Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery

Princes Avenue, Next to Morrisons, Chatham ME5 7PQ
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9.0 61 Reviews
  • Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery, Chatham
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9.9

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Owl & Bear Daycare
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Lewis Clarke (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 18

Total Places for Children

  • 72

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Competitive fees, please discuss during tour of nursery.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Parking is within the car park of Morrisons Supermarket and at the rear of the Nursery

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Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery Reviews (61)

9.0

Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery has a Review Score of 9.0 (9.003) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery has 61 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
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Total of 61, showing 1-20
Review from Amy R (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending this nursery for almost a year now and he absolutely loves it there! He has a smile on his face at drop off as soon as he sees staff members and his key worker. He is thriving and has done so well with his development which they work on with steps for him. They have a good
variety of activities everyday and themes every month. The manager is quick to reply to emails or questions and have been flexible with changing days when I needed to for a new job. It is reassuring for me while I am at work that he is there safe and happy. Thank you.
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Review from E W (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started nursery a few months ago with Owl and Bear Daycare. I can honestly say she is thriving there! The staff are so friendly. The manager was great when showing myself and my daughter around, he answered any questions I had with professionalism. A member of staff is my child's key worker,
along with another member of staff; my child absolutely loves going every day to see them! She even gets sad leaving them! I was very sceptical about nurseries at first as of course my child is my pride and joy, but having my daughter go to this nursery has put my mind at ease i honestly wouldn't even consider anywhere else!! Thanks so much to the staff who make this nursery amazing! Highly recommend Xx
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your review. We are so happy to hear how pleased you are with your experience at Owl & Bear, we recognise how difficult it is to decide what nursery you are going to choose especially if…read more
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Review from Sadie B (Mother of Child) published on 16 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending this nursery for almost 1 year and I am very grateful I found a brilliant nursery with compassionate staff.
My child is thriving there and I can see a clear improvement in my child's physical and social development since they have been attending. They have also been introduced
to a variety of different foods and how taught how to eat effeciently. My child adores all of the staff members who are all deeply commited and work extremely hard to ensure my child has a good day and reaches their learning potential.
The manager is very caring and professional and is heavily involved in the Individual development of children.
I have needed to slightly change the hours that my child has attended and the nursery were flexible with this. I fully trust the entire team to keep my child safe and have peace of mind whilst I am at work.
Reply from Lewis, Nursery Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your kind words. We are so pleased to hear that you are happy with your experience at Owl & Bear. The children's happiness & development are at the heart of everything we do!
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Review from O M (Mother of Child) published on 8 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child absolutely loves it here, she is thriving and is always happy to go in in the morning.
We get regular updates and photos of what they've been up to which I love. All the staff know the names of all the children regardless of if they're on the baby room or the bigger room. They're all so kind
and friendly.


The garden fence could do with a bit of work as some of the blocking material has fallen or slipped but other than that, the garden is fully stocked with lots of fun stuff!

