Happitots Nursery Cove Bay

Cove Road, Cove Bay, Aberdeen AB12 3NX
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9.2 39 Reviews
Happitots Nursery Cove Bay is based in a former residential property and provides a stimulating atmosphere for children from birth to five years of age.

The property is open from 7.30am - 6pm and has easy access and good parking for local parents.

The nursery offers three spacious, age-appropriate playrooms designed to inspire the children's imagination and creativity, as they are supported to grow and learn with confidence.

At Happitots Nursery Cove Bay, children are provided with breakfast, lunches and an afternoon snack which are all prepared daily by the on-site nursery chef.

The nursery works in partnership with the government to offer free funded places and also offer sibling and emergency services staff discounts.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Person in charge

  • Hana Dalgarno (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 25

Total Places for Children

  • 62

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Contact us to learn more about our competitive fee structure. Funded spaces available.

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

  • Christmas & New Year

Parking

  • Plenty of on street parking available around the nursery making drop offs and pick ups easy for your family.

Happitots Nursery Cove Bay Reviews (39)

Total of 39, showing 1-20
9.2

Happitots Nursery Cove Bay has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.182) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Happitots Nursery Cove Bay has 39 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Alice D (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So happy dropping my son off to happitots in the mornings as he runs in the door, happy and safe and looking forward to seeing his friends. Feels like dropping him with family. The girls are so caring and patient, supporting and encouraging him in all that he does. Great meals. Great space. Lots of
extracurricular activities and visits. 100% recommend

Reply from Jenni McDougall, Operations Project Manager at Happitots Nursery Cove Bay

Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation. We're delighted to hear how much your son enjoys his time with us and that dropping him off feels like leaving him with family. It's wonderful to know he is happy, safe, and supported while making friends, enjoying activities, and trying new meals. Your feedback means the world to our team!

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Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Happitots since she was a year old. She will be 4 this year and she still loves attending nursery and gets excited when she knows it's a nursery day. The staff have always been very supportive of her ASN and have always ensured she is nurtured, included and safe when in
their care. She has thrived since starting nursery and we are so proud of the little girl she is becoming. I can't thank the staff at Happitots enough for being so welcoming and supportive to not only my daughter but to me, as her mummy, too.

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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Over the past couple of months, I've seen such a positive transformation at this nursery. The staff have done an amazing job, and I truly feel included as a parent in their activities and decisions. I have full confidence that my child is safe, well cared for, and receiving an education tailored to
her needs. It's clear they take the time to understand each child individually, and it makes such a difference. I'm so grateful for their hard work and dedication!

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Review from V K (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm super satisfied with Happitots. My baby is in Sunbeams and the girls there are really active, happy, and always take care of the babies. Also, the teachers in the Sunbeams are creative and play and keep my child busy. Even though we are part-time, these days he is happy and he is creating and doing
something new every time.
As for the safety, I couldn't be more satisfied. They made for kids' safety an extra safety door, and also, there's a secret code to enter the building.

Reply from Jenni McDougall, Operations Project Manager at Happitots Nursery Cove Bay

Thank you for your lovely review, the team are always delighted to read their reviews, thanks again from Thrive.

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Review from Angela D (Grandmother of Child) published on 22 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I regularly drop off and pick up my grandaughter who has attended Happitots Nursery since she was 6 months old, she is now 3 years and 6 months and still absolutely loves her nursery.
She always talks about her 'teachers' and all the staff are always happy and friendly, you can see the great bonds
they have with the children.
My grandaughter sometimes never eats her tea due to gobbling up her yummy snacks and lunches provided each day!
The nursery is always out and about on walks with the children, visiting libraries and play parks, they also have a fab mud kitchen which my grandaughter is obsessed with, 9 times out of 10 that's where she is when I pick her up, making her 'magic potions' and of course my 'cup of mud tea!'

