Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)

Durham Road, Bowburn South Industrial Estate, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT
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Top 20 award
10 118 Reviews
  • Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn), Durham
Clever Clogs Day Nursery in Bowburn, Durham is an Oftsed rated outstanding (April 2023) nursery in the North East of England.

Situated just off junction 61 of the A1 near Durham Services, the nursery offers 94 nursery childcare places for 0-5-year-olds and out of school places, including before and after-school and holiday club care, for children of school age up to the age of 11.

This spacious nursery is divided into rooms which follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, enabling the children to progress smoothly from room to room as they develop their learning.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sharon Lewis (Operational Director/Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 22

Total Places for Children

  • 108

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact our Nursery for the most up to date information regarding fees and availability.

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

Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) Reviews (118)

10

Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) has a Review Score of 10 (9.975) out of 10, based on 61 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) has 118 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
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Total of 118, showing 101-118
Review from Nicky A (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery: staff very friendly and very approachable. Staff always think of new ideas for children to explore and express their creative side. Help work towards children's goals such as homework from various schools. The nursery is very clean as well as has good safety measures in place.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Nicky and thank you for taking the time to leave a review; we are grateful.
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Review from L D (Father of Child) published on 21 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are always amazing and friendly, the entire nursery is always spotless.
The staff are always there to answer any questions and tell me about my child's day. If there had been any problems, a fall or being sick, they call and let me know. The staff are always happy to speak on the phone if
you want to see how your child is doing.
The nursery has always been brilliant with both of my children and I'm looking forward to them meeting the third one as well.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello, thank you for your kind words and review; we are very grateful.
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Review from Nicky D (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Being a busy mum, it is incredibly reassuring to see your child enter nursery with a smile on her face being greeted by staff whom she calls her friends. She first started Clever Clogs at 9 months old and they have played a key role in transforming her into a chatty, confident 3 year old. The impact
of the curriculum is evident in her wide vocabulary, strong levels of independence and good problem-solving skills. We would highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Nicky, thank you so much for leaving such a nice review about the nursery; it's lovely to receive feedback like this.
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Review from Kathryn W (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has attended Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) since being 9-months-old. I feel she is thriving and is such a happy little girl. When we pull up to the turnoff she is excited and telling me the names of her classmates and we say "yey nursery". She originally was there three days per week but
since my return to full-time work she has been going for five, full days. She is coming on so well and I feel content knowing she is there when I am at work.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Kathryn and thank you from everyone at Clever Clogs for leaving this amazing review; we really appreciate the time you have taken.
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Review from Richard L (Father of Child) published on 24 December 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been really pleased with the progress my daughter has been making since starting nursery in September and the staff have been great with her, and also by communicating with me on what she has been doing and how well she is doing. I will definitely be going back again next year as her interactions
with people are improving all the time and it’s great for her being around other children and this is down to the staff giving her the environment to be able to do this.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Richard and thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice review about the nursery; we're delighted you are happy with your daughter's progress.
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Review from Caroline G (Mother of Child) published on 22 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have sent my eldest child to Clever Clogs Day Nursery for six years and my youngest for about a year (taking account for lockdowns). During this time there has been many changes both personally and within the nursery. All of which has been dealt with professionally and the children have continued
to enjoy going to nursery throughout. They both speak highly of the staff there and always have a great day on the days they attend. They partake in a wide range of activities which keeps their interest and encourages development too.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Caroline, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a positive review about our nursery; we really appreciate it.
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Review from Keisha G (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Very poor nursery, would not recommend to anyone. Quick to take money from you even for services not used and don't have the decency to even send a receipt but can send multiple emails if they don't receive payment from you! Disgusting money-hungry nursery, poorly run, and not much to offer for children
or parents!
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Keisha, we are disappointed that you felt it necessary to leave this malicious and totally unfounded review and that you did not respond to us when we reached out to discuss this with you…read more
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Review from Gill D (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t praise the staff enough. They are all so friendly and positive. It is a hard decision to choose a nursery when returning to work, but I definitely made the right decision. The staff are so patient and kind and speak so positively about the children. They have really supported my two when they’ve
found it hard to say goodbye on a morning, which helps me so much, knowing they are in such safe hands. I think they do an amazing job - thank you.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Gill, what a fantastic review, thank you, we are delighted that you are so happy with the nursery. It means a lot to us when we get feedback like this.
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Review from Jane I (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderfully caring nursery environment. Our little girl is in her last few weeks before starting school. It will be a sad moment when she leaves.
The staff have helped her grow and develop so much to ensure that she is ready to tackle the next chapter of her journey.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Jane and thank you for taking the time to leave a review on the nursery - we will also be sad to see you and your daughter leave but wish you/her the very best of luck as she starts school.
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Review from Sophie S (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has thrived in this setting. The team could not be anymore helpful and supportive in making sure my child has everything she requires. I receive regular updates from nursery staff and I am 100% confident that my child is learning and developing the relevant key skills required for later
