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Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

75 Oakdale Road, Oakdale, Poole, Dorset BH15 3LD
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Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale, Poole
Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale, Poole
Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale, Poole

Croft Day Nursery in Oakdale is based in a beautifully converted former Methodist church, offering a bright, airy and spacious environment for children to learn and grow.

The nursery has been thoughtfully adapted to create a well-equipped early years setting, including a modern pod extension that provides additional learning space for children as they develop.

Conveniently located in Oakdale, Poole, just off the A3049 and close to Canford Heath, the nursery is...  

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Group / Owner

Person in charge

  • Lauren Cook(Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 26

Total Places for Children

  • 91

Age Range

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

Opening Times

  • Monday07:30-18:00
  • Tuesday07:30-18:00
  • Wednesday07:30-18:00
  • Thursday07:30-18:00
  • Friday07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Parking at the rear of the building on Brampton Road.

Funding & Fees

Fees are calculated over the full year and divided into 12 equal monthly payments based on the number of days/sessions your child attends. Fees are inclusive of all meals, drinks, snacks and nappies/wipes where applicable.

Contact Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale to get a personalised quote:

Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale Reviews (66)

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9.9

Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.925) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale has 66 reviews.

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Review from Sharna M (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

We are very pleased with the level of care our children have received. All the staff have been fantastic, caring and friendly. Both my girls warmed very quickly here and go skipping in on their nursery days. I have full confidence in them when I leave. A great learning environment.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a review and we are really pleased that your girls are happy in our great learning environment.

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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My son has been attending this nursery five days a week since the age of nine months and he is now nearly three. I can count on only one hand the times he has been unwilling to go in with a smile, it is a testament to all the staff's great work! When I leave him there I know he is safe, well-fed, stimulated and supported with his development. Definitely happiness all round!

Reply from Mike Marks, Operations Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you for your honest appraisal of our business. We really appreciate the feedback.

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Review from V F (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Wonderful nursery with amazing, experienced and caring staff. They provide a fantastic service encouraging the children's development in lots of fun ways. Our son loves going in each day, and as parents, we love hearing all the different experiences he has from day to day.

Reply from CAROLINE MARKS, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you for leaving us such a positive review and we are so pleased that your son enjoys his time at First Steps.

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Review from Katy O (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2021 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

Our boy has been going to First Steps since he was one and I cannot recommend them enough. Our boy is kind, caring and enjoys playing with his friends. Our child is able to experience an array of different activities and at the same time learn through play. They have a great outdoor area with all sorts of different activities to give all children the chance to experience everything. We are delighted that our child has had a great first few years at First Steps and has a great foundation read to start school. We cannot thank all of the staff enough for their time and effort they put in with our child. You can see they really care about their development and above all want all children to enjoy their time at First Steps.

Reply from CAROLINE MARKS, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a positve review, we are so happy that your son has enjoyed his time at First Steps.

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Review from Hannah R (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My children have both attended this preschool and I don’t know what I would have done without the help and support of the amazing team there. My daughter is now 11 and I really believe her start in life at this nursery and preschool added to how brilliant she is. My now 4-year-old is currently there and is so happy going 4 days a week. The nursery offers something very special to a child’s life and I for one, cannot recommend the team here more. Thank you First Steps, take a bow.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a glowing review, it really means a lot and we appreciate the wonderful feedback.

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Review from Emma M (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Both of our children have attended First Steps since just before their first birthdays and they love it. I don’t want their time there to finish. Our 3-year-old attends the pre-school room (with wrap around hours) and our 5-year-old attends breakfast clubs and holiday clubs. The staff are the perfect level of professional and caring. They have fun and aren’t afraid to be silly with the kids. They are so supportive of ‘tricky’ stages, toilet training and bottom wiping training. And very importantly for me as a mummy, they are never short on time to chat with you and fill you in on what your little monkeys have been up to. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend First Steps to anyone.

Reply from CAROLINE MARKS, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a glowing review - it really does mean such a lot to both us as owners and the team that they are doing a great job.

