Dinky Groves Day Nursery

84 Lowther Street, York YO31 7LX
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9.8 18 Reviews
  • Dinky Groves Day Nursery, York
Dinky Groves Day Nursery strives to provide a happy and safe place for children to develop and thrive. The setting is a small, communication friendly and Hygge accredited setting with a family feel and offers childcare for children from birth to 5 years old.

The nursery provides a range of communication and language programmes to support speech and language development from day 1, as well as providing extra curricular activities such as KIXX, Kidslingo French, Stage School Ballet/Tap and Rhythm Time.
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Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Dinky Groves Day Nursery Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Patricia Goodall (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 9

Total Places for Children

  • 28

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • £65.00 per full day (8-6)
    £45 per half day (8-1)

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 & Christmas

Parking

  • Parking at Door 84 Community Centre

Dinky Groves Day Nursery Reviews (18)

9.8

Dinky Groves Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.758) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dinky Groves Day Nursery has 18 reviews.

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Total of 18, showing 1-18
Review from Laraib A (Mother of Child) published on 25 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is having an amazing time at the nursery and the staff is really amazing and helps with almost everything!
The staff is extra accommodating especially if I am running late or want to drop him a bit earlier than the nursery time.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we really appreciate it.
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Review from Charlotte T (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Dinky Groves highly enough. The manager and all the staff are wonderful and they take such good care of my little one. They always take the time to talk to me at the end of the day, keep up to date on a huge range of progress and development markers throughout the day, and have such
a lovely bond with the kids. My little one has developed so much in the months that he's been there and is genuinely thriving. He also eats so well! Just a genuinely lovely nursery, very grateful for them.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we appreciate your kind words.
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Review from M M (Mother of Child) published on 19 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
At Dinky Groves the whole team have been amazing helping my child settle in well, building new relationships and new routines. My child is always happy and eager to go to nursery and is always happy and smiling when collected.
The setting is creative and well thought out with high levels of trained
staff
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really appreciate your kind words.
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Review from Lea H (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our boy is thriving here. His communication has flourished. The staff are responsive and caring. We love how attentive they are and the comprehensive daily feedback we get. He has the opportunity to do football classes and music classes. He loves the variety and stimulation. Very very impressed. Thank
you
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really appreciate it.
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Review from Chloe C (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An amazing nursery! I was really anxious sending my son to nursery but the staff really made the process a lot easier. My son struggles with his skin and all the staff have been amazing with keeping on top of creams in the day which has really helped. The staff are all very easy to talk to kind people.
He always comes out with a big smile on his face and we really appreciate all the staff at Dinky Groves for everything they do for our son!
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really appreciate it .
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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is absolutely fantastic and the level of personal care is brilliant. Our son has come on leaps and bounds in self-confidence, social skills, verbal language and most importantly, his happiness. The nursery staff really know our son and it is worth every minute in York rush traffic. Thank
you to all the lovely people at Dinky Groves!
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really appreciate it.
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Review from Ellie A (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing staff and care setting. Person-centred, very fun and exciting activities, with great development criteria to follow so you know every step of your child’s progress. Daily pictures and a good summary of the day. Very nice menu and helps my child try and enjoy new foods. Very supportive
with everything and your child is so happy and settled there.
I wouldn’t have my child anywhere else. The manager is amazing.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we really appreciate it.
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Review from Martha S (Mother of Child) published on 11 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child joined the nursery a few months ago and the difference compared to her previous nursery is outstanding. She seems far more engaged, has made lots of new friends, and is developing so quickly. They have a real educational focus, which is perfect for a little curious mind. Looking forward to
sending my second, who is 3 months at the moment, and experience the baby room.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, it is really appreciated. Manager.
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Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been with the nursery for nearly a year now and he’s absolutely thriving. I feel happy sending him in every morning, knowing he's going to have a lovely, fun and stimulating day. It’s great getting the photos and updates about what he’s up to every day along with developmental milestones.
Their flexibility policy is a life saver as well. I’m so glad I found Dinky Groves.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we really appreciate it.
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Review from A O (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My child loves coming here and I feel safe in the knowledge that they are looking after them when I’m at work. Nothing is too much for the staff! And a low turnover means that my child has built relationships with each of them. Of course my child has their favourite staff members, and it’s lovely to
see. I like their behaviour policies too, not draconian. Therapeutic, which for my child is a must.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the review, we really appreciate it.
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Review from Sasha C (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Dinky Groves for over a year! Never had any issues, all staff have been so lovely and helpful! I have full confidence my son is well looked after while I’m at work! He always returns home with a smile and he really enjoys himself! Before nursery, he wasn’t walking and said very
few words. He’s now nearly talking in sentences, running and has lots of confidence! They offer a great selection of food and he’s even eating better at home too! Would highly recommend the manager and the team to anyone with a little one and in need of childcare!
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for your review. He is doing so, so well.
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Review from Jess C (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has just left after two years. She is more than ready for school because of the love and care she has received. The nursery work on independence skills, encouraging children to make choices, eat using utensils and hang their bags up alone. She has grown loads in confidence since starting
