Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle

Westbury Lane, Coombe Dingle, Bristol BS9 2PR
Review Us
8.6 26 Reviews
Located on the edge of a Grade II registered parkland, Red Bus Coombe Dingle has been providing high quality care since 2011. It’s a stone’s throw from Sea Mills, Shirehampton, Lawrence Weston, Westbury-on-Trym or Stoke Bishop. And with the Portway and M5 only a few moments’ drive away, nowhere is that far from Coombe Dingle! There are multiple bus routes that pass the setting, as well as bike racks and a dedicated parent car park.

Red Bus Coombe Dingle is a unique building, designed with no compromise on space inside or out. The historically protected windows throw natural light onto large, free-flowing spaces. Each room is bright and open, encouraging play! With the Baby Gym in Nursery, the inviting Role Play unit in Kindergarten, the dedicated art studio in Pre-School, the Red Bus Library and three different areas for outdoor play - there’s something for everyone at Red Bus Coombe Dingle.
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Type of Service

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

Person in charge

  • Leah Dorrington (Early Years Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 66

Total Places for Children

  • 132

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • 3 Months - 3 Years
    Early Start: 7.30am-8am - £10.00
    All Day Session: 8am-6pm - £92.00
    AM session: 8am-1pm - £64.00
    PM session: 1pm-6pm - £58.00


    3 Years and Over
    Early Start: 7.30am-8am - £10.00
    All Day Session: 8am-6pm - £90.00
    AM session: 8am-1pm - £60.00
    PM session: 1pm-6pm - £54.00


    The above fees do not incorporate any Local Authority funded hours.


    Associated charges for catering, consumables and extra activities for a full day using funded hours only - £26.00
    Associated charges for catering, consumables and extra activities per half day session using funded hours only - £13.00
    Charge for additional non-funded hours on a day where some funding hours are taken - £9.40

  • Children must be booked to attend at least two full day sessions per week. Discounts are offered for siblings and full time bookings, please fill out an enquiry form to receive a detailed fee sheet. Please contact the setting for a more accurate estimate of costs where funded hours are taken.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • They have a dedicated car park for parents, as well as plenty of on street parking available.

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle Reviews (26)

Total of 26, showing 1-20
8.6

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle has a Review Score of 8.6 (8.606) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle has 26 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 23
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

26
5
5
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21

Review from Lucy P (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had brilliant experience with Red Bus over the past 4 years looking after both my children. The staff really are brilliant. They all really seem to know my children well and they both love going. The facilities are brilliant with lots of outdoor space.

Reply from Alice Thres, Marketing Assistant at Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle

Hi Lucy, thank you so much for taking the time to review us! We have so enjoyed having both of your children with us, and are particularly pleased that you chose to bring your second child to Red Bus too. Thanks again!

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Review from S P (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot fault it, we have had the best time. I have a child in preschool and the baby room. Staff in both rooms are lovely, attentive, get to know the children and they are always doing different fun activities. They eat a healthy balanced menu and always seem to eat all of it. There are regular feedback
opportunities, extra events running, information sessions and parents/grandparents events to join through the year. We will miss the staff hugely when school starts soon. It seems very well organised, the play spaces are amazing and keep them entertained even when in the preschool room for up to 2 years.

Reply from Alice Thres, Marketing Assistant at Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! It means so much when families choose Red Bus again for younger siblings, and we have enjoyed looking after both children on their journey. We also appreciate you shouting out our menus, as this is something we have worked particularly hard on this year!

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Review from Lindsey R (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We've had a great experience of Red Bus so far. I was anxious of my son starting/ dropping my son off but his keyworker has been reassuring, comforting and caring. She helped him to settle in. I feel that the nursery provides good activities which are stimulating, interesting and they can learn from.
I like when they do art, activity trays and play outside. The food is well balanced and healthy. I really like the app and being updated on his food, activity and can see photos of his day. This is really reassuring for me. It seems a clean environment and my son is kept clean throughout the day.

Reply from Alice Thres, Marketing Assistant at Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind review! We're really pleased you and your son are enjoying the first part of his Red Bus journey. We're very proud of our staff team and how they build those bonds with their key children, and set up interesting invitations to play!

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Review from Jennifer H (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Red Bus have been fantastic the staff are really friendly and know my daughter well. I like the updates we get and how there's lots of space for the children to play and the gradual building of independence. The nursery have worked with us on things like potty training. My daughter is very happy there
and we have a lot of trust in the nursery.

Reply from Alice Thres, Marketing Assistant at Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! It's so important to build partnerships with parents and work together, particularly when it comes to important moments like potty training. We're so glad both yourselves and your daughter are happy with Red Bus!