Reply from Jenni McDougall, Operations Project Manager at Happitots Nursery Cove Bay

What a pleasure it was to read your review, it sounds like your granddaughter is having a wonderful time at nursery which is great for you to observe and for us to hear. Thank you from all at Thrive.

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Review from M D (Uncle of Child) published on 22 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Anytime I drop off/collect my child from nursery she is always excited to be there and get in as quickly as she can, a true reflection of how great the staff are with the kids, and how much fun my child has when at nursery.
Staff are always happy to help, friendly and welcoming, they always give a
good, detailed 'briefing' of what my child has been up to during her day.

Reply from Jenni McDougall, Operations Project Manager at Happitots Nursery Cove Bay

Thank you for your lovely review from all at Thrive.

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Review from Tracy S (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attended the nursery from 17 months old until she was almost 4.
She really enjoyed her time at nursery and looked forward to going. Picking up a happy, smiling child at the end of her sessions was great.
She had a great relationship with staff and they helped her so much with various
things whilst she was there, nothing was too much trouble. The staff were great to deal with.
When she transitioned to the preschool room, it was so well thought out and organised by her key worker and once she moved she settled in very well which was reassuring.
The food and snacks that were on offer were great and my daughter thoroughly enjoyed them, often having second helpings!
Having a copy of the menu was very helpful as I could tell my daughter what she would be having that day.
There was a good range of activities inside and outside that my daughter really enjoyed, often coming home with arts and crafts that she made and excitedly telling me about her day.

Reply from Jenni McDougall, Operations Project Manager at Happitots Nursery Cove Bay

Thank you so much for your wonderful words, we really appreciate it. Our team will be delighted to read your lovely review. All the best, the Thrive team.

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Review from X B (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with overall nursery. They cater for my daughter's dietary requirements. They always keep me up to date through the app. My daughter's transition from one room to another was extremely well handled and she loves to go to preschool. She named her dolls after her carers and that means everything
for us.

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Review from Janet B (Grandmother of Child) published on 2 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandson has settled well into the nursery since starting in March 2020. During the current situation, the procedures in place have kept me at ease knowing that my grandson's safety and needs were a priority. Staff have been supportive and have engaged with me giving me a detailed handover at collection
following the safe hand over procedures in place. My grandson has continued to thrive. I have enjoyed the access to the learning journals in place this allowed me to see his development and nursery experiences as we can’t share these in person.

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Review from Jennifer D (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly staff, my daughter enjoys nursery. She eats well at nursery. Opportunity to play different toys, paint and make things. Also loves playing outside in good weather

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Review from Keren R (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Friendly and helpful staff, a variety of daily activities for the children and a clean environment. My daughter has gained much confidence since being part of the nursery and her speech and motor skills have improved greatly. We can't thank the team enough for the efforts they go to with the care provided.

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Review from Victor A (Father of Child) published on 17 June 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nursery have been very helpful and flexible with our work pattern and balance of family life. I am very happy with the way the nursery has helped my sons cope with learning and development.

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Review from Emily S (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery, kind and friendly staff. Approachable management. Everyone is always happy to help or answer any queries.

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Review from David C (Father of Child) published on 30 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has attended Cove Bay Kindergarten for over a year now and she has always loved it. She's come on leaps and bounds since starting there, particularly with her speaking and adopting a daily routine. Cove Bay Kindergarten has good facilities and the staff are always very friendly.

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Review from Naomi S (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My children love this nursery. They have so much fun, encouragement and experiences.
All the staff speak to both my kids and make them feel equally important and supported.
They get to play in muddy puddles, messy play and just have the time of their lives.
The food options are always great and
well balanced.
Every pick up we get a detailed report on what they have been up to, nappy changes, sleep and what they have eaten.
I also get access to learning journals online which have photos and what they have learnt that day. Brilliant idea, I sit and go through them often.
There are always plenty of toys, books and interactive things for the kids. They are never bored.
I can’t recommend this nursery and the lovely staff enough.
The reassuring feeling I get every morning handing over my precious kids is priceless. I know they are safe, extremely well cared for and going to have so much fun.
Thank you to you all for caring for my children above and beyond how you need to.

