The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school

4-6 New Walk, Leicester LE1 6TF
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Top 20 award
10 51 Reviews
  • 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 years education, which also helps children develop their personal and social skills.

Staff members specialise in their own area of childcare as well as having the relevant qualifications to provide great childcare every day.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Owner

  • The D.H. Nursery Ltd
  • Privately 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

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.

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 (51)

10

The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school has a Review Score of 10 (9.982) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school has 51 reviews.

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Total of 51, showing 21-40
Review from Alkin K (Father of Child) published on 25 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school is an excellent nursery. My four-year-old son is currently attending two different nurseries on different days due to practical reasons. He has attended another nursery for almost two years, and The Dolls House for a few weeks. My child loved it there! From week
two, he wanted to go to The Dolls House every day and easily made friends. I am very curious how they did this. The care from the staff and the physical quality of the nursery are exceptional. Also, it was a pleasure to meet the owner, who is really engaged and dedicated. Thanks for all, very much appreciated!
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much. We really enjoyed your membership. All the best for the future.
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Review from Tausif K (Father of Child) published on 15 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery and pre-school. Our daughter has been at The Dolls House since the age of one year and now is three years old. The care and communication from the staff are exceptional. The nursery has a lovely, homely feel to it and our daughter has thrived. Learning key skills and gaining confidence
in social interactions with other children and forming wonderful bonds with staff and children alike. My daughter displays a lot of confidence and willingness to learn outside of the nursery provision and this is a huge credit to the team.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for that excellent review. Your daughter, from the age of one, has become much more confident and loves to be part of her group. She loves her key team and speaks confidently to all staff…read more
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Review from Cat C (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son attended the Dolls House and the Cottages. I found the staff at both locations excellent and very informative. Our son settled in well in both settings, quickly making good friendships and relationships with his key workers. He has now finished, going off to EYFS at school and I feel they have
definitely given him the best start to his schooling. We can't thank the staff, at both settings, enough.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much. Very enjoyable and special years. Your child participated fully in our varied learning and activities and quickly reaped the benefits. He particularly enjoyed the outdoor activities…read more
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Review from Radwa E (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Dolls House nursery and preschool is an amazing place to put your child in. The key workers there are very professional, caring and loving. Also, the owner of the place is very attentive, engaged and dedicated to the place which is reflected in the quality of service provided. My son attended the
nursery and pre-school for nearly three years and he is now at school. It has been three wonderful and enjoyable years for him. He actually misses the place and people there so much. During his stay, he became a very confident person, loved to explore, was independent and was always eager to learn about new things. I am very, very happy with the place, people and dedication shown over there. Highly recommended.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for this wonderful review. Your whole family engaged with, and supported our nursery and pre-school through difficult times. We very much appreciate that. Your child has gained much…read more
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Review from S B (Father of Child) published on 6 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very nice nursery. The staff are very welcoming and my child loves going there. The preschool is huge and there are a lot of activities for the children to do. The variety of food is great and it's clear a lot of effort goes into the children's education.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you. Our team take great pride in the important work we do in the development of the children and in making sure they are completely school-ready.
Your child is a joy to teach and will love the…read more
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Review from Maddy M (Mother of Child) published on 9 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had our two boys at The Dolls House Nursery & Cottages Pre-School for almost 6-years now, and this year is about to come to an end. They have been a brilliant nursery and pre-school for our boys. Always thinking outside the box in what they provide for the children - always welcoming, always
entertaining, always creative. The boys have loved it there, and I wouldn't think of sending them anywhere else.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much Maddy for your wonderful review. It has been a pleasure to care for and teach, your very clever boys, and as always, success results from a close team effort with a wonderful family.…read more
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Review from Will B (Father of Child) published on 5 January 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been with the Dolls House nursery since the age of nine months. Now turning three, he has transitioned to the Cottages preschool. This process was wonderfully painless and how it was managed is a credit to the staff. I cannot give enough praise to their care and attention. All practitioners
are well qualified, patient and empathetic to the individual needs of the children. The education our son has received is second to none, and it is clear to see how the Dolls House and Cottages have aided his development in literacy and numeracy skills, confidence as well as his general wellbeing. The food is home cooked and excellent, with plenty of variety to keep little tastebuds interested. The online parents' app updates help us to engage with our son about what he has been doing each day and continue themes during home activities. A big thank you to all involved in his care, we couldn't do it without you!
