Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)

157-159 Whiteway Road, St George, Bristol BS5 7RW
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9.6 47 Reviews
  • Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell), Bristol
Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell) is open from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm and aims to provide a safe, caring, happy environment for every child.

Mama Bear’s in Speedwell comprises a Pre-school for 2, 3- and 4-year olds in Whiteway Road plus a dedicated Baby Unit (for under 2’s) two doors down on the corner of Kingsmead Road.

Both settings offer a stimulating, safe and welcoming home from home environment with resources dedicated to their age group. Enjoying and achieving is the focus throughout the day.

They’re particularly proud of their amazing Pre-school garden in which children explore the outside environment and develop gross motor skills. Learning and physical development go hand in hand.

With a five-star food hygiene rating, the children's healthy lunches are prepared on site daily.

With a pre-school, toddler and baby room, children can enjoy exploring their surroundings and developing their skills.

The children can fuel their imagination with role-playing, explore the natural world in the nursery's garden and investigate the mud kitchen area.

There are balancing beams, and balance bikes, as well as a sandpit and access to different types of water play.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Nicola Cockram (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 11

Total Places for Children

  • 80

Age Range

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

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 & Christmas

Parking

  • This nursery is on the corner of 2 roads - with plenty of off-street parking.

Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell) Reviews (47)

9.6

Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell) has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.589) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell) has 47 reviews.

