Dolly and Bear Day Nursery

7 Carnarvon Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6LR
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9.7 38 Reviews
  • Dolly and Bear Day Nursery, Southend-on-Sea
Dolly and Bear Day Nursery, Southend-on-Sea offers full time childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years.

Children can have fun and develop their skills with the support of a team of early years practitioners.

Children can learn and play in a stimulating and creative atmosphere.

There are nursery spaces for the different age ranges, including mobile and non-mobile babies. Each room reflects the seven areas of learning as prescribed in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
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Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Dolly and Bear Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Charlotte Gifford (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 11

Total Places for Children

  • 62

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Our nursery hours are 07:30 - 18:30, we offer morning and afternoon sessions.
    Full Day £65.00
    Half Day Session £38.00

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-18:30
    Tuesday 07:00-18:30
    Wednesday 07:00-18:30
    Thursday 07:00-18:30
    Friday 07:00-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Dolly and Bear Day Nursery Reviews (38)

9.7

Dolly and Bear Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.735) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dolly and Bear Day Nursery has 38 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 38
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Reviewer Connection to Dolly and Bear Day Nursery
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Total of 38, showing 1-20
Review from Helen G (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has been coming to Dolly and Bear since she was 9 months old last November, she is now 16 months and is thriving! Her confidence, independence and speech has come on massively since starting. The staff have been amazing with her, kind, caring and accommodating to her needs. My little
girl loves coming to nursery and is always happy to see the girls! Management have been really accommodating with any needs or concerns I had during the settling in period, made me feel really at ease in my transition back to work after maternity leave. Would highly recommend Dolly and Bear to anyone!
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Review from Charlotte T (Mother of Child) published on 4 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic setting which develops children of all ages and allows them to explore at their own pace. The children have endless opportunities to learn both in and out of the nursery. My eldest daughter loved it here and my youngest who attends now loves coming too. The staff are amazing and give the
upmost care. Could not recommend this nursery enough!
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Review from Juliana S (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Dolly and Bear since the beginning of January 2025 and my experience with them so far has been amazing. My son is in the baby group. I'm sent photos and updates on how he's getting on during the day, this is great as he can get a little upset in the mornings. He's given a variety
of food, which is great and his nappy is changed throughout the day. Due to the app they use, you can have constant communication with the nursery.
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Review from Judy W (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing and friendly staff who are happy to help at any time and accommodate any requirements for the child to their best ability. Excellent Management which is going above and beyond with organising all activities and events
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Review from Francesca T (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Dolly and Bear from 10 months old and the confidence and progression he has made has been outstanding. He is well supported and cared for and we can easily check on the app to see what he has eaten, when he slept, etc. More recently there have been daily updates which I've
enjoyed as we are able to ask him about his day and continue his learning at home too. I absolutely love that he isn't confined to just a room - they are taken to play in the garden, cinema, beach, sea life, shops. They also nearby everyday skills such as cooking, eating and drinking themselves, teaching them to also have independence. The staff are approachable and friendly. Overall I would recommend the nursery as my son has thrived since being there.
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Review from Orchid P (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery with caring and knowledgeable teachers! Management is friendly and helpful, supported my children throughout their early years education. My boys love attending nursery and are very attached to their key people.
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Review from Sara M (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter enjoys her time at nursery and always looks forward to going. I started taking her here when she turned 1 and she has improved her speech and confidence so much. The staff are lovely and attentive!
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Review from Caroline N (Grandmother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The new uniform is great our granddaughter cannot wait to put it on in the mornings. She enjoys her days at the nursery always excited to tell us about her day. The nursery has fresh ideas continuously to spark the imagination.
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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing nursery. The management team and staff are fantastic in supporting my family with my son. The SENCO team are always going above and beyond for my child, staff are always trying to learn the best ways to help my son, learn his ways and with him having multiple diagnoses including autism
and being non - verbal they have gone above and beyond to provide an environment for him to grow and feel safe. I wanted somewhere my son felt like another home from home, and received love and affection and you can really see the bonds he has built with the staff and his key worker, and it's just so heartwarming to see how kind and caring everyone is and how much the staff generally work with a kind and caring nature. As a first time mum, scared to leave my son with anyone due to his disabilities, I am so grateful for the team here at dolly and bear and would recommend to any parents/guardians or carers to consider here as their child's first step into education.
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Review from Kieran M (Father of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two sons at this nursery and I am eternally grateful that I found this place. My eldest son has been in attendance for over two years and nursery has been an integral part of shaping him into a fantastic four year old. This nursery covers all the main attributes a child requires for development.
Communication, confidence, empathy. As well as physical developments like dexterity and exercise. Will be very sad when the time comes for school. It's been an amazing journey.
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Review from Sophie G (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son has settled in really well at the nursery and has not cried once when dropping him off, he loves coming here and always smiles when his Key Worker opens the door! I like the updates throughout the day of what he's eaten/when he's been changed/when he's slept and the nursery are really communicative
if he has any accidents. They also take the group out on a lot of trips to places like the library which is really nice to know he can experience new things.
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Review from Dean S (Father of Child) published on 11 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been coming to Dolly and Bear Day Nursery since December 2022. He is currently in the baby's room. The staff are so warm and settled him very quickly when he's sad leaving me. I get updates and photos on the app weekly, showing me progress. He's always given a different variety of food, which
I’m very happy about.
My son has made a very special bond with his key worker and the staff who look after him, which is very reassuring.
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Review from C R (Foster Parent of Child) published on 23 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child is always eager to go to nursery and if we have any questions or information that needs clarification it is never too much trouble.
It is nice that they take them on little walks and trips.
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Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my child has started at Monkey Puzzle, he has come leaps and bounds. I get regular reports on his progress. The nursery staff are friendly and helpful. If messaged on the nursery app, they respond very quickly. My child enjoys all the food at the setting. He especially enjoys the garden. I would
definitely recommend this nursery to anyone. Management are nice and helpful and organised with keeping parents updated with relevant information. Also, they organised nice trips and events at the nursery to keep the children happy and entertained. I've never really had any trouble with Monkey Puzzle Southend and overall 100% happy with the service!
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Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very happy with the care that my children have received at Monkey Puzzle. The staff are lovely and seem to love their jobs which makes a huge impact. They have been very accommodating to needs and welcome communication from parents/carers. My children enjoy all the different creative ways
of exploring topics and learning new skills that the staff set up. The outside area may be on the small side, but they have resourced it well and my children love to spend time in the garden.
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Review from Chaitali A (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending for one year and I am proud she is learning new skills every time and all teachers are doing a good job and understanding all situations. They try to give different food to my daughter.
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Review from Shana F (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I think all the girls are amazing my daughter loves it there and you can tell they love her too. Whenever I need an extra day The Manager or Assistant Manager are so helpful with this. Only thing I would like is that more photos were posted whether that being on social media or to myself. Before joining
the nursery I was told I'd get once a day but when joining it was every month sometimes turning into every few months. Apart from this anyone who asks for a nursery I always send them to Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Southend.
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Review from Sana B (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The team at Monkey Puzzle Southend, have always gone above and beyond for my son and in turn my family. The manager there has never not tried to accommodate our requests.
My son loves his primary carers and enjoys his time at nursery. I have seen such tremendous growth in his physical and verbal development
during his time at nursery and I am so blessed to be able to send him to Monkey Puzzle Southend.
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Review from S W (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Monkey Puzzle Southend since she was 6 months - she is now 2 1/2! My partner and I both work full time and the manager and the team are so helpful and accommodating to our needs alongside our daughters. It really is my little girl’s home from home which is so reassuring
for us. She is absolutely thriving and loves her time spent there. Highly recommended!
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Review from Ashton S (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery. The staff are always so reassuring, respectful, kind and happy! I have major anxiety being away from my daughter and who looks after her so her going to nursery was a big thing for me. I am so glad I picked this nursery I can not fault the staff at all.
My daughter is well looked after by them and that’s all I could ever ask for. The day that my daughter has to leave Monkey Puzzle I will actually be quite sad about it! I 100% recommend.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.735)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.735) out of 10 for Dolly and Bear Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 11 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 4.848 for Dolly and Bear Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (113 Excellents x 5) + (18 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 132 Ratings = 4.848
  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 4.887 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Dolly and Bear Day Nursery is based on 11 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 62 number of registered child places is 12.4. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.4 = 0.887
  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 (1)

