Choochoos Day Nursery Dover

Crabble Hill, Dover CT17 0QD
Review Us
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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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
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Total of 41, showing 21-40
Review from S E (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Choochoo’s in Dover have been fantastic, supportive and helpful since we started in the summer of 2023. All the staff are friendly, polite and professional, but the biggest thing for me, my son enjoys going there, and the staff enjoy having my son.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
The team will love to read your kind words; thank you very much.
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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Choochoos Day Nursery in Dover enough! Every team member is wonderful, and they all really care about the children.
I was initially anxious about our son attending a nursery, but throughout his time in Baby Choos, and now in the older room, he couldn't love it more.
He gets excited
for the next day's activities, and always shows us what the team have set up for the following day when we pick him up in the evenings. His speech has come on so much since attending, and he's made so many friends. We're so happy we found ChooChoos.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for your review about our nursery in Dover, we really appreciate it!
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Review from B W (Mother of Child) published on 14 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter is very happy at Choochoos Day Nursery and all of the staff are attentive and caring. She loves going every time and has such a close relationship with all the teachers. The food is amazing, she loves it and enjoys playing in the garden and singing songs.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from leanne B (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
ChooChoo's are fabulous!
The staff are amazing, kind, helpful and super hero's who I trust to love, guide and nurture my daughter and the proof is in the pudding!
My daughter is happy and engaged and looks forward to her afternoons at ChooChoo's where she eats yummy nutritious food and plays coordinated
and considered games and exercises all designed to develop her mind, body and character!
I am beyond impressed with the management and my daughter's buddy - all of who are loved and respected by my daughter and me. Not forgetting another member of staff who adds another layer of awesomeness to the team as she shares my ideas of firm but fair with oodles of cuddles to boot.
Having served as a Captain in the British Army for many years this 'operation' of child care is second to none!
Well done warriors - keep up the amazing work!
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for your review! We really appreciate it!
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Review from Anne P (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Really happy with the nursery, all the staff and the handover we get and how they care for our child.
My only criticisms are head office and billing. Our bills are always wrong, you can’t speak to anyone directly in head office or billing and it can take them anything up to a week to reply to emails.
Given the current financial climate, having bills sent wrong or late and having emails demanding payment on a bill that’s wrong really is stressful.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are delighted to hear that you are happy with the high-quality childcare that our nursery team provide.
We are sorry to hear that there have…read more
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Review from P M (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves his nursery and never wants to come home, he is also very eager to go to nursery and can get very emotional during half terms. I have never had anything to moan about and my son was very upset when I explained he would be going to a new school soon. Overall, I have been very happy with
the facilities, staff and the care for my child.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Rhian B (Mother of Child) published on 15 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are friendly and take such great care of my daughter. She comes home happy, satisfied and often singing a new song they have taught her. Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a nursery for their little one.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for your kind review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Jessica M (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my kids have been to Choochoos Day Nursery over the last four years and both loved and continue to love their time and continue to enjoy time at the setting. The staff are amazing and always on hand to help shall I need it, brilliant work.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Kirsty L (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is very happy at Choochoos, he has some additional needs and the staff have been very supportive to make the environment a safe and happy place for him. The staff are always friendly and helpful, I feel that they care about the well-being of my child and that is my top priority for his nursery.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Rebecca P (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Every single staff member is wonderful. They are so supportive and caring, ensuring the children have a fun but educational day every day. I look forward to my regular updates on the app, and any questions about anything are answered as quickly as possible.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from C C (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Really happy with the nursery, couldn’t have chosen a more reliable friendly nursery than choochoos! They’ve always kept me up to date with my child’s progress and continue to help my child thrive in his daily activities when he attends.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for your review, we really appreciate it!
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Review from Yvette M (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled really well and quickly at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover. He loves the outside space especially. All the staff are really caring and so approachable it really is a lovely nursery which has a lovely family feel.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Hi and thank you for taking the time to write this review, the team will really appreciate your comments!
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Review from D C (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Since the beginning, my child has come on leaps and bounds in his development in all areas. The bonding process with his key person has helped especially settling him after being upset going into the nursery. Staff have always been friendly and keep us in the loop with his progress either face to face
or through the app. The catering side is good as it’s varied and nutritious.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Hi and thank you so much for your kind review - we are delighted to hear how well your child has progressed and settled into our nursery!
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Review from Samantha B (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Before being taken over, Choochoos was a lot more accommodating if I had to change sessions at late notice due to shift at working changing, also I get free hours for my daughter and food was included. This is now an extra outgoing which I didnt have to do before.
I would have liked some more learning
opportunities for my daughter as she is one of the eldest and needs stimulation. Could have a more child-friendly menu. Thanks.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. We will always try to accommodate a change of sessions at late notice where possible, however, due to staff scheduling, this is not always possible.…read more
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Review from Victoria F (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter enjoys her time at nursery. The staff look after her very well. She was born with health conditions and all staff were very helpful, giving her the best quality of care possible! Care plans were put in place and I knew she was being cared for well.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! Our teams work above and beyond to provide the best of care for all the children, so we are delighted to hear that your daughter is well…read more
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Review from Nathan F (Father of Child) published on 3 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In the three years that my daughter has been coming to Choochoos Day Nursery my wife and I have found all the staff to have always been very friendly, approachable, knowledgeable and clearly take the time to update parents/guardians on what their child has been up to that day - that includes staff from
both the baby room and main room. My daughter really enjoys herself at Choochoos and it's been easy to see just how much she has learnt as well as building up her confidence. I couldn't recommend Choochoos highly enough. I love the app, as soon as I receive a notification to say a new post has been added I can't wait to see it, it's just so lovely getting that opportunity to see how your child is doing - especially when it's a full day away from parents. Such a lovely nursery, well done to all involved.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for taking the time to write this review and for your amazing feedback! We are thrilled to hear of how well your daughter has settled into nursery life!
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Review from H C (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff are approachable, friendly and helpful and I feel happy leaving my child at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover. The activities are well planned and my son always has a great time there. Communication is good. My son especially loves the outside area.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for taking the time to write this review and for your lovely comments! We are delighted to hear how well your son is getting on and enjoying nursery life!
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Review from Georgina S (Mother of Child) published on 19 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
It’s a great nursery, lovely staff, the ladies really care and try and make going a happy time. The activities are great. Also, love the app so you get a good understanding of what your child is doing and pictures as well.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for taking the time to write this review, and for such positive comments! We really appreciate it!
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Review from Holly J (Mother of Child) published on 19 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery since she was 9-months-old, she has transitioned from the baby room to the main room.
She enjoys going to every session and always has fun with her friends learning and playing. I have seen a real difference in her speech and confidence since she has been going
to nursery, I would most definitely recommend Choochoos Day Nursery to any parent.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for taking the time to write this review, and for such positive comments!
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Review from Ellie C (Mother of Child) published on 19 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery. My child is always happy to be coming in and staff are lovely here, she is learning new things every day and recognising different things, I definitely made the right choice in choosing this nursery.
Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at Choochoos Day Nursery Dover
Thank you for taking the time to write this review, and for such positive comments!
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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!

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.