life. I know how important early years learning is and the staff at Clever Clogs are definitely aware too. My little girl absolutely loves going to the nursery!
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Sophie, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a nice review about the nursery, we are delighted you and your daughter are so happy.
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Review from Suzanne D (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery! My son’s development has come on leaps and bounds since he started. He literally loves going into nursery and we are so glad we chose Clever Clogs Day Nursery. We have moved recently to another area but still choose to keep him here where he is happy.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hello Suzanne, and thank you so much for this amazing review; we really appreciate it.
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A great nursery with fantastic staff! My son has attended since he was one, and the staff at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) have all been excellent throughout. They offer a lovely setting in which my son has developed, made friends and tackled various milestones. Encouraging imagination and independence,
they have provided a wonderful groundwork for my son starting school. As well as their obvious care for the children, the staff have also offered support and advice to me as a parent. I always recommend highly when asked!
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hi Sarah, thanks for taking the time to leave a review; we appreciate it.
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Review from Claire T (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend this nursery, they always go above and beyond for both parents and children. My son absolutely loves his place here. Staff are professional and friendly with amazing communication! No job is ever too much for anyone at the nursery. Management have been fantastic. My son has
been here two years and in that time they have supported us both in a new journey that was very scary for us both. When pregnant with my son they were very flexible to accommodate appointments. My son's knowledge and skills have come along leaps and bounds since attending. His manners, communication skills and motor skills have all massively improved. When suffering with mental health, staff were very supportive to both me and my son. Staff always have a smile, which is really important with children as they read body language. I have never in two years had a negative experience, even throughout Covid-19 staff have been professional, informative and extremely hygienic within the setting.
Reply from Andrea Townsley, Proprietor at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review of the nursery, it is greatly appreciated. It was lovely to see how well he came back and settled straight back into nursery life.
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Review from Stacy P (Guardian of Child) published on 16 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one has attended this nursery since she was ten weeks old, she is now three years old. I have been thoroughly impressed with the care and support given to her from her education, food and emotional well-being. We have been slightly complicated with having involvement from the local authority
and social services as I'm her guardian, long story! The nursery has gone above and beyond to make sure my little one settled and safe. They have really good communications channels and respond very quickly to questions and queries. The staff are amazing too, at all levels. The staff in the rooms have an amazing connection with all children; they make effort to learn their quirky natures and cater for them perfectly - my little one was obsessed with Gruffalo. I'm sure they became demented with the amount of times they read that story to her! I cannot recommend this nursery more.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Nursery Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hi Stacy, thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback; we really do appreciate this. It is a pleasure to see the children grow from strength to strength within the rooms, and the bond the…read more
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Review from Amy M (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our family’s experience of Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) has been fantastic. My eldest son attended the nursery weekly from one year old, and he loved his time there. All the staff are friendly, approachable, brilliant at their jobs, and the communication is fantastic. The rooms are always clean
and filled with fun areas to explore. My eldest son is now six, and we were so impressed with the nursery, we are now using their wrap-around care service for before and after school clubs. I think my son actually prefers the days he attends these fun clubs to when I pick him up from school myself. My youngest son is now also attending the nursery weekly and although his time there has been impacted by the pandemic, the way the nursery has dealt with these uncertain times has been impeccable. We have always felt happy and confident using Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) and highly recommend them to any parents in Bowburn or surrounding areas.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Nursery Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hi Amy, thank you so much for your feedback; we really do appreciate it. It does mean a lot to have parents comment, and it is an absolute pleasure to have the boys in our care.
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Review from Eleanor R (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We have been very happy with our child's experience of nursery this last month. He always comes out of nursery with a smile. The girls say he gets involved in the activities they do in the room and is coming along well with his numbers.
Reply from Sharon Lewis, Manager at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hi Eleanor. Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback, it is a pleasure to have your little one in our care here at the nursery.
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Review from Andrew M (Father of Child) published on 18 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined Clever Cloggs Day Nursery (Bowburn) at around 8 months old and she remained in nursery until starting school in September. The team has always been superb and developed a strong bond and understanding of her, encouraging her to be a kind and thoughtful child. She has grown and developed
immeasurably and Clever Cloggs has played a vital part in the bright, funny and happy child she has become. She is now in Fun Club and enjoys seeing everyone that has cared for her throughout her time there. Thank you so much for everything you have done and continue to do for her and us.
Reply from Andrea Townsley, Proprietor at Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn)
Hi Laura
Thank you so much it is a pleasure to be a part of each child's journey.
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Review from Laura P (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Clever Clogs is a fantastic nursery. My daughter has been going since she was a year old and she has thrived. She has developed very well, became a very independent little girl and made friends for life. The staff are a credit to the nursery and nothing is too much trouble for them.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.975)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.975) out of 10 for Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) 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 61 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 61 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 4.975 for Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) is calculated as follows: ( (707 Excellents x 5) + (18 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 725 Ratings = 4.975
  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 Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) is based on 61 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 108 number of registered child places is 21.6, which has been reached with 61 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

