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The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

4-6 New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TF
The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school, Leicester
The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school, Leicester
The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school, Leicester

The Dolls House Nursery & Pre School is a family run nursery which aims to provide children with the best start in life through playing and learning.

Every day is different at the nursery and pre-school, with a range of stimulating and exciting activities on offer for children to participate in.

There are age-specific rooms for children to spend time in, which follows the EYFS to provide children with high quality early...  

Funding & Fees

£71 per day - £61 per half day

The Dolls House is an all-inclusive nursery including home-cooked meals, nappies, wipes, Calpol and sun-cream etc. Also including weekly professional dance, singing and French lessons with forest discovery trips and outing to Manor Farm park.

HMRC tax-free child-care and government funding for 15 or 30 hours will be accepted and administered to significantly reduce your fees.

Contact The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

No

Owner

  • The D.H. Nursery Ltd
  • Private Owned

Person in charge

  • Farhana Usman (Area Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 60

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:45-18:00
  • Tuesday 07:45-18:00
  • Wednesday 07:45-18:00
  • Thursday 07:45-18:00
  • Friday 07:45-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Exclusive drop-off on King street for members only.

The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school Reviews (58)

10

The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school has a Review Score of 10 (9.996) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school has 58 reviews.

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Showing 58 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from S R (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
We have full confidence in the staff that they are providing best care for our child. I was really unsure when it was suggested that I send my child to the nursery I was really scared but after speaking to Mr &Mrs Nigel, and meeting Jane, Ayesha Fozia and other staff members assured me that my child was in good hands.

I try to tell them often that what they are doing to support working parents with the child care cannot be paid back.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your very kind revue,
All parents suffer some degree of anxiety in the early days of nursery; it's easy to wonder if you have made the right decision.

In no time at all your child will be loving the friendship of the other children and the kind, caring nature of the staff...  

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Review from Lucie M (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Very happy with nursery since my little one started she learn a lot .she is always happy to go back , I have updated and emails of my baby how she do and what she done. Very happy as parent with Dolls house nursery

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your lovely review.
I am pleased that both yourself and your daughter are happy at The Dolls House Nursery.
I know that you have seen notable progress since she started with us.
Our staff team made sure she settled quickly and soon became very confident

at trying new activities. She is a fast learner.

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Review from Esraa A (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My child has been going to the nursery for more than 2 years now. My child considers it his second home and was never upset or distressed, in the contrary, was always excited and happy to go, and always content and satisfied at the end of the day. My child learned to love all types of healthy food, learned many different useful social skills, as well as writing their own name already! Whenever I had any issues, it was very easy to contact the staff and it was always resolved very quickly. I appreciate how they treat my child with kindness and utmost care and respect. My child's progress throughout the past 2 years has been greatly noticed and appreciated, and I feel that they are preparing my child well for school! All staff and management are friendly, professional and caring! I wouldn't change a thing.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Well thank you, that is a perfect review.
I know that your child is preparing for school this year and is totally ready and excited.
If every child leaves The Dolls House nursery for school with a full 'tool box' of social skills

and communication skills, we have done our job well. I know he will be very successful at school.

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Review from S R (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our girl has flourished at the Dolls House. Staff are excellent and really helpful. The activities are varied and we are kept well informed about what our little one does during the day. Food on offer is healthy, homemade and nutritious. A great nursery all round. We are really happy to be part of the community.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your review.
It's lovely that you refer to The Dolls House as a community; that's exactly what we strive for.
A positive and caring community of parents, qualified staff team and children really benefits

each child's development. We always aim to provide a positive and kind environment.

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Review from A G (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I decided to send my child to this nursery based on high praise from family members who had sent their children here. My son has been attending for 3 years and I have seen him develop so many skills in that time. He enjoys coming in to see his friends. They do a wide range of activities and go on trips which my child loves to tell me about. I don't have a negative thing to say. The staff are so friendly and welcoming and i am so grateful for the attentive care and attention they put in to create such a lovely environment.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much.
For 23 years we have seen children arrive as babies and, in no time at all, are heading out for school and the outside world.
One of our babies has recently returned to become an apprentice - quite a milestone!
A child should learn to be curious and excited by the world around them, and at this young age

there is lots to be excited about.

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Review from Lance A (Father of Child) published on 2 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
This Nursery is the shining star of Children's welfare & development.
My son has been coming to the dolls house for 3 years now and to see him grow through the passion and determination of the practitioners has been the most wonderful experience.
The staff are imaginative, creative and encouraging and it's clear to see that it's more than just a job for the people that work at this Nursery.
My son has reached so many mile stones and achieved so much through the time and patience that the dolls house has given him.
I will be eternally grateful for the wonderful start in life he's has had due to being at this Nursery.
Its immaculate with fantastic facilities and the food is healthy and creative.
The staff are all individually lovely people but come together to create something extremely special for the children that attend the dolls house.