Meet the Team (10)

Charlotte

Charlotte

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2020

My team and I are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life by caring and supporting them to learn and grow in a positive and stimulating environment.


First Aid Trained
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Wellbeing Officer
Fire Officer
Safeguarding and Child Protection Training
Food Hygiene.

Tara

Tara

Job Title: Nursery Deputy Manager Joined: 2021

Tara and the team are dedicated to ensuring all children with special educational needs are given the best opportunities at nursery.


Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo).
Behaviour Coordinator.
Fire Officer.
First Aid Trained.
Safeguarding and Child Protection Training.
Food Hygiene.

Dashurije

Dashurije

Job Title: Senior Nursery Practitioner

Dashurije is our Nursery 3rd in charge & Pre School Room Leader


Dashurije has her level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education


Designated Safeguarding Lead
ABSS Wellcomm Trained
First Aid Trained
Safeguarding and Child protection training
Food Hygiene

Claire

Claire

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2024

Claire has her Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education.


Claire loves supporting children to learn, develop and flourish whilst in her care.

Leah

Leah

Job Title: Nursery Room Leader Joined: 2024

Leah has level 3 diploma in Early Education.


Leah is currently on Maternity Leave and is due back in May 2025.

Ellie

Ellie

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner & Deputy Room Leader Joined: 2024

Ellie is our deputy room leader is our 2.5 - 3.5 year old room.
Ellie thrives on supporting children's learning and development to reach their next milestone.


Ellie has her Level 3 Diploma in Early Education

Viktoria

Viktoria

Job Title: Nursery Practioner

Viktoria works within our 1.5 - 2.5 year old room.


Viktoria has her Level 2 Diploma in Early Education and is currently working towards her Level 3.

Orchid

Orchid

Job Title: Nursery Room Leader Joined: 2024

Orchid is our Room Leader for our 2.5 - 3.5 year olds.


Orchid has an amazing amount of knowledge and understanding around children's behaviours.


Orchid loves to incorporate the curiosity and Montessori approach into her everyday activities. Orchid loves to devolvement the childrens everyday skills.


Orchid has her Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education

Hannah

Hannah

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2021

Hannah is one of our nursery practitioners in our 3 - 5 year old room.


Hannah has recently qualified as a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Heidi

Heidi

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner Joined: 2022

Heidi is a Nursery Practitioner in our 1.5 - 2.5 year old room.


Heidi has her Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dolly and Bear Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Dolly and Bear Day Nursery accepts?

Dolly and Bear Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Dolly and Bear Day Nursery Open?

Dolly and Bear Day Nursery is open: Monday 07:00-18:30, Tuesday 07:00-18:30, Wednesday 07:00-18:30, Thursday 07:00-18:30, Friday 07:00-18:30.

How many Children does Dolly and Bear Day Nursery have capacity for?

Dolly and Bear Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 62 Children.

How far is Dolly and Bear Day Nursery to the centre of Southend-on-Sea?

0.4 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 and Bear Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Dolly and Bear Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.