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

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.

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 The only thing I do have to say is the lady who works in the baby section isn't very polite and always looks very withdrawn and unhappy to be there.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Brilliant nursery! Thank you.

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.

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.