and has loved every day. The nursery provides lots of extra curricular activities, my daughter has loved her football each week and has great ball skills. The staff are all lovely and build great relationships with children. They work hard to keep children interested, having weekly topics and changing toys and areas. My daughter has learnt so much knowledge about the world around her, how to write her name and simple words and some phonics. I was very apprehensive about sending her to nursery having worked in them myself, but if you are looking for a family feel nursery where your child will be counted as an individual and not a number, this is where you want to send your child. They're the best!
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we are so glad that you have been happy for the last two years. We will miss your little but we know she is ready for her next step.
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Review from Siobhan C (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been with Dinky Groves since it opened and before that he was at childminding from 8 months old (which is run by the manager of Dinky Groves). He absolutely loves it there and all the ladies who work there. He is always talking about how much fun he has had playing with the ladies
and all of his friends. His development has been phenomenal and I put it down to the fantastic learning opportunities the ladies set up for the children. He gets to learn French weekly and join in with a football class weekly too - just two examples of some of the fantastic, enriching experiences they receive at Dinky Groves. I couldn’t recommend a nursery more as it’s brilliant and I’m so glad my little one goes there!
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, we really value parent's feedback and love to see happy children and parents.
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Review from A T (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy we found Dinky Groves nursery. It is set up by experienced child carers. All the staff are just wonderful, kind and supportive. Our daughter loves going and never needed any “settling in”. They have been brilliant with her allergies too. The place feels like a little family, and we feel
they have got to know our child’s needs and encouraged her, which we didn’t experience at a previous bigger nursery.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much, we are so happy that you feel we have the family feel as that is the aim.
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Review from Sara M (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son always runs into Dinky Groves every morning and I think that says it all. He is very happy and content there, well looked after and I can go to work without having to worry about him. I find the team are communicative and friendly. They are priced fairly. They take the children out and about
and do lots of great activities.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the review, we really appreciate your views.
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Review from S F (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our toddler has been going to Dinky Groves since January 2023. Staff are very helpful, friendly and experienced. The director is amazing, she was super helpful in the early transition days; she encouraged me to reach out on social media whenever I was wondering how my baby was doing and she'd report
back immediately. She really understood that this is hard for the parent too. This is such a lovely setting, it offers some flexibility and doesn't have the rigidity that many others do (e.g. no upfront payment for the full year). There is a no-parent policy which was hard at first especially for the two (free) settling-in sessions, but in retrospect I am glad I trusted the nursery on this; our toddler settled in really fast thanks to that clear boundary. Our toddler now loves to go there daily, he knows all the staff well and has learned and progressed so much! Nearly daily play in the outdoor area in the summer. There is an app for daily updates. Snacks/meals provided. My mind is absolutely at peace.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much, what a wonderful review. We really appreciate your kind words.
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children came from April 2022 until April 2023, so sad for them to no longer go due to moving. Amazing nursery and fantastic staff, each one of the staff including the nursery manager is so lovely, approachable and great. Our two loved it from day one and they both came on leaps and bounds.
I was beyond anxious for them to start nursery, Dinky Groves Day Nursery couldn't have been more reassuring and supportive to any and all situations. Highly recommend.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much! We miss you guys lots and hope everyone is doing well.
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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dinky Groves is a small independent nursery. My child has been at Dinky Groves for a year. She has come on so much since arriving here from a different nursery. All the staff are extremely caring and welcoming. They have lots of different activities throughout the week designed for the children to progress
developmentally. I have been so pleased with the work they do with phonics with the children. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone in York. My daughter loves going to nursery and is always full of stories of the things she has done in the day.
Reply from Patricia Goodall, Manager at Dinky Groves Day Nursery
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback, it's really appreciated.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.758)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.758) out of 10 for Dinky Groves Day 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 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 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 4.958 for Dinky Groves Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (93 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 96 Ratings = 4.958
  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 4.8 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Dinky Groves Day Nursery is based on 8 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 = 3.8
    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 28 number of registered child places is 5.6, which has been reached with 8 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 (0)

Meet the Team (4)

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Patricia

Job Title: Nursery Owner & Manager Joined: 2021

Patricia, known as Tricia, has worked in childcare for 25 years. Tricia is level 5 qualified and also has her level 4 in Elklan, which gives Dinky Groves a communication-friendly setting status accreditation!

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Chloe

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2021

Chloe has worked in childcare for 11 years and is level 5 qualified.

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Katie

Job Title: Room Supervisor for Under 2's Joined: 2022

Katie has worked in childcare for 7 years and is level 3 qualified.

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Lauren

Job Title: Room Supervisor for Preschool Joined: 2022

Lauren has worked in childcare for almost 2 years, she started her journey at Dinky Groves and is level 3 qualified.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dinky Groves Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Dinky Groves Day Nursery accepts?

Dinky Groves Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Dinky Groves Day Nursery Open?

Dinky Groves Day 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 Dinky Groves Day Nursery have capacity for?

Dinky Groves Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 28 Children.

How far is Dinky Groves Day Nursery to the centre of York?

0.7 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 Dinky Groves Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Dinky Groves Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.