Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards

11 St Matthews Gardens, St Leonards-on-Sea TN38 0TS
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8.7 35 Reviews
  • Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards, St Leonards-on-Sea
Bear's House Nursery St Leonards (formerly the Gables Day Nursery) is situated in St Matthews Gardens, a quiet residential area built around a gated garden. The nursery is a detached building, set among secure gardens and provides a true home-from-home setting.

The fully qualified, highly experienced team are dedicated to providing the best possible care and education for all children from the age of three months to five-years-old. The nursery day follows the EYFS, ensuring all areas are covered both in and outdoors. All meals are carefully cooked on-site, offering a balanced and healthy diet.

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

  • Simone Gosling (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 14

Total Places for Children

  • 62

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Full day session - 7:30am - 6pm - £74.50
    Short day session - 8:30am - 4pm - £66.50

  • 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 & Christmas

Parking

  • There is ample, unrestricted on-road parking in St Matthews Gardens, which makes drop-off and collection hassle free.

Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards Reviews (35)

8.7

Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.677) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards has 35 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
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Total of 35, showing 1-20
Review from Frances M (Mother of Child) published on 1 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. They help my son become confident and ready for school. They helped him around his issues with eating and to make friends . The staff are all fantastic and all the children were always happy and content when I dropped and collected my son off there . Simone would always respond fast
to emails and always listen if I needed advice. My sons key workers will be missed as they made a massive impact on my son. So thankyou everyone you Wil always be remembered. Frances
Reply from Simone Gosling, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoyed being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 10 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff at the Bear's House Nursery are incredibly warming, friendly and humbly real. As a mum, it's something I look for when looking for childcare. All staff communicate brilliantly and my little one always has a brilliant day, even on the bad days. Relationships are built with trust and
care - a holistically, enriching environment for all children. I would 100% recommend.
Reply from Simone Gosling, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoys being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from C C (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is such a wonderful setting for my daughter, we loved it so much we’ve sent both our daughters here. They apply a good mix of educational activities with fun! And they have the most amazing outdoor space for them to run around in. We’re very much looking forward to the new outdoor classroom
opening in the new year.
Reply from Simone Gosling, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoys being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from Leah Y (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending Bear's House Nursery for over three years now. During that time I’ve not had one complaint. From the staff to the facility, food, play areas, garden, education and attention to detail, everything has been fantastic. Would highly recommend to anyone searching for a nursery.
My son and I will miss the nursery greatly when it’s time for big school.
Reply from Simone Gosling, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoys being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from Molly R (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son was part of this nursery for four years. The staff have always been so kind to him, going the extra mile to know his interests and make him feel known and loved. We always felt happy sending him to this nursery as we knew he was going somewhere where he was happy and safe. The staff are really
professional and have always been incredibly helpful and supportive.
Reply from Simone Manager, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoys being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from Megan B (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child started Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards at 1 year old and left to go to school. She loved every minute of being there and the staff really tried to help with her selective mutism. I would definitely recommend this nursery.
Reply from Simone Manager, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoys being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from Felicia L (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my daughters have attended Bear's House and both of them have had amazing experiences! My youngest has additional needs, and the staff were incredible when it came to referrals to get her the help she needed, she really did thrive and flourish while she was there. The setting and staff will
always be my first recommendation when people are looking for a setting for their child, we have had nothing but happy memories over the last 6 years with both children.
Reply from Simone Manager, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoyed being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bear's House is a nurturing and vibrant setting.
My daughter thrived and made fantastic connections and memories here.
Staff are kind, honest and importantly to me, were themselves. They show great care and individuality! So important in a general care setting.
Free flow layout of the building
allows choice and encourages imagination
Would recommend it 100 times over.
Reply from Simone Manager, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoyed being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from Jenna T (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bears House St Leonard’s truly care for the children they look after. Our first child was there for over 3 years before leaving for school recently. He was extremely ready for school and I believe Bears had a lot to do with this due to caring and nurturing him and providing a well-structured learning
facility. Our second son now attends and his care for the past 9 months has been just as good.
Reply from Simone Manager, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoys being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from Helen C (Mother of Child) published on 21 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Bear's House Day Nursery for three years, the staff have worked really hard in helping her settle and overcome strong emotions. She now skips in every day really excited to see her friends and all the staff. Her little sister is about to join the nursery too and I am certain
she will also have a really positive experience.
Reply from Simone, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoys being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from Emma L (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love our nursery. They are laid back and super friendly. You get a lovely vibe from the staff and they go out of their way to help you out. The manager is really responsive and happy to help out with any questions. You rarely see a change in staffing so it's great to have that consistency for our
child but also means the staff must enjoy being a part of the team! The garden is huge and they're out in it every day. Our child always comes out happy and they helped smash potty training with no issues at all!
Reply from Simone, Manager at Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards
Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We appreciate the time you have taken to complete this and we are over the moon to hear how much your family enjoys being a part of Bear's House.
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Review from Emily-May G (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was really worried about putting my daughter into nursery with this pandemic going on but Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards settled my anxiety and were so welcoming! I am a first time Mummy and the staff are amazing at showing an understanding of all my worry and fears. My daughter is six months old
and shows pure joy when she arrives at nursery. I know she is safe, loved and well looked after. I recommend this nursery to all my new Mummy contacts. A massive thank you to the Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards team for showing love to my baby and creating a safe and fun environment for her outside of home life.
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Review from Tom P (Father of Child) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so pleased my daughter has settled into this amazing nursery so quickly. She is only six months old and I was worried about her starting young but all the staff have showed me the pure passion for their job and the love for the children. My daughter becomes excited when she gets to the nursery
door and has a great big smile when she sees any of the staff members who greet her! I also love seeing all the tapestry observations on how my precious girl is getting on in the mornings away from home. Big thank you to the team and all their hard work!
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Review from Natasha P (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl loves going to nursery here. She's so happy to see them when I drop her off. They are very professional and friendly, I know she's safe and they'll contact me with any concerns. Her settling in sessions went really well and put me at ease. Would definitely recommend Bear's House Nursery,
St Leonards.
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Review from Adam H (Father of Child) published on 22 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experiences so far with Bear’s House Nursery St. Leonards have been overwhelmingly positive. The staff are hardworking, professional and genuinely care about the children that they work with. My little boy has formed some great relationships with staff and children and looks forward to spending
time at nursery. We will definitely be sending our latest addition there when the time comes.
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Review from J L (Mother of Child) published on 28 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Nursery staff are very friendly and attentive to our son's needs. Our son goes to nursery full time, and it is a home away from home. The nursery does plenty of activities, inside and outside, and our son always comes out smiling and looking like he has had a wonderful day.
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Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 28 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Overall, I am really happy with the service the nursery has provided. They have been very supportive during the covid-19 pandemic and have made many efforts to ensure the safety of my child when going back in after the lockdown. They have a lovely big garden and space to play in outside, which is a
big thing for me, and the food is all freshly prepared, healthy and varied. Thank you again, Bear's House, for all your hard work and dedication.
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Review from Jeff A (Father of Child) published on 6 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been in lockdown for the past 140 days but to see him walk back in this morning was amazing. Just prior to this we were walking up the road to the nursery and I said to him are you excited? He said yes! I asked why and he said because he was going to see all of his friends. He was so happy
to be going back. A bigger testament to the quality of the nursery couldn’t have come from anyone but him.
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Review from Francis R (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had such an amazing experience with the setting at St Leonards. The staff are amazing and so helpful. Staff accommodate the extra sessions I need as I work away in London some of the time. My child has bloomed since attending and has flourished in many ways.
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Review from Savannah C (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery with amazing staff. My little girl loves coming to nursery and also has learnt a great deal since starting she is becoming a strong confident little lady. I would highly recommend this nursery to friends and family.
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Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.677)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.677) out of 10 for Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.7 out of 5 from 4 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 4.979 for Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards is calculated as follows: ( (46 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 47 Ratings = 4.979
  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 3.698 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards is based on 4 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 = 3.375
    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 62 number of registered child places is 12.4. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.4 = 0.323
  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 (2)