Reply from Lewis, Nursery Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
thank you for your kind words, we really appreciate your feedback. We have now mended the material on the garden fence and kept a small gap for parents to be able to look through and see what their…read more
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Review from Derya H (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started Owl and Bear after having a bad experience at another nursery and I was very worried she wouldn't settle, however when picking her up after her first day it was like I picked up another child. She came skipping out smiling and excited to go back the next day! It has been the same
ever since! The staff are all very attentive and treat all children as individuals knowing their needs and are very interactive with them. There is a family feel within the nursery and they make my daughter feel safe and loved. The communication is fantastic and the manager is brilliant in supporting parents and the children with any queries. The staff give clear handovers when I collect my daughter including what she's done and what she's eaten and photos are uploaded regularly to the learning journals so I can see what she has been up to. I highly recommend this nursery and only wish I put my daughter in right from the start.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Hi, thank you for your kind words and review of the nursery.
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Review from Harriet C (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Owl & Bear in September 2023, from his first settling-in session he has absolutely loved it.
He attends one and a half days a week at the moment and I’m hoping to increase this when he gets his funding next year.
All the staff are so lovely and spend time telling me about his day
and what he’s been up to. My son is very fussy with food and the staff noticed this on his first day and suggested we send him with a little packed lunch for them to give him after trying him with their food. They take a real interest in his interests and always provide toys for him that they know he likes.
I love seeing what he has been up to on the app too.
Since starting nursery, his speech has come on so much and he’s saying more and more each day.
He gets so excited coming to nursery and often doesn’t want to leave. He loves when he drives past the nursery and shouts to me, pointing it out and waving.
I really couldn’t be happier with our experience and would 100% recommend to other parents.
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Review from Andina R (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
I sent my 2-year-old son there. Last week he came home with scars under his eye, nose and face. Dad picked him up at 6.30 pm and they never explained to him or me (mum) where those bruises on my 2-year-old son came from and I have pics to prove it. I immediately sent an email and until today, they couldn’t
give me an explanation as to how my son got them from. I started having bad feelings about the nursery from the day my son started holding my neck and would say ”no” as we always approached the nursery door but just kept it to myself. Yesterday I decided to take my son out of there and into another nursery and he’s very happy there.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
This review is very disappointing as your child absolutely loved nursery and used to cry when he left, you even pointed this out yourself one day as you walked past the garden.
A member of the…read more
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Review from Nicola T (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Owl and Bear nursery for over a year and a half, and I can't speak highly enough of them. As a teacher myself, I am keen for my son to learn and develop his education as well as social skills. The staff are very supportive and challenge the children through play.
The staff
are very kind and make time for each child individually and as a group. They have helped my son in areas where he has struggled and has also made referrals to help him get the extra help he needed in key areas of his development.
I would have no hesitation in trusting the staff here to care for my son. He is very happy there.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your kind words! We are extremely proud of the milestones all the children in our setting are achieving on a daily basis.
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Review from Bukky M (Mother of Child) published on 11 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my boys enjoy going to Owl & Bear nursery. The staff are amazing and makes the kids feel welcome. My boys have settled down well, and coming to Owl & Bear has boosted their confidence. I’m happy with their progress and thank the team for doing an amazing job.
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Review from Farhana K (Mother of Child) published on 22 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been sending my daughter here since the beginning of the year and she’s settled in so well. The staff are all so friendly and her key worker is great. I am so glad I found this nursery, I can’t imagine sending her anywhere else!
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you so much for the kind words. We are happy that you feel your daughter has settled in so well with us, we ensure during our settle sessions that our staff are able to bond with their key child…read more
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Review from S F (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Owl & Bear nursery in Walderslade have been fantastic helping my child settle into nursery life. The staff are friendly, helpful and go that extra mile. My child confidence has grown so much since going to Owl & Bear she has also come on leaps and bounds with her speech, learning new things everyday.
She enjoys going in on her days and the garden area they have is large and full of different outdoor equipment, it was the main reason I picked it and she loves being outside. I have and will keep recommending Owl & Bear.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your lovely words. We are proud of the facilities we offer and feel our large garden area is one of our favourite things for our children to explore.
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Review from Maria B (Mother of Child) published on 6 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I recently began sending my son to Owl & Bear and could not be happier. We had some issues with his previous nursery not being able to meet his needs and after talking with the nursery manager I felt confident this was a better fit. All my expectations have been exceeded. Staff are amazing and go above
and beyond to create a happy environment that the children are able to thrive in. My son is like a different child in the short time he has been attending. The facilities are excellent and provide a wide range of learning and play experiences for the children.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your kind words. Owl & Bear pride ourselves on creating a positive environment for all of our children. We are so happy that your little one has settled in.
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Review from T L (Mother of Child) published on 6 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery. My daughter is always so excited to go. From the staff to the facilities I don’t think there is a bad word I can say. Always so friendly and are quick to help with anything needed. It’s always hard to see your firstborn go to nursery and they have made the process so easy and went above
and beyond to meet every need.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your kind words. We know how difficult it can be to trust people to look after your most precious possessions, we are glad you feel that Owl & Bear are the right place for your daughter.
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Review from Suman L (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant Nursery. My son started at the beginning of the year and has settled in so nicely. His key worker has brilliant communication and the manager at this branch is very good at his job. He takes a personal interest in the children, again communication is brilliant and they are very reassuring,
especially as a first-time mum, that your child is cared for.
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Review from Joanna G (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery. caring and polite staff. Always welcoming. My daughter loves going to nursery. She he has settled in well. A big thanks to all the staff for all you do. It's a lovely nursery.
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Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare since he was 9 months old. He is now nearly 3 years old.
My son settled in very well and loves the nursery. He has come on in leaps and bounds, his speech is improving and his confidence has grown massively. The nursery staff are caring and
friendly. I can also tell that child safety is important and this makes me feel happy knowing my son is in safe hands.
My son goes to nursery with a smile on his face and when I pick him up his smile is still there. My husband and I are very grateful to all the staff who care for my son.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your kind review. We are comitted to ensuring that every child goes home happy and fulfilled after spending their day learning alongside their peers.
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Review from J F (Father of Child) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare is a great nursery. My son has settled in amazingly and has grown in confidence and is always excited to attend nursery.
I found it to be a safe environment for my son.
The staff are friendly and always helpful and can answer any queries promptly.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your very kind review. Our staff are committed to fostering positive relationships with all of our parents and families, detailed feedback is key to ensuring we are all working in…read more
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Review from Mayze L (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have attended this nursery and they both have grown in confidence stupendously. They love going to nursery every week and the staff are so polite and inviting. They always make sure my children are welcome and they always listen to any concerns and follow routine that happens at home.
We are sad to be leaving but it’s time for us for a new adventure.
I thank all of the staff at Owl & Bear - Walderslade Daycare for making both my children feel happy and content and safe when they aren’t with me.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind response. Our staff are committed to ensuring all our children settle into the nursery as comfortably as possible. We are so delighted that you enjoyed your experience…read more
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Review from Megan C (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter's only been at the nursery for just under a month but she’s settled in so quick and comes home so happy! So impressed by how professional the staff are but also so relaxed environment and friendly always at the door. Thanks so much, my daughter loves it! Would recommend to all!
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your kind words. Our staff are committed to ensuring all children settle into the nursery comfortably. We are so happy you are enjoying your experience with us so far.
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Review from B M (Mother of Child) published on 8 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My twins have been attending the nursery for 18 months now and they love it; both run through the door as soon as it's opened! The staff have been brilliant with understanding the twin's different needs and personalities, and are always on hand to listen to any concerns about development and work with
you (one twin has a speech delay). I would definitely recommend the nursery and have already enrolled my baby for when I return to work from maternity leave.
Reply from Lewis Clarke, Manager at Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery
Thank you for your kind review. Our staff are committed to ensuring the needs of every individual child in our setting are met, we are appreciative of your lovely feedback and are excited to welcome…read more
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Current Review Score: 9.0 (9.003)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.0 (9.003) out of 10 for Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.0 out of 5 from 6 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 4.986 for Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (71 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 72 Ratings = 4.986
  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 4.017 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery is based on 6 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 = 3.6
    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 72 number of registered child places is 14.4. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 14.4 = 0.417
  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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery accepts?

Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery Open?

Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery have capacity for?

Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery has capacity for a total of 72 Children.

How far is Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery to the centre of Chatham?

2.0 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 Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Owl & Bear Daycare - Walderslade Nursery has an Basic Service - more info.