Dolly's Daycare

Squirrel Lodge Reed Cresent, Next to Furley Park Academy, Ashford TN23 3PA
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9.9 24 Reviews
  • Dolly's Daycare, Ashford
Dolly’s Daycare – Where Little Learners Shine Brightly!

Located in the heart of Ashford, Kent, Dolly’s Daycare is a nurturing and welcoming setting offering early years care and education for children aged 2 to 5 years. With over 15 years of experience supporting families in the local community, the nursery provides a homely environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to thrive.

The experienced and dedicated team creates an enriching space where each child is celebrated as an individual. Through a balance of play-based learning and structured activities, children are supported in developing their confidence, independence, and early skills.

Daily activities include creative arts, music, communication-building games, and group play, offering variety and fun that enhance learning and development. Healthy snacks are provided to ensure children stay nourished and energised throughout the day.

Dolly’s Daycare also places strong importance on regular communication with families, sharing key milestones and updates to keep parents informed and reassured.

This trusted and highly rated nursery continues to play an important role in the community, helping to give children the very best start in life.
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Type of Service

  • Nursery School
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Dolly's Daycare Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Anneka Hammond (Owner)

Admission Information

  • Children aged 2 years to 4 years 11 months only

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 7

Total Places for Children

  • 32

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • The funding is government funding and private fees are £9 per hour
    Late Payment Fees:
    - If payment is not received by the due date, a late fee of £35 will be applied per week until payment is made.
    - If payment is 5 days late, childcare services may be suspended until the outstanding balance is cleared.
    Non-Payment and Termination of Extra Sessions
    - If payment is overdue by 10 days, a formal notice will be issued.
    - If payment is not received within 14 days of the original due date, extra sessions booked may be discontinued and the spot may be offered to another family.
    - Any outstanding balances must be paid before a child can return to care.
    Returned Payments
    - If a payment is returned due to insufficient funds, a £40 fee will be charged in addition to any late fees.
    - Parents/guardians will be responsible for making an alternative payment within 7 days to avoid service disruption.

  • Payment Due Dates:
    - Payments are due on 1st of each month.
    - Payments can be made via bank transfer.
    Payment Assistance & Communication
    - If you experience financial difficulties, please communicate with us as soon as possible. We are happy to discuss possible arrangements before a payment becomes overdue.
    - Open and timely communication is key to ensuring that your child’s care is not interrupted.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-16:00
    Tuesday 08:00-16:00
    Wednesday 08:00-16:00
    Thursday 08:00-16:00
    Friday 08:00-16:00

When Closed

  • School Holidays

Parking

  • Temporary parking off the school site for pick up and drop off

Dolly's Daycare Reviews (24)

9.9

Dolly's Daycare has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.921) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dolly's Daycare has 24 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Dolly's Daycare
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Total of 24, showing 1-20
Review from M N (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son attended this nursery for over a year, and we couldn't be happier with the experience he had. From day one, the staff were incredibly friendly, caring, and welcoming.
The nursery is always full of fun, with a wonderful mix of creative, crafty play and engaging activities that kept our son excited
to go every day.
We're so grateful to the team for creating such a nurturing, stimulating environment where children can thrive, explore, and just be themselves. Thank you for giving our son such a happy start.
Reply from Dollys Daycare, Admin & Accounts Assistant at Dolly's Daycare
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience with us. We're delighted to hear that your son enjoyed his time at Dolly's Daycare and that he felt excited and happy to come…read more
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Review from M B (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started attending this nursery when she was just 2 years old, and it has been the best place for her. The staff are incredibly caring, patient, and hardworking. They truly go above and beyond to create a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for the children. A very good and dedicated team
- I highly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a supportive and loving place for their child to grow and learn.
Reply from Dollys Daycare, Admin & Accounts Assistant at Dolly's Daycare
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review and recommendation. We feel truly privileged to have been part of your daughter's journey from such a young age, and it means the world to hear how much she…read more
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Review from Kirstie-may R (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't fault Dolly Daycare - it's been absolutely amazing for our little boy. He's been attending 2 days a week for almost a year now, and in all that time the team have been nothing but trustworthy, reliable, nurturing, supportive and loving.


They treat him like family and always greet him

with the biggest smiles. He always tells us how much he loves the nursery staff and the other children. He adores his keyworker - He talks about her a lot and still calls her "nursery cake" because he couldn't pronounce her name properly, so now it has just stuck.


Thank you for all you do for our little boy, it's such a relief knowing that he's not only well cared but he is loved at Dolly Daycare and as parents we couldn't ask for more.