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Review from R O (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Red Bus nursery is amazing: both my children have attended from the age of 6 months and absolutely flourished - the activities and resources have given the best possible environment for my two children, who are both happy, confident and sociable little people. The professionality, attention to detail
and safety are obvious from this well run nursery. Whenever there have been issues staff have approached me in an honest and constructive way and I have built an excellent relationship with them. But what I value the most is the close relationships that the staff built with my children - they really care about them as individuals. I can't speak more highly of this great nursery!

Reply from Alice Thres, Marketing Assistant at Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle

Hello, thank you so much for your kind words and choosing Red Bus all those years ago! We've loved supporting both your children on their journey to school.

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Review from Mo C (Father of Child) published on 24 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great little nursery. Staff are kind, friendly and supportive, not just the practitioners, the admin staff really do care. Care is provided constantly. The daily activities suit each stage and individual. Highly recommended

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Review from F C (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Red Bus is a well equipped, clean, bright and engaging environment. Staff are helpful and caring, making the whole experience really pleasant for us and our nearly two-year-old. The updates during the day via the 'parent zone' app is really great for keeping us in the loop during the day. Would highly
recommend the Red Bus for anyone considering nursery for their baby.

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Review from Candice F (Mother of Child) published on 9 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has attended Red Bus since April 2018 when she started at 10 1/2 months old upon my return to work. Since day one the team has made us all feel welcome and supported a smooth transition into nursery life. The staff are incredibly friendly and it is obvious how much they care for each of
the children and work so hard to support their development. We have been amazed at how fast our daughter has developed since starting nursery and it's great to see her learning new things every single day. I have absolute trust in the team to deliver the highest standards of care to our daughter and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Red Bus to anyone looking for childcare.

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Review from Julie T (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Red Bus has been a lifeline for our family. Our son has recently been diagnosed with Autism, and in addition, has severe speech delay. It's been a tough few months, however the SENCO and the Red Bus team have supported us with implementing the relevant support. We are given updates of our son's progress
and what makes it meaningful for us is that it is delivered with genuine care and encouragement.


We increased our hours as it became apparent that our son's progression was firmly linked with his days at preschool. We feel the team go beyond our expectations as child care providers, to us, without sounding trite, they are family. Our elder son used to attend two years ago and loves popping in for a chat with the team.


Our son is soon to be moving on to school, we have been reassured that his transition is going to be supported (important as change can be challenging). I wish that families in our situation could have access to child care providers such as Red Bus. We feel very lucky.

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Review from Simon B (Father of Child) published on 13 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been using Red Bus since 2014.


We were instantly at ease with the staff and setting at Red Bus and felt that they would offer our children the best care.


The setting is varied with lots of activities to keep them stimulated, entertained and help them develop.


We found the baby

room a relaxing environment for the first step of childcare. There is plenty of stimulation for the babies and the ParentZone app gives great comfort.


The transitions between rooms are smooth with the settling days making this as stress-free as possible.


The key workers really care about ensuring the children have had a good day and provide feedback each day. Where we are trying to introduce something at home (e.g. potty training), the staff always look to help which makes this much easier.


Some of our favourite things about Red Bus are the garden and Forest School. Forest School especially is a massive plus and something that both kids really enjoy.


We cannot recommend Red Bus enough.

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Review from Sarah W (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been parents at the setting since October 2012.
Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School is a wonderful setting. The owner and all of the staff are extremely professional and caring. Nothing is too much and any issues we have had have been dealt with quickly and efficiently. The transitions between rooms
have been very smooth due to excellent communication and organisation.
Our children have both been very happy at Red Bus. The relationships they have built with their key workers have been wonderful, the children talk about their key workers at home.
The new building work has turned an already lovely setting into a fantastic setting.
Ultimately, we want our children to feel safe, cared for and valued and we know that Red Bus exceeds all of our expectations in these areas.
Despite moving out of the area over a year ago, we have continued to send our children to Red Bus as we haven’t found a nursery which has the high expectations, ethos and setting and the feel of Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School.

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Review from Linda F (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been attending Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School since she was one and is now close to the end of her journey and ready to start school in September almost aged 5.


As parents we have always thought that she has had the highest quality of care and that all staff have nurtured her interests

and have supported her development through exciting activities and a stimulating learning environment. We feel they really know our daughter.


Communication has always been excellent and our daughter enjoys sharing what she has done while we look through her photos and observations on ParentsZone, and we enjoy sharing what she does outside of preschool.
Our daughter loves the outdoors and thrives on the challenge of Forest schools. She has developed many lifelong learning skills.


Thank you for taking the time to read this. Our daughter enjoys attending her preschool.

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Review from Ella D (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School is an excellent nursery. The staff are very friendly and helpful. My son quickly settled in and really enjoys the variety of activities - especially Forest School and the giant sandpit. The food always sounds lovely and it is good to know he is getting a very well balanced
diet.


