Choochoos Day Nursery Dover

Crabble Hill, Dover CT17 0QD
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9.9 41 Reviews
  • Choochoos Day Nursery Dover, Dover
Choochoos Day Nursery Dover is the perfect setting for parents looking for a happy and engaging learning environment, nestled next to the scenic river Dour. Located in River, in the outskirts of Dover, the nursery is surrounded by beautiful countryside, inspiring the free-flow outdoor environment. Formerly a doctor’s surgery, it has two open-plan ground floor rooms.

The nursery offers exceptional care, enriched by unique learning opportunities for your child. One such experience is child-friendly cooking classes, helping to equip children with valuable skills and deeper knowledge of the cooking process.

Full of vibrant and sensual play, the design of Babychoos has been carefully created to stimulate and engage children. The opened planned spaces are based on one level with access to a carefully constructed garden equipped especially for children under two.

The Caterpillar and Butterfly room for 2-5 year olds, encourages free-flow play inside and out, where children can explore many activities. As children make the transition from Babychoos, the room is oozing with a wealth of resources, which aim to inject fun into every child’s day and encourage a zest for learning. The room is spacious and inviting with opportunities for learning wherever you turn.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Hayley Simpson (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 14

Total Places for Children

  • 51

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Full Day Session £67.40 (Under 3)
    Full Day Session £66.20 (Over 3)


    We're making childcare more accessible to families:


    * Fully flexible
    * No meal, consumable or enhancement charges
    * Part & fully funded places available

  • A £100 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place. Exact days of attendance should be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to the child’s start date. Any changes are subject to 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 & 2 weeks at Christmas

Parking

  • The nursery has free parking and a safe drop off area.

Choochoos Day Nursery Dover Reviews (41)

9.9

Choochoos Day Nursery Dover has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.935) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Choochoos Day Nursery Dover has 41 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
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Total of 41, showing 1-20
Review from Victoria H (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been with Choo Choos for just under a year. They have been fully supportive of his physical needs incorporating his therapy within his daily routine and enabling my son to explore, play and join in activities with all his peers.


They keep me up to date at handover. He loves to play in the

garden and loves his messy play. My son loves the variety of food and makes sure he doesn't leave any in the bowl.


