Polam School and Nursery

43-45 Lansdowne Road, Bedford MK40 2BU
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9.9 42 Reviews
  • Polam School and Nursery, Bedford
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Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Polam School and Nursery
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Darren O'Neil (Headteacher)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 8

Total Places for Children

  • 50

Age Range

  • from 1 years 0 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Fees (per term – approx. 11 weeks)
    Sessions Cost per term:
    10 Sessions - £4,137
    9 Sessions - £4,137
    8 Sessions - £3,686
    7 Sessions - £3,226
    6 Sessions - £2,811
    5 Sessions - £2,695
    4 Sessions (minimum) - £2,467

  • You can choose any combination of morning and/or afternoon sessions (subject to availability), with a minimum of 4 sessions. Morning Session – 8.30am to 12.30pm (includes lunch). Afternoon Session – 12.30pm to 4.00pm. Universal Early Years Funding is currently available for all 3-4 year olds and can be claimed for 3 hours per session up to a maximum of 15 hours. You will be charged for the cost of additional hours and extra services. We do not offer the 30 hours means-tested Early Years Funding. Please contact us for a quotation, stating the number of sessions/days you will require plus times (i.e. 8.30am-4.00pm, 8.00am-6.00pm etc).

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 the end of the Summer & 2 weeks at Christmas
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Polam School and Nursery Reviews (42)