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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
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Total of 47, showing 21-40
Review from M H (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been with Mama Bears for 3 years and think it's great. It's had its share of staff and management turnover but the team are great. The manager always responds to emails regarding extra hours/change of days and has made the nursery a positive and organised place, and she is always warm and friendly
when dealing with us. We get newsletters, and notes on the outside of the door about reminders of upcoming events. Our boys love their key workers and look forward to seeing them each day. They are always happy to go to nursery and we have always felt like they are loved and cared for. The update photos and assessments are great, gives us something to talk to them about when they get home.
Reply from Nicola Cockram, Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for the lovely comment. I will pass it on to the staff.
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Review from Tanya R (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot fault the nursery, the staff are very helpful and caring. It is a far cry from the year before when it was understaffed and not managed well. I have to say a big thank you to the manager and her team as they have been very supportive and helpful when I've had to take my child to school. He
struggles with going to nursery but is always happy and pleased when he comes out. The only thing I do have to say is the lady who works in the baby section isn't very polite and always looks very withdrawn and unhappy to be there.
Reply from Nicola Cockram, Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for the lovely comment, I will pass it on to the staff team.
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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery. My son is happy here and I can see a good improvement in him ever since he started the nursery. The manager and staff are very professional, polite and friendly. I would definitely recommend it.
Reply from Nicola Cockram, Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for the lovely comment. I will pass this on to the staff team.
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Review from S R (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started here when she was 12 months old and although it took some time to settle in, she now is very happy. The staff have been really good at encouraging her to have some independent play but also happy to cuddle her if that's what she wants just adapting to what my daughter would like.
I have found everyone helpful and apart from one cancelled session (which was refunded) I've not experienced any issues.
Reply from Nicola Cockram, Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for this lovely comment. I will pass it on to the staff team.
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Review from Jasmine L (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends this nursery as one of the preschool group full time. I’ve always had some ‘mum guilt’ about her full time attendance but she always seems so happy about her time at the nursery and talks fondly about her friends and carers there when at home, so it makes me feel a lot better.
They
are really good at organising themes or activities for the children to do, including the messy play that we don’t always do at home. I love seeing the updates on the app! Plus the garden area is large with plenty of toys. Very happy my daughter attends and it will get her into a good routine for school in the future.
Reply from Nicola Cockram, Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for this lovely review. I will pass it on to the staff team.
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Review from Aimee C (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has such a good time at this nursery. He loves going and all the staff there are all so lovely and are all brilliant with all the children there. I'm glad we chose this nursery for him.
Reply from Nicola Cockram, Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for all of these lovely comments, they are so nice to hear.
The manager and team.
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Review from Shireen T (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending the nursery for almost 2 years now. She is very happy and confident since starting here. She has developed good relationships with the staff and they give regular feedback on her progress and where we as a family could support her.
I feel happy knowing she is thriving
and enjoying the setting. I have the most confidence in the staff and there is always someone to speak to regarding any concerns or queries. The online feedback forum of her day helps me grasp where she is or what her nursery day has consisted of. To say it’s a full day is an understatement, the team work extremely hard with the children and as a family, we couldn’t be happier for our little girl.
Reply from Erica Cross, Marketing Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for your lovely comments - we will share these with the team.
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Review from E J (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled well and enjoys his time at Mama Bears. The staff are very welcoming and got to know him quickly. He loves the variety of activities on offer. The communication from staff is effective and the app is a lovely way to see what my son is up to during the day. Thanks to all the staff!
Reply from Erica Cross, Marketing Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for your lovely comments - we will share these with the team.
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Review from Emily D (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children who go to this Nursery and they have loved it from day one. The staff are really friendly and approachable and the communication is great. They regularly update the app which is great for peace of mind when you are at work.
My children have made lots of friends with the pupils
and staff and I can see such a difference in their development in just the 5 months they have been going! Highly recommend it to anyone looking for great care and support for your child.
Reply from Erica Cross, Marketing Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for your lovely comments - we will share these with the team.
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Review from Bria D (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both myself and my partner are very happy with the care provided at Mama Bears Whiteway Road. The team are very nurturing and our daughter really enjoys attending, so much so that she has started to run to the door to get let in as soon as she's dropped off! The team are very flexible and understanding
of last-minute requests which we have found incredibly helpful.
Reply from Erica Cross, Marketing Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for your lovely comments - we will share these with the team.
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Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We have had two very happy years at this nursery. It's lovely to see the different activities that the children are engaging in. Staff have been very attentive in helping us resolve any issues our child has been having (settling etc). The only real criticism is the amount of staff turnover, especially
in the last year, although staff do their best, obviously, there is less continuity of care and session availability is disrupted. Overall a fantastic team.
Reply from Nicola Cockram, Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for taking the time to write this positive review.
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Review from N H (Mother of Child) published on 6 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Stars relate to care received when at the nursery but sessions are very often canceled due to ‘staffing issues’ and informed with very little notice (e.g. 15 minutes before start time) by email. Very poor and inconsistent communication from the nursery on canceling sessions, ranging from an email to
not being informed until you’re at the door! Staffing issues by their own admission, yet still holding open days and taking on new children when unable to provide care for the ones currently on regular hours! Do not use if needing reliable childcare, especially if you’re a working parent.
Reply from Erica Cross, Marketing Manager at Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell)
Thank you for your comments - we have experienced some challenges with staffing at this nursery mainly due to sickness (several times this was COVID related so staff were off at short notice). We are…read more
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Review from Katherine B (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children love this nursery - they have both been coming since they were 9 months old. The relationships they have built with the staff are wonderful and it gives us complete peace of mind when we have to leave them and go off to work. Seeing my children give hugs to the staff when they arrive says
it all.
The staff are all very friendly and are always happy to chat to us at drop off and pick up.
The inside and outside spaces at the nursery are well laid out with plenty of different areas for the children to choose from and I love the baby house, where it's nice for the babies to be able to get away from the big kids sometimes.
This nursery is very reliable and I would highly recommend to anyone.
My son is going off to school in September and although he is very excited for this next big adventure I know he will miss coming here a lot.
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Review from Marina B (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very impressed how much do they want to make sure every child is having a good time and that nothing it is upsetting them. They also try developing their weakness and help them get more confident.
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Review from Tyana B (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has recently started at Mama Bear’s and has very quickly began to settle in due to the staffs care, commitment, patience and genuine interest in my child’s likes, dislikes and needs. Within the first week of him attending he very quickly developed in his skills for example, learning to feed himself
and this was reflected at home. Staff are very friendly and interactive. When I have shared with staff a change regarding my son, likes, dislikes, behaviours etc they have quickly taken this on board and implemented what I do at home at nursery. My son has quickly developed bonds with staff and peers and is given plenty of opportunity for play, development and activities. I would like to thank two staff members, in particular, for ensuring that my son was settled, having fun and promoting his development, always keeping me informed and reassuring me!
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Review from Louise J (Mother of Child) published on 28 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son absolutely loves it here, the staff are amazing, would recommend it very highly. Nothing is too much trouble, my son will be gutted when it's time to leave for big school as he loves everybody so much.
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Review from Rhiannon R (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery setting with excellent staff and great play and learning facilities. The staff are fantastic with my daughter and I never worry about her whilst she is there, I know she is having a great time and is well looked after.
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Review from Morgan D (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
There is honestly nothing negative to say about this nursery. My son loves going here and we love looking at all the fun he gets up to on the online portal.
Every staff member we have come into contact with has been caring, knowledgeable and friendly.
My son has a dairy and soya intolerance and we
re-introduced him to dairy through the milk ladder.
The nursery was really supportive and their policies around dietary requirements are great.
The outside space is amazing! And they have so many different resources inside.
Brilliant nursery! Thank you.
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Review from A D (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter was very young when she started here, only five months but the staff made her and me feel very comfortable straight away. She has formed good relationships with the staff and is happy here. They do lots of crafts, learning activities and she enjoys going in to see her friends. I am confident
that she is safe and she feels secure here.
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Review from Katherine K (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is thriving at this nursery. The curriculum is varied, the staff are fun and caring and many of them are long standing, which is really important for children to feel settled. There is a big garden which is used during all weathers. There is a kitchen for food to be cooked on site. Staff provide
regular updates through an app and give feedback at the end of the day. I would thoroughly recommend the nursery.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.589)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.589) out of 10 for Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 15 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 4.651 for Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell) is calculated as follows: ( (146 Excellents x 5) + (33 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (2 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 192 Ratings = 4.651
  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 4.938 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Mama Bear's Day Nursery & Pre-School (Speedwell) is based on 15 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 80 number of registered child places is 16. 15 Positive Reviews ÷ 16 = 0.938
  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.

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