. They are very caring, and it
makes our lives so much easier knowing he enjoys his time there and is well looked after by them all.
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Review from N G (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bears House Nursery is by far the most friendliest and warming team going to miss everybody so much. Once my son starts going September it won’t be the same. I’m gonna miss everybody as much as he will. Also thank you to you all for being such wonderful kindhearted people.
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Review from Ashia R (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant day, thanks so much for all the effort the team made to make this special occasion a memorable one! I enjoyed the graduation ceremony the most and the thoughtful keepsakes that have been personalised for each child. Thank you so much!
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Review from J C (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter had the most wonderful graduation. The team put in so much effort into making the day special for all the little’s from graduation snacks (decorated to look like graduates) to gift bags including a memory stick with all their learning journey from their start date. All the little touches
and play stations before the graduation made the day easy and enjoyable. Can’t thank the team enough!
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Review from S R (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started there in December 2020 in the baby room and we have had nothing but great service. The staff are all so friendly, can never do enough for you. When my son was diagnosed with a fair few allergies, they accommodated him straight away. He was diagnosed with autism while in preschool and
they understood his needs and helped him to grow a lot.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.917)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.917) out of 10 for Bear's House Nursery, Hastings is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 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 4.917 for Bear's House Nursery, Hastings is calculated as follows: ( (111 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.917
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bear's House Nursery, Hastings is based on 10 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 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 10 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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 (0)

Meet the Team (9)

Laura

Laura Rees

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2011

I have worked at Bears House for 11 years. I completed my college placement within the setting, joined as bank staff and have progressed to nursery Manager within this time.


I was always passionate about childcare and knew from a very young age I wanted to follow this career path.


I love watching children grow and observing their development thrive. I believe the Early Years are the most important time of a child's education. I have an extremely confident and amazing team that provides a warm, welcoming environment sharing their knowledge and passion each and every day.

Stacey

Stacey Venton

Job Title: Nursery Deputy Manager Joined: 2019

I was a room lead in our Baby room, then promoted in December 2021 to Deputy Manager. I have worked in the childcare sector since 2009. Working with children is something I knew I wanted to do since I was little. Watching the children grow and have a positive impact on their life is something that continues to make me thrive at my job. My little girl has been at Bears House since she was 8 months old, she surprises me every day with things she has learnt whilst being at nursery. She thoroughly enjoys coming to the nursery and has built good relationships with everyone in the setting.

Mike

Mike Fear

Job Title: Toddler Room Lead/ Nursery SENCO. Joined: 2018

I have worked at Bears House for 4 years. I enjoy working with the fantastic team, I love watching the children grow and progress t preschool through our levels. I always enjoy providing exciting activities to enhance the children's learning through play.


I also enjoy coordinating additional support for children with SEN and liaising with their families and outside agencies.

Kaya

Kaya Povey

Job Title: Baby Room Lead Joined: 2017

I have been part of the Bears House family for 5 years. I have been in the baby room from the very start and I am now the Lead of the Honey Bears Room. (0-1Year)
I am very passionate about providing the best quality care for our youngest Bears House family members and helping them to develop and reach their full potential.


I am very lucky to be able to have my 10-month-old son here with me also, allowing me to watch him thrive alongside his peers.


I love to get creative with my cubs by providing lots of messy activities to display in our room and send home to their loved ones.

Kayleigh

Kayleigh O' Connor

Job Title: Pre-school Room Supervisor 3-4Years. Joined: 2010

I have been at Bears House for 12 years. I first started as Maternity Cover which lead me to progress to a full-time job. During this time I gained a level 3 in my early years. I received a promotion to Preschool room lead.

It's wonderful watching children develop and learn new skills. I love seeing children get creative and use their own ideas and imagination to create their own masterpieces.

I believe that children learn most effectively when they are actively involved in what they are doing.

Vanessa

Vanessa Skeet

Job Title: Toddler Room Practitioner 2-3years. Joined: 2021

I have been working at Bears House Nursery since October 2021. I received my qualification in childcare in 2019 through an apprenticeship I started in 2018. Though I did not originally plan for a career in childcare, I have found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences possible.


I love helping children develop the foundations of happy, curious and inquisitive minds, eager to learn and explore the wider world around them as they continue their journey onwards, beyond their early years of education.


In my spare time, I enjoy watching films, listening to music, collecting records and writing my own novel.

Lucy

Lucy Butler

Job Title: Toddler Room Practitioner 2-3years. Joined: 2021

I have been working at Bears House since June 2021. I received my level 3 qualification in Childcare in October 2012. I am passionate about working with children and watching them grow and develop independently. In my spare time, I enjoy watching football and going to as many games as I can.

Aimee

Aimee Pocock

Job Title: Baby Room Practitioner. Joined: 2014

I have worked at Bears House for 8 years and achieved my level 3 during my time at college. I love working with children because I find it very rewarding and it's lovely being able to help them achieve and grow as individuals.


I am a Mum of three and enjoy music and singing.

Caroline

Caroline Trangmar

Job Title: Pre-school Room Practitioner 3-4Years. Joined: 2021

After college and university, I did work experience with a variety of ages of children whilst working full time. I decided I wanted a change from retail so applied for an apprenticeship in Brighton. I worked there for 2 years in the baby room and Toddlers before moving to Bears House. This role is very rewarding and I laugh every day with the children.


Outside of work I enjoy playing the guitar and piano as well as learning languages. I am conversational in Spanish and also learning French and Russian.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bear's House Nursery, Hastings

What is the Age Range of Children that Bear's House Nursery, Hastings accepts?

Bear's House Nursery, Hastings accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Bear's House Nursery, Hastings Open?

Bear's House Nursery, Hastings is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Bear's House Nursery, Hastings have capacity for?

Bear's House Nursery, Hastings has capacity for a total of 50 Children.

How far is Bear's House Nursery, Hastings to the centre of Hastings?

0.5 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 Bear's House Nursery, Hastings to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Bear's House Nursery, Hastings has an Enhanced Service - more info.