9.9

Polam School and Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Polam School and Nursery has 42 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Total of 42, showing 1-20
Review from N L (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been in polam since she was 2 where onboarding her (and is soon to onboard the next little person)- she settled in perfectly. Two members o staff in particular have been excellent, our little person frequently tells us stories about her preschool activities, we have been blown away
at how varied they are and how well she articulates her day. Both key workers always make time to update us on her day and work closely with us on any development items- which is hugely appreciated! As our little person has life threatening allergies, Polam put every measure in place to ensure her safety. We've been overwhelmed with the attentiveness from safe guarding practise and the personal interactions to ensure the best support. In particular, two members of staff have been incredible at reassuring us of how they can accommodate our little person. Lastly I can't speak highly enough of the after school club, which our child loves! Two other members of staff in particular are absolutely brilliant.
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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has really thrived at Polam having been there since she was 2 years old. She settled in very well and I have loved receiving all of her updates on the weekly activities she has had access to during her day. She has learnt so much and has grown some lovely friendships too! I very much look
forward to her journey through Polam school.
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Review from A H (Father of Child) published on 26 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We absolutely love Polam! My child has grown so much during the last 2 years and we are so thankful to one member of staff and the rest of the team for that. We recommend to everyone we know and can't wait for him to progress into the school.
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Review from G M (Father of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter seems incredibly happy at school. The progress she continues to make is amazing, and I am very pleased with the support she receives from her teachers.
The setup at Polam is very professional, and I am pleased with the care she receives.
Thank you, Polam!
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Review from G A (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent School,
All the staff are absolutely amazing, kind, generous, caring, and patient, which allowed my daughter to learn and explore the early years of self development.
Polam School have qualified Nursery Practitioners, Teachers and Support Staff all are very professional, competent, approachable,
friendly and warm hearted, always providing support and solutions.
A truly outstanding school and an environment for children to learn and explore.
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Review from Keith T (Father of Child) published on 24 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager and her team are superb! Our son never stops smiling. There are a range of activities to keep him busy, engaged and learning. The staff all know our son's characteristics and show a genuine care.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! It's fantastic to hear that your son is so happy and engaged at Polam. Our team takes great pride in getting to know each child as an individual, so knowing…read more
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Review from Constance B (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started into Acorns last September, having moved from another well-known nursery chain. We'd had a very good experience with the previous nursery, but Polam exceeded our expectations from day one.
We attended an open day and immediately fell in love with the school and what they stood for.
It was immaculately clean, smelt good, and the children were happy.
Once our son started there, the attention to detail was outstanding. From my son's food intolerances and subsequent eczema to his fiery personality and tendency towards being a daredevil, nothing is too much for the teachers.
Our son has thrived at Polam, no question. Particular mention goes to the head of Acorns. Words can't express our gratitude for her support, understanding and kindness during our son's time there so far. Thank you.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It means a lot to hear how happy you are with Polam and how well your son has settled into Acorns. Our team is dedicated to making sure every child feels…read more
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Review from M E (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter absolutely loves Polam! The staff are incredibly caring and attentive, ensuring that each child receives the support they need. They take the time to understand every child's individual needs and nurture their strengths. Our daughter has learned so much in a way that feels natural and engaging,
allowing her to grow both academically and personally. We couldn't be happier with the care and education she receives at Polam!
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words! It's wonderful to hear how much your daughter loves Polam. Our team is dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive,…read more
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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Polam is a very welcoming and nurturing environment; all of the nursery staff have been caring, supportive and gone above and beyond to help our child settle in. We are so pleased to be part of such a wonderful school community where every pupil valued and the staff take the time to really get to know
all of the pupils and their families. Our child is very happy at Polam and we know he will reach his full potential.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so pleased to hear that you've found Polam to be such a welcoming and nurturing environment. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every child feels supported and…read more
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Review from J H (Father of Child) published on 19 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Onboarding was great, we were taken around all the facilities and met all the relevant staff, it's been amazing to see how the dedicated care has impacted my son , his progress has surpassed my expectations. He has had health issues and allergies, nursery staff has been very helpful in making everything
work and making sure his needs are met. One member of staff always greets us with a smile and shows genuine interest in his wellbeing. Communication on pickup/drop-off, in the app and newsletters is excellent, having detailed writing about what the children are doing on daily basis accompanied with pictures, weekly themed activities are nice as we can build upon it at home. My son is more confident, articulate and polite, he's happy there.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review! It's fantastic to hear how well your son has settled in and how our team's dedication has made such a positive impact on his progress. We understand how…read more
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Review from Amna Z (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Love the nursery, my son is very comfortable and enjoys each day in nursery, as I am a busy work mum I can rest assured my son is well looked after here. Staff are very lovely and friendly, the nursery is clean and well-equipped for fun activities.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave us a review! We love having your son with us, it has been a joy watching him settle into our Nursery. I have passed this on to the rest of the team…read more
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Review from M G (Mother of Child) published on 27 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy has absolutely loved his first term full-time at Polam School and Nursery. They do so many activities, music, nature time, soft play, too many to list! The baby room is really cute and cosy, a home from home. They've really taken the time to get to know him. His big sister was also happy