Children are the most precious thing to all parents and they are in the best hands at the dolls house.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your lovely review.
I do agree that the staff team create a secure and fun atmosphere where the children not only learn but thrive as they develop.

The children gain confidence and enjoy spending time with their friends and staff team alike.

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Review from Z H (Father of Child) published on 31 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Such an outstanding nursery!! Having visited many nurseries when we were deciding where to send our baby, The Dolls House was without a doubt the best! The team are absolutely incredible ! My child settled in so quickly!! From the wonderful food provided, to the stimulating and fun surroundings, my child has grown in confidence and the level of care he receives when he there is just brilliant. Knowing that he is attending a setting where he is loved and well cared for is a feeling that cannot be matched. I am so pleased that we found this wonderful setting. My child is happy, safe and receiving the best start in life and that is all thanks to the wonderful people that work there. I would recommend this nursery to everyone.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much, we love to hear from happy customers.

It's hard to believe that we started The Dolls House nursery on Leicester's New Walk twenty three years ago. Our senior management team have maintained consistently high standards of care, safety and education through Covid years as well as...  

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Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Choosing the right nursery for our daughter was the most difficult decision we had to make as parents. After endless visits and countless hours of reviews and report reading, my heart sat with dollhouse from the very first visit.
From the moment I first walked in, I got an instant feeling of comfort and care. This is a home to our beautiful daughter not just a place to drop her off. She's always happy and excited to tell us all the things she's done and learnt at just 2.6 years years, she's been attending soon to be one year.
We couldn't be more happy with the level or care our daughter is cared for by the absolutely incredible staff who are caring and warm.
The difference between this independent nursery and the 'commercial' feel of others has no room for comparison.
The genuine and sincere support of the ownership is also something worth a huge mention.

We are confident we couldn't have made a better choice.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your splendid review.
As most of our staff team are parents themselves, it is a priority to provide a warm, caring environment where our own children
would feel confident and comfortable. Once the feeling of safety and security is established, the children learn and develop

at an...  

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Review from Nazia H (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The Dolls House is an outstanding nursery! I couldn't recommend this Nursery enough! We knew from the moment we visited the nursery that this was the perfect nursery for our child! It's a very home from home feel, so much space for all the children to play explore and expand on their development. The staff are just amazing!! Every single one of them!! So caring, friendly, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They have made it so easy for us for us all. The environment is warm, safe, and stimulating. My child has grown so much in confidence, communication, and independence since attending and he just loves it there. It's such a relief knowing your child is happy, settled, and truly cared for. Such a wonderful nursery. Thank you to the whole Dolls House team for creating such a loving and nurturing place. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this nursery to any parent looking for outstanding childcare.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much for the great review.
It's all about the children and their families here -
it's not just the children that join the nursery and we are so pleased
that you enjoy the way we do things - personal service is key.

I have to thank our very well qualified staff team for their...  

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Review from Sanj D (Father of Child) published on 4 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The Dolls House Nursery has been a wonderful experience for our daughter. She settled in immediately, wakes up in the morning excited to go to 'school', and whilst she doesn't tell us much about what she does each day (three going on thirteen), it's clear that she thoroughly enjoys her time there.

Thankfully, the app keeps us fully up to date with all of the activities, so we are able to see what she gets up to!

The team is so supportive and helpful, really demonstrates the provisioning of a caring and guiding environment and are obviously very passionate about the kids and their work!

Would 100% recommend this Nursery for your children!

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your great review,
its clear that your daughter loves our outdoor activities and trips.
Our app keeps parents informed, and parents contribute too.
By the time the child starts school, parents are presented with

a digital scrap-book which serves as a record of their...  

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Review from Daniel Mario C (Father of Child) published on 4 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our daughter is very happy at Dolls House Nursery. She made a cute group of friends and is always looking forward to attend every day. We have seen her develop very well since she started attending the Nursery. Carers and facilities are exceptional.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thanks for your great review,
Your little girl is growing up fast and surrounds herself
with her friends every day. I hope you have noticed the speed of her development
and learning. Her curiosity and awareness of everything around her are part of our teaching,

and I know you work hard with her learning too. This will pay dividends when she starts school.

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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

The Dolls House is a lovely nursery, all the practitioners are so friendly, happy to talk/help and are very understanding. I've seen my son's confidence and interests grow so much during his time here.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much. We work hard to take care of the needs of the family members
as well as the children; it's not just the children that join the nursery, and the
wider picture, of busy home and work lives, must always be catered for

in a professional and caring way.

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Review from Cara W (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My son is nearly 4 now and has been attending the Dolls House nursery since he was 8 months old.
The nursery are fantastic. Kind, caring, personable and considerate from the staff to the management.
My son loves going to nursery. He has learnt so much and loves being around his friends.
I can go to work knowing my son is cared for.