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Review from Jenni (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been attending Cove Bay Kindergarten for the past 16 months and she has came on leaps and bounds! The staff are great, building good relationships with the children and parents alike. A lot of effort is put into daily activities, such as messy play, and we really appreciate that. Our
daughter enjoys the meals and snacks offered.

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Review from Alan C (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Cove Bay are fantastic. They do lots of exciting activities with the kids and my daughter always comes home with stories about her day at nursery

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Review from Michelle S (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attends Cove Bay Kindergarten Nursery and I couldn't fault the nursery at all, I feel she has come on so much since attending the Nursery. The staff at the nursery are amazing.

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Review from Rachel J (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending for over 2 years and loves it. Lots of activities and good food menu.

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Review from Laura P (Mother of Child) published on 10 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery! My little girl loves going there twice a week! The girls are all fab and they are very accommodating, wouldn’t go anywhere else!

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Current Review Score: 9.2 (9.182)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.2 (9.182) out of 10 for Happitots Nursery Cove Bay is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 7 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.3 out of 5 from 7 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.917 for Happitots Nursery Cove Bay is calculated as follows: ( (77 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 84 Ratings = 4.917

  • b) 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 4.265 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Happitots Nursery Cove Bay is based on 7 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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 = 3.7

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 62 number of registered child places is 12.4. 7 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.4 = 0.565

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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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Awards / Recognitions (5)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2020

Recipient: Thrive Childcare and Education

Date: Tuesday 31 Mar 2020 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2019

Recipient: Thrive Childcare and Education

Date: Tuesday 30 Apr 2019 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2018

Recipient: Thrive Childcare and Education

Date: Thursday 01 Mar 2018 More details

Meet the Team (3)

Alison

Alison Stephen

Job Title: Nursery Manager (Maternity cover)

Joined: 2025

When my children began their education pathway I enrolled with Robert Gordon university where I qualified as an Adult nurse. The change from the health care sector, to a private nursery occurred when I realised that my daughter had to travel five miles for child care provision when she enrolled at university. In response, from 2008 to 2022 my child care journey began in my newly opened independent preschool nursery. During this time, I studied with Aberdeen University and gained a BA in Childhood Studies, and a post-graduate certificate in Education. Over the last three years I have shared my day as the manager within a variation of sector areas. These were a local authority, multi-national, and private school nursery.

Happitots at Cove Bay, has welcomed me with open arms, and I feel part of a nurturing environment that puts their children first every time. It is important for me to join a team with like minded values. Children is at the forefront of all we do and engaging children in fun-filled learning is at the heart of all I set out to do. I am delighted to be part of the Thrive Childcare and Education nursery group.
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Rachel

Rachel Dean

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2025

Rachel and Hana ensure the smooth running of this fabulous nursery.
Hana

Hana Dalgarno

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2017

My name is Hana, I have worked in childcare for 7 years. I started off as a lunchtime assistant and fell in love with childcare! Since then I have gained my level 3 and level 4 qualifications and worked my way up to nursery manager. I love supporting my team to provide the best outcomes for the children within our setting, creating a home away from home feel for children, staff and parents alike.
... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about Happitots Nursery Cove Bay

What is the Age Range of Children that Happitots Nursery Cove Bay accepts?

Happitots Nursery Cove Bay accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Happitots Nursery Cove Bay Open?

Happitots Nursery Cove Bay is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Happitots Nursery Cove Bay have capacity for?

Happitots Nursery Cove Bay has capacity for a total of 62 Children.

How far is Happitots Nursery Cove Bay to the centre of Aberdeen?

3.6 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 Happitots Nursery Cove Bay to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Happitots Nursery Cove Bay has an Enhanced Service - more info.