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much, Will. Your wonderful review says it all. As parents, you clearly see things the way we do and value the same priorities in your child's development. It is good to know that our…read more
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Review from Samantha G (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended The Dolls House and Cottages from 9 months old, until starting school this September. He really enjoyed attending the nursery and as a mother, I felt really relaxed and comfortable having him there. Both me and my son miss The Cottages dearly! And now that he attends school, we realise
how much of a privilege it was to have him in this nursery, school is sadly a downgrade! The staff are friendly and thoroughly told me about my son's day and any details I wanted to know (another thing I miss now he’s at school) I think his development was great thanks to The Dolls House and Cottages and highly recommend it.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner / MD and Membership at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you, Sam. I know that your son enjoyed every minute, and you were always very positive about his nursery and pre-school experience. He was well prepared for school and will progress well with…read more
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Review from Shelton G (Father of Child) published on 23 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Dolls House Nursery is an outstanding nursery providing the highest level of tuition and care. My son joined in 2018 and only left in August 2021, due to moving to school for Foundation. Staff at the nursery are friendly, empathetic and always giving attention to children. There are lots of activities,
trips and opportunities for children to recreate and enjoy themselves. I will definitely recommend the Dolls House to parents.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you. I'm so pleased your son was excited to start school. They will love him at school - always happy, interested in everything and so keen to learn. He will do well.
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Review from Dean G (Father of Child) published on 20 September 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has beeen at this nursery and playschool for over three years. She has really enjoyed every moment there, developed into a confident, independent and happy girl. We, as parents, have been really impressed with the wide range of learning, play, fun and activities our daughter has participated
in. She is now ready to start her primary school and we would like to say a big thank you to all staff and the management at The Dolls House Nursery and Cottages preschool.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you for your review. A lovely family and your daughter is an absolute joy. We have enjoyed every moment, as we did with your older child who has grown into a fine young man. How the years fly!
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Review from Magda J (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
None of the nurseries I've seen have given me this positive feeling I've had during visiting The Cottages. The manager of the Cottages is exceptional, always very attentive and helpful. So are the rest of the key workers who have made me and my son feel very welcome. The keyworkers are always attentive,
polite and professional. They have been so helpful during the adaptive process and every time I've come to pick up my son, I've always seen them giving support to him. I was worried at first, as his first language is Polish but after a few days he not only speaks better English, but he constantly sings, counts and never stops talking. After his first day, he was able to wash his hands, go toilet, tried to put his shoes on and seems to enjoy all these basic activities. The Cottages nursery food menu is also exceptional - so different to other nurseries I've seen - healthy and nutritious and also helpful with all kinds of food allergies, that my son had. I would recommend The Cottages nursery to all parents.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you, again. I believe our key team are exceptional and as you say, always attentive and striving to put the positive experience of both parents and children first. The team take pride in seeing…read more
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Review from L R (Father of Child) published on 15 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has progressed really well at both The Dolls House and now The Cottages. The staff are excellent and are always engaged and attentive with the children. We would not hesitate to recommend them to any other parents.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you. We are so proud of our staff team who strive to provide the very best experience for our children.
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Review from Helen H (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Dolls House Nursery & The Cottages Pre School are an amazing place for my child to be in. His confidence has grown so much ever since he’s been in The Dolls House Nursery & The Cottages Pre School. I’m proud to say my son is fully potty trained with the help and encouragement of the staff, he also
found his own identity and sense of humour whilst being around the other kids. What I can say is, there’s unity in this nursery and preschool that feel like a family. The staff are amazing especially one member of staff, she’s helped my son so much concerning his routine, his eating skills and creativity. I love that she’s hands-on when she needs to and loving at the same time, she’s amazing. Another member of staff is the same way, my son comes home and mentions his name in such joy. The management is absolutely fantastic! The staff are doing such a great job, especially under these circumstances with Covid-19. They make sure the kids wash their hands before going in and are not allowing parents in for health and safety reasons.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you, Helen, he has progressed so well since moving through to our pre-school; it's clear that he's really ready.
He treats The Cottages Pre-school as his home, which he absolutely should do.…read more
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Review from T G (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended since 2018 and currently attends The Cottages Pre-School. The care, attention, learning and activities the children are offered is exceptional. My son had to shield for part of the pandemic but after a short absence, he is back and flourishing, due to the interactions and stimulating
environment. The additional steps taken due to the pandemic have made me feel that the environment is safe for my son to return to, so he can continue his journey here and lessen the disruption to his life, with continuity in his environment. Each child is treated as an individual and additional attention is given where needed. In my experience, communication between staff and parents is really good and they go the extra mile to ensure you are informed and involved with reports, which at this current time is invaluable.