Special thanks to Jane and Shakane who my son absolutely adores.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your lovely review. Your son is getting on so well, He clearly loves the staff team.

who do their best to make sure there are plenty of learning experiences throughout the day.

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Review from Laura L (Mother of Child) published on 27 October 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My son has been coming to this Nursery since he was 8 months old and he will very soon be 3.
Watching him grow and achieve while he has been here has been incredible.
The time, effort, consistency and love the staff members put into their jobs shows in my sons attitude and growth and we wouldn't want him anywhere else.
It's clean and tidy, it is safe and inviting.
It encourages children to be exactly who they are.
The nursery use unique and fun activities to help my son in the area's he needs most and i think the team are fantastic.
I could not fault a single thing about this nursery.
This is not just a job to these staff they clearly care and love the children which shows.

My son always comes out smiling and laughing with a bounce in his step and a new story to tell.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / M.D. at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you for your lovely review. Your son has made great progress and clearly enjoys The Dolls House nursery. Our team work hard, and enjoys working with parents to achieve the best results. We are all constantly surprised and always grateful for the level of support we receive from parents, which, over 22 years, has resulted in very positive outcomes for our valued members.

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Review from M P (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Excellent Nursery !!!
My daughter is so much happy and best nursery i have got so far
I highly recommend recommend this nursery

I enrolled her early May and she didn't cry from the first day staff is so friendly and management too is highly professional

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you so much for your wonderful review.We are so proud of our staff team who work with parents to settle children as quickly as possible.Parents enjoy great and accurate feed-back on how the child is progressing day by day.Thank you.

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Review from R R (Mother of Child) published on 8 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We have been with 3 nurseries with our 2 girls and this one is exceptional. The children go in and come out happy every day. There day is so packed full of activities and fun. And the food is wonderful introducing the children to a great range of healthy food and tastes that we haven't seen at any of the other nurseries. The nursery has a real home from home feel and the staff are fantastic. I can't think of a single negative with this nursery.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you so much for your wonderful review.Our very dedicated staff team work so hard to make every day special for our members and families -we are so proud of them. All the best.

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Review from Felicia C (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our daughter attended the Doll House Nursery about 1 year. She really found going to school like fun and feels very happy to be in the nursery. The safe environment, the atmosphere and the staffs were amazing. These removed the fear and panic I had from the previous fall my daughter had at her last nursery. She developed lots of confidence and feels safe, sometimes she would wish to stay longer than her hours. I felt very happy that I made a very good decision by enrolling her in Doll House Nursery as one of the best decisions I made. Many thanks to all the staff for their hard work and support towards our daughter it is incredible.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you for your wonderful review, we enjoyed having you as members. Our staff team do work very hard to get the very best out of our members and love to see children develop and thrive in a learning atmosphere.Our team will really appreciate your splendid review. Thank you.

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Review from Maisy H (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My little boy attended The Dolls House for 1 year - just starting school this September. Being at The Dolls House really made my son grow in many ways, he thoroughly enjoyed going to the nursery and being around the children and the staff, the nursery feels home from home and the activities and the toys are perfect to help your child develop. They're always out doing little trips and walks to the market/museum which my little boy absolutely loved! The meals they provide are delicious and such a variety always healthy options. The nursery helped my little one reach many milestones and has really helped him transition into school without an issue! We will miss you all.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you, what a lovely review. He will love school and is completely ready. The best results always come when enthusiastic and caring parents engage with a like-minded nursery. We wish you all the best.

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Review from Emma W (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our daughter has attended The Dolls House Nursery for the last 3 years. We cannot thank the staff enough for the amazing atmosphere they create in this nursery. The whole team have kept our daughter safe, and comfortable. She is excited to attend each day! She has made friends, takes part in lots of activities and has become very confident. She will even speak to us in French! The nursery offers a wide menu, and supports our daughter's fussy eating habits! We appreciate the regular updates on her progress through tapestry, including lots of pictures and videos! We have always found it easy to communicate with the team. We have recommended the nursery to many of our friends and will always be grateful for the support they have provided in raising our little one!

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you, it has been an absolute joy. As parents, you really engaged with the nursery and we will miss you as much as your little girl. I know she will really excel at school, and go on to be really successful. Keep in touch, all the best.

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Review from I D (Mother of Child) published on 4 September 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Amazing nursery! Very friendly and experienced employees. Since day one we felt very welcomed. Thank you for all the hard work you put into each day. Our daughter feels happy and secure at the nursery. Recommend to everyone!

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

Thank you so much - what a great review -It says everything - nothing to add. Great to have you with us.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

What is the Age Range of Children that The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school accepts?

The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school Open?

The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school is open: Monday 07:45-18:00, Tuesday 07:45-18:00, Wednesday 07:45-18:00, Thursday 07:45-18:00, Friday 07:45-18:00.

How many Children does The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school have capacity for?

The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school to the centre of Leicester?

0.4 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 The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school has an Enhanced Service - more info.