Reply from Sandra Page, Manager at Dolly's Daycare
We are so happy with your review because it shows us that what we are trying to achieve is what you are experiencing. We are so proud of the achievements your little boy and cannot wait to continue on…read more
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Review from S T (Mother of Child) published on 9 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started in September, and since starting, he's become more confident & talking more. The staff have been really good with him, especially in the beginning when he took a while to settle. I've had nothing but great things to say about the nursery & staff!
Reply from Dollys Daycare, Admin & Accounts Assistant at Dolly's Daycare
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so pleased to hear how much your son has grown in confidence since joining us. It's always a joy to watch children settle in and begin to thrive, and we're…read more
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Review from D T (Mother of Child) published on 12 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend Dolly's Daycare, The staff are amazing! My daughter loves going, she was shy and reserved when she first started at 2 years old she is now a confident little girl, and this nursery has been the the best thing for her.
Reply from Sandra Page, Manager at Dolly's Daycare
It has been a pleasure having your daughter here and watching her grow in confidence. She was so kind to the little children helping them learn the routine and showing them which was their drink…read more
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Review from Sophie S (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves Dollys, she's always asking when she's next going in, and she's happy when I collect her and tells me all the fun things she's done that day. The staff are amazing with the kids and any questions or issues you have are no trouble for them, highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Sandra Page, Manager at Dolly's Daycare
Thank you for the response it's lovely to see her blossom and enjoying the activities we provide.
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Review from S W (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had such a positive experience with the nursery. The staff were supportive, kind and caring to my children and made me feel at ease. They really encourage my children's confidence and independence. We will always remember our time with Dolly's Day Care and would recommend it to friends and family.
Reply from Sandra Page, Manager at Dolly's Daycare
It was a pleasure looking after the children and was so happy to them blossom into independent children.
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Review from L H (Foster Parent of Child) published on 19 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dolly's has been amazing for my foster son, he has thrived and felt safe and loved within the environment. The staff have all been amazing and an integral part of his late development and emotional needs. He has loved his time here and has learned self-confidence and the ability to make new friends
easily. He will love and miss Dolly's.
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Review from Claire M (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy attends Dolly's and absolutely loves it. He asks me on a daily basis when he can go back to school (currently in the summer holidays) he loves all of the key workers there and has settled in so well.
They do a range of different activities which are themed each week. From Sea Life to
occupations. They cover everything. They also educate the children about different celebrations for all religions which I also love.
They do lots of different activities which involve learning colours, counting numbers, puzzles, singing songs, and dancing.
My son used to hate getting dirty, but since attending Dolly's he enjoys painting and isn't too worried about getting his hands dirty which I feel is a real breakthrough.
He has also learned to go to the toilet by himself and wash his hands. They have a good routine there and it's clear all of the staff love their jobs. When you join Dolly's you become part of their family. With staff showing care compassion and empathy for each child.
Reply from Sandra Page, Manager at Dolly's Daycare
It was a pleasure having him at nursery and watching him develop so well, we are going to miss him so much.
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Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended Dolly's from age 3 until school age and my son started soon after, both children did/are thriving! Lovely nursery no complaints and both did and are doing amazing. The staff are lovely best decision I made sending my children to Dolly's.
Reply from Sandra Page, Manager at Dolly's Daycare
Thank you for the lovely review it's nice to know you and your child is happy at nursery.
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Review from Mirella R (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Highly recommend Dolly's Daycare, very professional, and friendly staff, my daughter loves all her teachers and friends, and she is very happy all day long, she also learned a lot, she can't wait to come back in September,
Reply from Sandra Page, Manager at Dolly's Daycare
We are pleased you daughter is happy at nursery she is so lovely and we are pleased with her development
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Review from J S (Grandmother of Child) published on 8 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff, the manager and her team have shown excellent care. Attention towards my grandaughter since joining Dolly Day Care. My granddaughter has grown into a confident sassy little girl and I am immensely proud of everything she has achieved and will go on to achieve in her life. The fundamental
things she and the team have encouraged her to learn through play and care. She will take with her throughout her life. Thank you for everything and for looking out for her. I would not hesitate to recommend Dolly Day Care to any friends or family.
Reply from Sandra Page, Manager at Dolly's Daycare
Thank you for such a lovely review I am really happy to know that you found us to be professional and caring. We are going to miss you all. Take care.
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Review from Bianca U (Mother of Child) published on 4 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children went hear from the age of 2, I love everything about Dolly's Daycare, the staff are all so lovely and welcoming and make you feel very confident in them looking after your children. Both my children loved nursery and loved one staff member in particular, she is amazing! Most of the
time my children didn't want to leave nursery they enjoyed it that much! Love that it's a small nursery too! Cannot fault anything about the last four years here. Both my children have thrived in school because of the brilliant start they had at nursery. We still visit time to time as my children love going back to see the staff. Thank you for everything you've all been amazing!
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Review from Emma P (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have been to this nursery and I must say over the last 2 years it has gone even better. The staff are amazing they help the children with all aspects of learning and keep us parents in the loop step by step with a brilliant app, you see just what your child has learned from day to day,
with photos, videos and daily reports, it's fantastic. I will be so sad to see my little girl leave here and I know she will be sad to move on to big school in September because of how happy she has been here and how much she loves every single one of the staff here. Very highly recommend this nursery!
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Review from Emily W (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Would highly recommend Dolly's (Parkfarm) to anyone. Both daughters have been/go here and both love the staff and nursery. Accommodating, happy and helpful staff, always very welcoming. Lovely nursery and my girls have learnt so much whilst being there.
Fairly small nursery with less children than
some others which is why we chose it.
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Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely little setting making it a lovely little nursery, very personal and a home from home experience.
Two of my children have been to Dolly’s and have thoroughly enjoyed their time at nursery.
Loads of activity’s both inside and outside the setting, little trips out which the kids love.
All the
staff are so welcoming and friendly and you can tell they love what they do.
My little boy was so difficult to leave, but the nursery never failed to try every attempt to make him more confident with me leaving him there, and I felt totally at ease that he would get the right care and attention to settle him quickly enough to enjoy his day.
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Review from Helen B (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dolly's Daycare is a lovely nursery, my little boy has thrived since he has attended. Staff are lovely and they have great energy and care about the children.
Children complete many activities, also the nursery have days where parents can join in such as Mothers/Father’s Day. I can highly recommend
this nursery, my little boy always comes out happy.
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Review from Georgiana V (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
You could not wish to find a more nurturing and loving preschool. A wonderful daycare, very knowledgeable, friendly staff who really care. Our little one loves going to Dollys Daycare, even on weekends he is asking if we're going to drop him to nursery to see his friends. He loves the staff from there.
I would highly recommend, we are so happy with our choice.
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Review from Kevin R (Father of Child) published on 23 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Have done an amazing job with my youngest boy, he's always happy when he goes, full of excitement. The staff are amazing and always helpful. They always notify me of any changes with my boy and he's learnt so much more than I could have taught him at home.
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Review from Hayley S (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dolly's Daycare is an excellent nursery. My daughter has really thrived there. She has learnt so many new skills and enjoys going to this friendly environment. The staff are excellent with both the children and the parents/carers. The new Tapestry system has been a brilliant and well-used tool, that
has allowed me to see the many educational and fun activities organised throughout the day. I would definitely recommend Dolly's Daycare to anyone looking to enrol their child at nursery.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.921)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.921) out of 10 for Dolly's Daycare 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.921 for Dolly's Daycare is calculated as follows: ( (142 Excellents x 5) + (6 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 151 Ratings = 4.921
  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 Dolly's Daycare is based on 13 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 32 number of registered child places is 6.4, which has been reached with 13 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