I feel safe and secure knowing that my son is cared for and valued and wouldn't hesitate to recommend either The Dolls House nursery or The Cottages pre-school.

Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you so much. We are delighted to continue with your son after the break; we missed him, and he is a delight to teach.
We do feel that our environment is very safe, and each child certainly is…read more
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Review from Eoin T (Father of Child) published on 5 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot speak highly enough of the staff at The Cottages Preschool. My daughter started in January. She has had speech delays, and since we have started her in this setting, she has come on leaps and bounds. The staff are extremely helpful and professional and have really managed to connect with our
daughter. The setting itself is really impressive, with loads of activities for the kids. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
We can see the great progress your daughter is making and we are delighted.
Our key staff continue to work enthusiastically with her, and she loves
the varied pre-school activities; especially the…read more
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Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We started attending The Dolls House shortly before my daughter turning 1 and moved on to The Cottages when she turned 3. She adores the staff and her little friends at nursery, and her development comes along leaps and bounds whenever we go back to nursery after a holiday or Xmas break.
The nursery
was outstanding in supporting potty training and we had a quick turn around from nappies to the toilet.
My daughter is happy and cared for, she enjoys attending and the team will always have a special place in my heart for helping raise my child.
A great city centre nursery that doesn't compromise on quality food, experiences and developmental targets - these are always outstanding.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Membership & Promotions Manager at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
Thank you, our team always like to work closely with parents as this always produces the best outcomes for the child. Her development and progress are important and ensure school readiness, confidence…read more
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Review from Pooja (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Our daughter attended for two full days in November 2019 before falling poorly with flu. We, therefore, made the decision not to send her back (and in turn lost out on a lot of money). We sent a polite email thanking the staff for their efforts etc. with the hope of our daughter returning in the near
future. My husband then went to collect her belongings (the usual nappies, creams, wipes etc). I began to empty the bag and noticed that the nappy bag was surprisingly full. I never had any intention to count the nappies however, was left feeling extremely upset when I did. We sent a pack of 78 nappies, of which 76 were returned. My daughter's daily sheets for the two FULL days (8-4 or so) advised that her nappy had been changed TWICE on the first day and THREE times on the second day. The maths confirms that therefore, a total of 73 nappies should have been returned. We were left feeling mortified at the thought that our baby's nappy wasn't changed and as per the nursery's policy.
Reply from Nigel Dakin, Owner/Managing Director at The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school
I can confirm that all children, especially babies, are changed to a strict routine, with required additional changes being taken care of immediately.
No complaints were received regarding the…read more
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Review from Luke C (Father of Child) published on 30 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Cottages is a lovely professional nursery with friendly staff.
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Review from V K (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going for nearly 2 years now and I have had only good things to say til now. All the staff have taken excellent care of my child and even helped where he was struggling with his speech.
I love sending my child here and will be sending my second baby too when she is of age.
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Review from Saeeda B (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our first child and first nursery.
Our experience started when our son was 1 and a half years old and he's 3 years old now.
Absolutely love this nursery.
Very friendly staff and my child feels like he's at home.
He's improving and developing every single day and this nursery is playing a vital role
in that.
Recommend it to all.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.982)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.982) out of 10 for The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school 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 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.982 for The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school is calculated as follows: ( (165 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 168 Ratings = 4.982
  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 The Dolls House Nursery and Pre-school is based on 14 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 60 number of registered child places is 12, which has been reached with 14 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

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