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Review from Keely S (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My little girl absolutely loves her time at First Steps, she started during the pandemic and they have all been nothing but amazing. She runs in every morning without even looking back, regular updates on the learning journal through the week gives you the reassurance that a mother needs that she’s happy and loving her time. I was nervous about putting her into nursery and having “strangers” look after my baby at such a young age but I am so glad I found First Steps, they have been incredible. The setting is clean, the staff are amazing, the outside areas are great and everything is supplied (food, nappies, wipes) which is a bonus when trying to get both of us ready for 7am every morning. I, without a doubt, would highly recommend to everyone.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you Keely for your fantastic review, our team love hearing that they are doing such a great job and its heartwarming to hear that your daughter can't wait to be at First Steps in the morning.

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Review from April J (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2021 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter has been going to First Steps since she was 12 months old and has moved from the baby room to the toddler room and now little steps and each room has been just perfect for her. She absolutely loves going to nursery and talks about the staff all the time, she even asks to go to their homes. My daughter can be quite shy and the girls at First Steps are always so reassuring and encouraging. I always recommend First Steps to parents looking for childcare. They have handled the pandemic amazingly and have kept us up to date with how they are managing the guidelines. I have total trust in them with my daughter and would highly recommend them time and time again.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you April for taking the time to leave us such a positive review, we really do appreciate the feedback particularly during the pandemic.

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Review from Shannen N (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter attends the nursery and has done ever since she was three. She moved up from the toddler room to little steps to now big steps. She has loved every minute of being there and was over the moon when I said she would be going back to nursery after this virus has passed. All the staff are wonderful! But especially the managers are helpful and reply back to emails as soon as they can. Overall, a great nursery, and I am happy to leave my daughter there and feel like I don’t have to worry.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we're so pleased that you think our team is wonderful, we couldn't agree more!

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Review from Phil T (Father of Child) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

After moving our son from another smaller nursery due to its closure, and we were obviously worried. However, when we first visited the premises it was very welcoming, and all the staff are amazing. From the activities, holiday club, breakfast club and after school club they’re faultless. The kids form great relationships and skills ready for their next step.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

We are so happy to hear that you are enjoying your new Nursery after moving from another - thank you for your lovely review.

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Review from Adam (Father of Child) published on 19 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I couldn’t recommend First Steps Nursery more highly. Everything from the day to day running of the nursery, the staff, the reviews and updates on my children’s development progress, the services they provide, school pickups and drop off service and how accommodating they are with extenuating circumstances is just great. My children love going here and we love sending them to a nursery that is so well run and is so beneficial to their early year's development.

I highly recommend First Steps and their incredible team.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you very much for your lovely review, it's good to know that you and your children are happy with everything we do.

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Review from Hannah K (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My daughter has been attending for the last year and she has loved every minute of it. The staff have been incredible when talking to them as a client and a mother.
Especially in light of Covid, they have really shown their professionalism, dedication and care for everyone that is involved with the First Steps family.

I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a team of compassionate superheroes!

Reply from Caroline Marks, Manging Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you so much for your review of First Steps and we are pleased to know that you and your daughter are happy with everything. It's really great to hear that you have appreciated our COVID response too!

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Review from Shinade S (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Fantastic nursery. The staff are skilled, caring and compassionate. My daughters have thrived there. They both look forward to nursery. The staff are approachable, and there is not a high turn over of staff which is a good sign. I would recommend First Steps to anyone.

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you for the lovely review, it' always nice to know the children look forward to coming to First Steps!

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Review from Dominika S (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Both my daughters were very happy with the First Step Nursery. Currently just one still going and for sure my son will be next. Great, friendly staff and always helpful. Lot’s of fun, activities and crafts. Highly recommended!

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you for your great review, it's lovely to hear that you and your children are happy with the fun activities that we provide at First Steps. We look forward to welcoming your son soon!

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Review from Lizzie J (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Both of my children have gone to first steps from 11-months-old. My son is five and still goes to the school club, and my daughter is one and currently in the baby room. My children both love First Steps and all the team; the staff from the management to the nurses are so amazing, and I trust them wholeheartedly to look after my babies. Would highly recommend. Thank you!

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you, Lizzie, for your lovely feedback - it's lovely to hear that you trust us so much with your children and that they are both so happy coming to First Steps.