No Child Vacancies

Posted: 24 Nov 2025

Child Vacancies will be open for 2026 & 2027

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Sandra

Sandra Page

Job Title: Nursery Manager and SENDCO

Hello, I’m Sandra, serving as the Manager at Dolly’s Daycare.


With an NVQ 4 in early years and over three decades of experience in this field since 1988, I hold the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead within our settings.


Additionally, I possess an advanced SENCO Qualification, alongside certifications in First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid, as well as training in food hygiene and various other areas.


Beyond my professional endeavours, I am a proud parent to four children and blessed with five delightful grandchildren, with whom I cherish spending quality time and having adventures.


Animals hold a special place in my heart, as evidenced by my beloved dog, Sky, and my cherished cat, Milo.


In my leisure moments, I find joy in activities such as cooking, reading, and knitting.


Above all, I derive immense fulfilment from actively contributing to the development and growth of children, a role that brings me the utmost satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dolly's Daycare

What is the Age Range of Children that Dolly's Daycare accepts?

Dolly's Daycare accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Dolly's Daycare Open?

Dolly's Daycare is open: Monday 08:00-16:00, Tuesday 08:00-16:00, Wednesday 08:00-16:00, Thursday 08:00-16:00, Friday 08:00-16:00.

How many Children does Dolly's Daycare have capacity for?

Dolly's Daycare has capacity for a total of 32 Children.

How far is Dolly's Daycare to the centre of Ashford?

2.4 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 Dolly's Daycare to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Dolly's Daycare has an Enhanced Service - more info.