I look forward to seeing his updates online each day when I'm at work. I have learnt a lot about child development through the regular reviews and assessments done by his key worker. They are building good links with the local community.

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Review from C C (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been extremely happy with all aspects of Red Bus Nursery. My 2.5 year old enjoys nursery and I feel all staff encourage my daughter to learn and understand. They have patience and I am extremely happy knowing she is happy and learning.
My daughter adores her keyworker.

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Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing place for children. Staff are exceptional, very friendly and helpful. Nursery just had an extension built- so much more room for all the kids. The garden has been done recently and is very impressive with an area for water play, a bug garden, mud kitchen and an enormous sandpit. My daughter
loves going there and on the days she is off- she asks to go to kindergarten. Management always happy to help and deal with issues. Any issues raised are dealt with promptly. Best child care facility around.

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Review from Hayley B (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used Red Bus since it opened, for my two sons and my daughter is due to start in the summer. I cannot recommend it highly enough. My children have been incredibly settled and happy there and have formed great relationships with the brilliant and caring staff.
They are given a huge amount of
choice and freedom in the activities they take part in as well as structured events and learning. From trips out at forest school to library or park visits their time is also filled with lots of fun.
Feedback and involvement from parents is valued and we, in return, get great support, advice and a huge amount of information about their time spent there so we don't miss out. Every detail is thought about to make their day a great one. From the nutritious and interesting meals to the mud kitchen in the garden.
I just wish I could spend my day there instead of at work.
Highly recommend!

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Review from Rhiannon F (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter's key worker and support worker are perfect. They play and take good care of her. They also provide support to our family by offering suggestions to introduce at home. This is great for our family, as our daughter is an only child, so we are learning as we go along.
All the staff at Red
Bus have shown their full support, not only to my daughter but to myself when struggling with the drop-off and to my parents who also help out with the drop-off and pick-up.
I would like to see the food menus offering more fruit and veggie meals.

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Review from Jodi S (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at Red Bus 4 weeks ago and we have already seen huge changes in his development. He loves going in each day and the staff are very friendly and made my transition of going back to work very easy. The Parentzone app allows me to find out how he is getting on throughout the day and I'm
always reassured that he's having a great time, and always jealous of the delicious food he's eating there!

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Review from Jigna P (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son's time at Red Bus was definitely a good one. All the staff are caring, attentive and will do whatever they can to be accommodating. Red Bus was more than happy to allow me to change my sons days. Red Bus offer forest school which my son absolutely loved, he would come home and tell me all about
what he had been doing. My son has now left for school but he still mentions Red Bus and his carers there, it has definitely left an impression on the both of us. The carers at Red Bus did all that they could to prepare my son for school.

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Review from J H (Father of Child) published on 24 October 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A brilliant nursery. My daughter was helped to settle in quickly with her key-workers support. The activities are regularly updated in the baby room and additional excursions organised eg. forest school, trips to a local park, bus trips to a fruit and veg shop. The outdoor area is ample for the babies
and well stocked with stimulating activities. The baby gym was also a huge hit with my daughter. Highly recommend.

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Current Review Score: 8.6 (8.606)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.6 (8.606) out of 10 for Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle 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 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.7 out of 5 from 5 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 Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle is calculated as follows: ( (55 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 60 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 3.689 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle is based on 5 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 = 3.5

    • 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 132 number of registered child places is 26.4. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 26.4 = 0.189

  • 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 (1)

The Bristol Standard

Recipient: Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle

Date: Wednesday 09 Oct 2024 More details

Meet the Team (2)

Leah

Leah Dorrington

Job Title: Early Years Manager

Joined: 2015

Leah joined Red Bus in 2015, working in our Pre-School unit where she quickly became Unit Manager. In 2018 she became Practice Manager for Coombe Dingle and in January 2022 was promoted to Early Years Manager.

She is responsible for every aspect of the Coombe Dingle setting, from supporting staff to implementing new initiatives. Leah is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and creating a warm and welcoming environment where both children and staff can thrive.
... Read more
Sophie

Sophie Laver

Job Title: Practice Manager

Joined: 2014

Sophie joined Red Bus in January 2014, working in the Pre-School unit where she quickly progressed from practitioner all the way to Unit Manager. In February 2022, Sophie took on the role of Practice Manager.

Sophie prides herself in supporting our team to deliver the best possible learning environments for our children and ensures the day-to-day running of the nursery is kept to a high standard.
... Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle

What is the Age Range of Children that Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle accepts?

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle Open?

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle have capacity for?

Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle has capacity for a total of 132 Children.

How far is Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle to the centre of Bristol?

3.7 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 Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Red Bus Nursery & Pre-School - Coombe Dingle has an Enhanced Service - more info.