Simone

Simone Gosling

Job Title: Nursery Manager - Level 5 Joined: 2012

I have worked at Bears House for 12 years and have progressed from bank staff to nursery manager within this time.


I have completed a Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood (Level 5) through The Open University. I studied further because to wanted to learn more about Early Years and how to best support the children I care for.


I have a passion for developing both staff and children to reach their full potential. Giving all our children here at Bears House the best start in their early years of education.


I love how much time the children spend outside and the opportunities on offer here. I am excited to continue developing this welcoming nursery further.


I am:
- Designated safeguarding lead
- Health & safety lead
- Staff recruitment lead
- Paediatric First Aid Trained

Chloe

Chloe Green

Job Title: Deputy Manager - Level 3 Joined: 2016

I have worked at Bears House since it opened its St Leonards site in 2016. I have been a nursery practitioner for 8 years.


I have a daughter who is 8 months old and has attended Bears House Nursery since she was 5 months; she absolutely loves our nursery and being a part of our growing setting.


I have a good understanding of how new children feel when joining the setting and as deputy manager, I am able to oversee show rounds and settling-in sessions.


I am responsible for overseeing our big bears (2-4 years) ensuring all children are happy & encouraged to thrive within our setting.


I love being involved in messy play and being creative, especially around Christmas time.
My biggest passion is being a positive influence in children’s earliest years throughout their learning and development.


I am:
- Designated safeguarding lead
- Two-year lead
- Paediatric First Aid Trained

Frequently Asked Questions about Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards

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

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

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

Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards 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, St Leonards have capacity for?

Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards has capacity for a total of 62 Children.

How far is Bear's House Nursery, St Leonards to the centre of St Leonards-on-Sea?

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