The staff are very friendly, approachable and will help wherever they can. Thanks to all the team for looking after him.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
We are delighted to read that your son is enjoying his time with us, from the garden and messy play to mealtimes. It is fantastic that our team's support and incorporation of his therapy has helped…read more
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Review from R S (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My impression of this nursery has been positive from the moment I first made contact. The nursery has been very responsive by email as well as on the phone. During our initial tour, we were extremely impressed with the facilities, especially the garden. Our son has just had his first 1st settle in session
and he was completely comfortable with the proactiveness. I am confident we have made the right decision sending our 2-year-old to this setting.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
We are so pleased that your experience has been positive and that your son has been comfortable settling in. We are delighted to welcome your family and look forward to supporting his learning…read more
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Review from Clarise M (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the time I started looking for a nursery for my daughter the staff engaged with me well until my daughter started school. My daughter has been happy throughout all her sessions. Choochoos has become her second home and as a mother I am grateful because I know she is in good hands.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are so pleased to read how our nursery has begun to feel like a second home for your daughter. It's a pleasure supporting her journey, and we are…read more
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Review from Pradeepika K (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We really appreciate the efforts taken by Choochoos Day Nursery. Staff making my son's nursery experience a wonderful one. Specially preparing him for a smooth transition to school. Thank you Choochoos.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for your lovely feedback. We're so pleased your son has enjoyed his time at Choochoos and that our team have helped prepare him for a smooth and happy transition to school.
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Review from Victoria P (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has grown so much as a person since attending Choochoos. Her keyworker knows her so well and has given her the best support. The rest of the adults have shown her so much warmth and nurture and she always speaks so highly of everyone. Thank you for all you have done for her.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear how much your daughter has grown and thrived at Choochoos, and that she's felt so supported, nurtured and cared for by her keyworker and…read more
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Review from Jaymie L (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My twins have been coming here since last year. They absolutely love it, and so do I.
Staff are fantastic, the place is always clean the food choices are great.
They have extra curricular come in and take extra classes ie dancing and little kickers.
My girls are out in the garden as much as possible
which is great to.
Staff are always really warm helpful.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
We're delighted to hear how much your twins enjoy their time with us - and that you do too! It's wonderful to know you value the warm, supportive staff, the variety of activities from dancing to…read more
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Review from Kayleigh H (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Daughter feels comfortable & happy here. We also feel comfortable sending her here and trust she will be looked after very well and cared for.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for your review. We are so pleased you feel comfortable sending your daughter to nursery and that she is well looked after.
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Review from Shaun R (Father of Child) published on 15 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From personal experience I cannot recommend Choochoos Day Nursery enough. Fantastic staff and incredibly approachable and friendly. They have been instrumental in our daughters development.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
We are delighted to read how happy you have been at our setting. The team takes pride in making children feel welcome and ensuring their individual interests are catered to to support their…read more
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Review from Becky M (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has developed so much in the friendly supportive environment. The staff have been amazing with her and I'd recommend ChooChoos to anyone!
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. The team will be thrilled to know that they have had such a positive impact on your daughter's first steps in education.
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Review from N B (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has made so much progress since joining Choochoos. She is so much more confident and sociable. She talks about what she has learnt and uses the skills she's learnt there at home. She has a great bond with the key adults. I would highly recommend them.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for recommending our nursery. It is lovely to read how your daughter's confidence and independence have grown since joining us, and that she has learned and developed new skills.
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Review from Kelly H (Mother of Child) published on 30 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dover ChooChoos is an amazing nursery. As soon as I walked in with my twins for their settling in session, the team were instantly friendly, approachable and I could sense straight away that they genuinely care about the kids in their setting. The communication from staff on the app is so helpful and
I can see what they have eaten, how much, any naps, whether they have had a nappy change and a little snapshot of them interacting with their environment. The staff always do a friendly handover and my 3 year olds are thriving.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
We're so glad you felt a warm welcome from the start and that your twins are thriving with us. We understand the importance of communication, so it's great to know the app updates and handovers help…read more
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Review from Charlotte B (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am delighted to share my thoughts on the outstanding team at Choochoos Dover. From the moment we both stepped into the nursery, the team's expertise and dedication have made the transition into nursery life a seamless and joyful experience.
My daughter eagerly looks forward to nursery mornings,
thanks to the nurturing environment created by the team. The use of the app to provide updates on my daughter's activities is so reassuring. The team are so good at keeping me informed about my daughter's happiness and well-being. Communication is outstanding.
We've witnessed a noticeable improvement in my daughter's socialisation skills and fine motor skills. It's amazing to see her growth, both in character and abilities, and it is evident that the nursery plays a significant role in her development.
Thank you to the whole team!
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
We are so happy to read that your daughter has had such a positive experience with us and that the team's dedication and hard work have made the transition so smooth. It's fantastic to know you're…read more
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Review from Kimberly H (Grandmother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great playschool and loverly staff and have a lot to offer great value for money My grandchild has been very welcomed and was happy to go off on her own with no worries she has settled in very well and and is very excited to go to playschool
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
We're so happy to hear your granddaughter has settled in well and enjoys coming to nursery. Thank you for leaving us a review.
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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one started here in early Jan this year, she went straight into the bigger room and she absolute loves it! The staff are fantastic, I have confidence in their ability as an educational provider but also feel that the environment is safe and secure. The team are welcoming, professional and
friendly. The activities provided both inside and outside have allowed my child to show real development socially which is fantastic. I would highly recommend Choo Choos.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so pleased to hear how much your little one is enjoying their time at ChooChoos and that you feel confident in our team and environment. It's wonderful to…read more
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Review from Rob B (Father of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
ChooChoos Dover has been an incredible nursery for our twin children over the past few years. The team has always been so supportive, caring, and welcoming, creating a wonderful environment for the little ones to learn and grow. We've seen first-hand how much effort they put into making every child
feel safe, happy, and nurtured. If anyone is looking for a nursery they can truly trust, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend ChooChoos - they've been fantastic for our family.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're so glad to hear that your twins have had such a positive experience at ChooChoos Dover. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment is so important to…read more
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Review from Kyla M (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Choochoos is an amazing nursery. They have done an amazing job on helping my daughter that used to struggle with her Speach. My daughters been with choochoos since 2023. We love all the nursery practitioners there. We would highly recommend choochoos.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so pleased to hear how much progress your daughter has made with her speech and that you've had such a positive experience with our team.
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Review from Selina C (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I viewed 3 different nurseries in Dover and Choo Choos was definitely the best choice for my 2 year old that had never been in a nursery setting before. It had all of the practical things you'd want - times suited around work, parking, outdoor space, on-site cooked meals but overall it was the warm,
welcoming home from home atmosphere that made my decision really easy. It was evident the children were really happy to be there and they were being nurtured and encouraged in all aspects. My daughter has been going now for 2 mornings a week since January and the progress she has made with her speech and confidence has been amazing to see as she's always taken a while to warm up to new people but the team have been so patient and are all so friendly. I would 100% recommend!
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're so pleased that you felt ChooChoos Dover was the right choice for your little one and that our warm, welcoming environment made the decision easier. It's…read more
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Review from Jessica A (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has always settled so well at Choochoos Day Nursery and enjoys his time there. He has developed so well and we always have no qualms that he is well cared for. The staff are caring and professional. We will be sad when it's time for him to leave.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
It is lovely to read how well your son has developed since attending our setting. Thank you for sharing your experience.
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Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was nervous putting my child in a bigger setting than he was used to, but the staff have been amazing with settling him in, and he’s reached the point where he talks about the staff at home and asks to come to the nursery on the weekends, which makes me so happy and shows what an amazing job they
do!
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Review from Gabriela C (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child goes to this nursery, staff are all friendly, caring and knowledgeable. My son has made quite the progress since starting nursery. Management and staff helped with the special needs sessions and paperwork that needed completing. Overall happy with this nursery. My son likes it. Can’t thank
them enough for their help and support.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.935)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.935) out of 10 for Choochoos Day Nursery Dover is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.935 for Choochoos Day Nursery Dover is calculated as follows: ( (229 Excellents x 5) + (16 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 245 Ratings = 4.935
  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 Choochoos Day Nursery Dover is based on 21 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 51 number of registered child places is 10.2, which has been reached with 21 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 (1)

Hayley

Hayley Simpson

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2015

Hi! I'm Hayley and I'm the Nursery Manager here at Choochoos Day Nursery Canterbury. I also am qualified for Level 3 in Childcare.


Our highly qualified and experienced team of practitioners ensure children cherish their time at nursery, making the most of our stunning outdoor learning environment


We look forward to welcoming you to our nursery!

Frequently Asked Questions about Choochoos Day Nursery Dover

What is the Age Range of Children that Choochoos Day Nursery Dover accepts?

Choochoos Day Nursery Dover accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Choochoos Day Nursery Dover Open?

Choochoos Day Nursery Dover 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 Choochoos Day Nursery Dover have capacity for?

Choochoos Day Nursery Dover has capacity for a total of 51 Children.

How far is Choochoos Day Nursery Dover to the centre of Dover?

1.5 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 Choochoos Day Nursery Dover to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Choochoos Day Nursery Dover has an Enhanced Service - more info.