Meet the Team (7)

Vicky

Vicky Harrison

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2023

"I gained my NNEB in 1994, and following that, I worked as a Nanny in a private home. I then went on to work in a Nursery when I relocated to the North East, progressing from practitioner, to room lead and then Deputy Manager. I gained my Foundation Degree in Education and Care in 2008. In 2023 I came to Clever Clogs as Deputy Manager and in June 2024 started to work as the Manager. I love to watch children learn and explore their environment. I particularly enjoy working with children in the outdoors and learning about mini-beasts and team building.


In my spare time, I spend with my family walking our dog.

Jess

Jess Lowes

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2022

I gained a qualification in Early Years and Education in 2015. I joined the Clever Clogs team in 2022 and became a senior in the Little Explorers room before becoming the Deputy Manager in 2024. I enjoy watching the children develop and get involved in activities especially all things messy.


In my spare time, I enjoy walks along the beach and being outdoors.

Kayley

Kayley Smith

Job Title: Senior Early Years Educator; Small Discoverer's Joined: 2010

I have worked in childcare for 18 years, most of them as a member of the Clever Clogs team in Bowburn. I really enjoy helping children develop and watching them grow. I became a Senior in 2014 and have worked within the Tiny Miracles and Clever Thinkers before joining the mall Discoverers room. I completed my Foundation Degree in Education and Care with Sunderland and Care with Sunderland University in July 2014.


I am a friendly compassionate person who enjoys getting to know the children and families within my care.


In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends on days out.

Olivia

Olivia Taylor-Sayers

Job Title: Senior Early Years Educator; Mini Adventurers and Senco Joined: 2021

I hold a level 3 qualification in education and care which I gained in 2021. I have been a part of the Clever Clogs since qualifying in 2021. I enjoy watching the children achieve their goals and milestones. I share their pride in their achievements!


In my spare time, I like to go shopping and socialise with my friends and family.

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Sarah Bower

Job Title: Senior Early Years Educator; Little Explorer's Joined: 2010

Hello, I'm Sarah!


I'm the senior in the Little Explorer's room. I have a wealth of knowledge with over 22 years of experience.
I have a BTEC National Diploma in Early Year, I am still as passionate about working with children as my first day.


In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the Yorkshire Dales with my husband, daughter and my parson Russell Terrier".

Samantha

Samantha Scott

Job Title: Senior Early Years Educator; Big Inventor's Joined: 2021

I have a qualification in Early Years Childhood studies with 9 years experience. I enjoy seeing the children learn and thrive through the activities and provisions we create.


In my spare time, I enjoy visiting my two nieces and walking the dogs with my parents and boyfriend.

Michelle

Michelle Cummins

Job Title: Senior Early Years Educator; Incredible Seekers and Senco Joined: 2016

I have my qualification in Early years which I gained in 2013. I came to Clever Clogs in 2016 where I am now working in Clever Thinkers and the senior in our Fun Club. I am passionate about SEN and qualified as SENCO in 2020. I enjoy watching the children in my care grow and develop and like to provide exciting opportunities for them to explore.


In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Clever Clogs Day Nursery (Bowburn) has an Enhanced Service - more info.