in the Polam nursery, she's in the main school now, so it shows they're consistent year to year. Any queries or worries they're always approachable and easy to deal with. Still very happy with our choice.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you so much for the kind words and review of our Nursery! We absolutely love having your little boy with us (as well as his big sister). I will pass this on to the rest of the team to read. Have…read more
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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child joined Polam this month at 2 years old after moving from another local nursery. Their interest and engagement in understanding him and his needs, and supporting him to settle in, has been outstanding. He has uncommon allergies and the team at Polam have been incredibly diligent about making
sure they can meet his needs safely. The room he's in is full of engaging activities and spaces and has a wonderful calm atmosphere. The activity updates each week show an amazing range of things going on. The staff care about him.
He was comfortable from the outset, and the team take care to enrich his life there according to his interests, for example thinking about finding him a book on something he's into, which is amazing.
Going from experience of several other settings that my son and older child have attended, Polam is absolutely top-level. My experience of Polam so far is that the care is outstanding and I'm so happy that our son attends nursery here.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
What a lovely review of our Nursery! It has been our pleasure to welcome your child into our home from home and we couldn't be happier to hear how pleased you are with the start he has had with us. We…read more
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Review from R G (Father of Child) published on 5 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son loves it at Polam! The staff are warm, caring, and attentive, creating a nurturing environment. The activities are engaging and fun, and we've seen so much growth in his development. We're so grateful to have found such a wonderful place for him to learn and thrive!
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you so much for the lovely words. We absolutely love having your son with us here at Polam and have also seen the growth he has gone through (and not just in height!). We appreciate you and your…read more
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Review from L T (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are calm, caring and friendly. They show so much patience and kindness to my one-year-old son. The environment is beautifully presented and feels like a home from home. My little one enjoys all the activities they have to offer and I am told he is always smiling. The communication with staff
is great and they are always so happy to see him. I know he is in very capable hands. He particularly enjoys going on local visits in the buggy.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. We love having your son here with us - he is an absolute delight!
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Review from Gemma A (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined Polam when she was 1 years old and is now 3.5 years. I have had nothing but excellent care and attention for my daughter. She has some additional needs which were picked up straightaway and Polam instantly contacted the Early Years Team and now she has the support she needs. The staff
are absolutely amazing and the attention to every detail is just wonderful and nothing is too much trouble. It's a caring and nurturing environment and I would really recommend to anyone.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Thank you so much for this lovely review and kind words. I am so glad to hear that you appreciate the care and attention that we give to Polam children and I will pass on your comments to the rest of…read more
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Review from Sophia C (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was extremely nervous about returning to work full-time and leaving my sometimes clingy toddler outside of the care of family for the first time, however my concerns soon melted away and it was clear from early on that I was leaving her in very capable hands. Staff were very understanding and were
able to settle my and my little one’s anxieties. She now loves coming to nursery, she has started to build friendships and I have seen her independence grow. Polam is a lovely nursery and I know that I’ve made the right decision for myself and my child.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Hi,
Thank you so much for such a lovely review! We are so happy that we could help melt away those concerns and provide a safe and caring place for your daughter to grow and shine. Have a wonderful…read more
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Review from Ankur K (Father of Child) published on 16 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Simply the best!
Very caring staff who get to know each and every child. Small class sizes and ability to individualise teaching for learners as needed. My younger daughter is there now as such a great experience for my older daughter.
My older daughter passed the exams to gain entrance to the local
competitive schools.
Couldn’t recommend more highly.
The headmaster is ever present and gets to know each and every parent and knows what is going on with all departments within the school.
Reply from Ron Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager at Polam School and Nursery
Hi,
Thank you so much for the lovely review and kind words! We are so happy that your wonderful daughters have got so much out of their time at Polam and I can speak for the headteacher and the rest…read more
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Review from Sherri F (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started in January during lockdown and needless to say we were very worried about how he could settle after such a sheltered first year of his life. From day one he couldn’t be happier and the work the teachers have put in to make them settled is amazing! He has not had one tear or bad day and
it is all testament to their loving care. Thank you for all the time you put into the amazing activities like messy play, time outside no matter the weather and time in the soft play gym - he loves it all and is developing so quickly because of it. We couldn’t be more delighted, so thank you to the amazing nursery team plus the support team behind the scenes (our son appears to be having second helpings of meals now so no complaints from him on that front either!).
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Review from Nisha K (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little one's keyworkers have been wonderful. We were worried about our little one settling at first but all our worries were set aside by the Nursery team. Everyone is extremely friendly, helpful and reliable. The Nursery is really well managed by the manager. Our little one absolutely loves it
at Polam and I can’t imagine her going anywhere else. I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the staff and would highly recommend this nursery to all parents.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.944)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10 for Polam School and Nursery 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 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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 4.944 for Polam School and Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (202 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 213 Ratings = 4.944
  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 Polam School and Nursery is based on 18 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 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 18 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 (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Polam School and Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Polam School and Nursery accepts?

Polam School and Nursery accepts Children aged from 1 year 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Polam School and Nursery Open?

Polam School and Nursery 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 Polam School and Nursery have capacity for?

Polam School and Nursery has capacity for a total of 50 Children.

How far is Polam School and Nursery to the centre of Bedford?

0.5 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 Polam School and Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Polam School and Nursery has an Basic Service - more info.