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Review from Jo S (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
First Step Nursery has been the best choice for our two (not so little now) children. They both attended since the age of 12-months and both love it!
Right from the beginning, the team show that they care. They ensure the little one has settling in sessions. Every ‘term’ they ask for an up-to-date ‘all about me’ so that they understand where your child may need help in or tell them your child strengths/likes/dislikes are.
The management team listen to any concerns you have, and you can trust that your child is being looked after as if they were your own.
Both my children have learnt so much - to be independent, sociable and confident, which helped them to be ‘school ready’.
My oldest attends holiday club, and they do trips out - taking advantage of the local facilities.
Honestly can’t praise the staff or management team enough, especially during the COVID-19 situation, where I had to rely on them for help in the end, and they were so understanding.

I would highly recommend!

Reply from Caroline Marks, Managing Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thank you so much for your lovely review - it's really good to hear that both your children have enjoyed their time at First Steps and your feedback is really appreciated.

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Review from Laura H (Mother of Child) published on 15 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter has been going to First Steps since she was nine months old, she absolutely loves it. She's always disappointed to see me or her dad when it's time to go home. The staff are great, they give us updates on what she's done throughout the day, face to face as well as on the app. My little girls speech and motor skills have come on so much since she started.

Reply from Mike Marks, Operations Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thanks, it's nice to know that your daughter enjoys her time with us at nursery.

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Review from Jess A (Mother of Child) published on 2 June 2020 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

First Steps have been so helpful during this lockdown due to covid-19. My child does not usually attend this nursery but she absolutely loves it here. The manager has gone above and beyond helping me out, as I am a key worker and the staff have helped my daughter settle in, especially one in particular. My daughter (four) has even asked to stay longer. When I have another baby this nursery would be top of the list to take my child to. Thank you to all the staff here.

Reply from Mike Marks, Operations Director at Croft Day Nursery - Oakdale

Thanks Jess - it has been a pleasure to be of service to you. We look forward to seeing you and your daughter again one day. Kind regards.

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Review from Sarah R (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Just wanted to say a big thank you to the First Steps team for the amazing holiday club you put on this Easter.
My child has been coming to First Steps for 7 years now and I can honestly say it's the best nursery, preschool and holiday club we have found.
They have a fantastic manager, always polite, respectful and happy to help with queries big or small. The team provide excellent opportunities for the children from Baby room all the way through to holiday club.
We have the option of our child going to a holiday club much closer to home but make the decision to travel that bit further due to the excellence of First Steps.

Thank you all for the amazing service and see you all at half term.

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Review from Nicola D (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2018 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Both my children went to First Steps from the age of 9 months and 6 months, the care and attention the staff give all the children are outstanding and you really feel as though they know and understand your child as an individual. They make your children feel at home and both my children loved and looked forward to going. The activities and effort the staff put into all occasions is brilliant. My eldest also now goes to the holiday club which again keeps her busy and entertained in a fun way. Well done First Steps team.

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Meet the Team (3)

Lauren Cook
Lauren CookJob Title:Nursery ManagerJoined: 2009

Lauren (Early Years Professional BA honours degree) has the highest level of early years qualification and is an expert in her field, this is reflected in her expert team that she mentors and guides. Lauren is always willing to be hands on with the children and is truly the face of the nursery for our families. As is summed up by some words from our parents ‘Lauren….well words can’t describe the sterling job she does and always with a smile’. Lauren's two children Freddie and Elsie also attend the Nursery.

Chantelle Whiteford
Chantelle WhitefordJob Title:Deputy Nursery ManagerJoined: 2010

Chantelle (Early Years Professional level 5) has been with the nursery for over ten years and has completed her foundation degree, and assists Lauren in the day-to-day running of the nursery. Chantelle has worked in all of the rooms in the nursery and is always around to offer advice and guidance to parents. She also brings her little boy Tommy to nursery with her.

Ella White
Ella WhiteJob Title:Team LeaderJoined: 2011
Ella is our third in command at First Steps and has been with the company since 2011 after initially starting as an apprentice.

Ella now leads the baby room team as well as assists Lauren in the holiday club.

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