Albert Bear

Chesterton Community Centre, London Road, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 7EA
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9.8 14 Reviews
  • Albert Bear, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Albert Bear first opened its doors on 6th June 1994 as a Playgroup that ran for 3 mornings a week which gradually grew into a thriving, homely 40 place nursery setting which caters for children 12 months to 5 years.

The team of dedicated staff are all passionate about the high standards of care they provide. The staff strive to provide a safe, warm, welcoming environment whilst introducing many learning opportunities through a range of stimulating experiences.
The staff at Albert Bear Ltd believe it is important for all children to gain early independence skills to prepare them for the future.

Albert Bear is an inclusive setting, where all individuals are embraced.

Albert Bear provides a range of healthy snacks for children to access during their day, all staff are trained on the importance of food safety and are also all Paediatric First Aid Qualified.

In early 2025 Albert Bear Ltd underwent a refurbishment where they had 3 new children sized toilets, a new kitchen and new flooring.

Albert Bear Ltd use Class Dojo and Facebook to communicate with families.
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Funding & Fees

All Government childcare funding accepted subject to meeting criteria.

Contact Albert Bear to get a personalised quote.

Contact Albert Bear to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Judith Ellis
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Misha Russell (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 7

Total Places for Children

  • 40

Age Range

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

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

  • Large free car park to the side of the nursery

Albert Bear Reviews (14)

9.8

Albert Bear has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.832) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Albert Bear has 14 reviews.

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Total of 14, showing 1-14
Review from Elana S (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Haven't got a single bad thing to say about this nursery, my kids always go into nursery so exited and come out very happy, the staff always go above and beyond our experience has been absolutely fantastic
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your lovely feedback, we are glad you're happy with Albert Bear
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Review from Emma F (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, very welcoming, staff are all outstanding my little girl loves going to Albert bear
I would highly recommend this nursery
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your lovely review, we're glad you and your family are happy with Albert Bear
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Review from Megan P (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of my children have been to Albert bear for the past 9 years and I've not got a bad word to say about this nursery. All 4 of my boys have loved going, there's always several activities for the children to take part in, outdoor area with plenty to do as well as trips out to the local area. The staff
at Albert bear are polite and always happy to help with anything they can! I Will be sad to see my last and final baby finish at Albert bear!
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your kind words, its been a pleasure looking after your family over the years:)
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Review from Steph B (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
both my kids have gone to albert bear and my little girl is still there, they both love it, staff are kind caring and accommodating, they are flexible with hours, i would highly recommend sending your little ones here!
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you, we're glad you and your family are happy with Albert Bear
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Review from L K (Uncle of Child) published on 17 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My niece and nephew went to this nursery and they absolutely loved it. Always came out of the door with the biggest smiles and the biggest stories to tell about the day they had. Staff are wonderful.
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you so much for your kind words, we are glad they enjoyed their time with us!:)
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Review from Leanne K (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My twins attended Albert bear and they had the best experience, staff were so caring they encouraged them and supported both of them with any further development . They always supported us as parents especially through the potty training stage !
It was the best nursery for both of mine and they
still talk about the experiences now which is wonderful, the activities they were apart of and the fun times they had both inside and outside the nursery !
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your kind words, we are glad your twins enjoyed their time with us and you felt supported:)
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Review from T L (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's been a delight to have both of my children attend Albert Bear. The staff have always been supportive and attentive to my children and our family. Nothing is ever too much, activities and keeping us informed about all that goes on. They are efficient and vigilant with the safety and care for my
child, they care so deeply and encourage him to do so much. Thank you all so much for everything you have done and great things that you will do in the future.
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you so much for your lovely words, we are glad you're happy with our care:)
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Review from D G (Father of Child) published on 9 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely Fantastic nursery since my child had joined he as come on leaps and bounds can't praise them enough all the staff are outstanding and have made him feel so welcome all he does is mention them when he comes home and can't wait to go back next day keep up the good work Albert bear keep smashing
it one very happy parent
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your kind words, we are very pleased you're happy with our care and setting as a whole:)
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Review from Kerry R (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just wanted to say that all of you guys are amazing. I love to see how excited little man gets when he knows it's a nursery day and even on days when he's not feeling it and I say are you going to see Lucy and misha he jumps up an becomes excited to go, I'm so grateful that each an everyone of you have
been there to start quintons journey. I really appreciate how much your willing to change things around to suit his needs an not only are you guys great with the kids your always there to listen if I've got any issues. I honselty don't think that you guys get enough credit for the work you do an once September comes and we head towards reception we will miss all. I really cant thank the team enough for everything they have done for quinton xx
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your kind words, we are glad you're both happy with our care and the nursery as a whole:)
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Review from Lucy E (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending this nursery for almost a year. The staff go above and beyond and create lovely activities for the children. They give you a great run down of their day! Management are approachable and beyond helpful. My son has been struggling with a milk allergy and they have been extremely
supportive and even offer great substitutes for meal times. They also offer a Rhyme Time session and Little Athletes, which my son loves! I would highly recommend Albert Bear
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your kind words, its our pleasure!:)
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Review from Michael W (Father of Child) published on 12 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to this nursery since may 2025. She is only just coming up to 2. I feel that the staff at albert bear nursery have done wonders with her, she has come on leaps and bounds since joining them. The staff are so friendly and have great communications with all parents from what
i have seen when i pick my daughter up.
Thank you to all the staff!
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your kind words, it is our pleasure:)
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Review from Steph F (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't recommend Albert bear enough! My daughters learnt lots of social, educational and enviromental skills 10 years ago and now my little boy is learning the same. I've seen a massive improvement with his speech,concentration, social and behaviour.
The staff are absolutely amazing with all the children
and have lots of knowledge and skills helping children who may need extra help. The setting itself is everything a child needs to start there education journey in a positive way. They have been our village and we can't thank them enough!
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your kind words, it's a pleasure caring for your family:)
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Review from Tafadzwa M (Foster Parent of Child) published on 3 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff is very child friendly and a child always looks forward to go to nursery every day. The management is very helpful, they helped me to fill out the funding forms which I was struggling to complete on 2 separate occasions. They always goes over and beyond just to make sure that we're happy with
the service they provide.
Reply from Misha Russell, Deputy manager at Albert BearThank you for your lovely feedback, it's always a pleasure:)
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Review from Carly J (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Albert Bear have been an incredible nursery for my daughter. My daughter suffered with separation anxiety and would get distressed when leaving me. The staff were gentle and patient and with a little perseverance my daughter began to really thrive. In very little tie she started to walk (late starter),
her speech has come on so much and her confidence is shining for all to see. I highly recommend Albert Bear and their wonderful staff.
Reply from Gemma Mckie, Manager at Albert BearThank you, it been a pleasure caring for your family
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.832)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.832) out of 10 for Albert Bear 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 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 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 4.982 for Albert Bear is calculated as follows: ( (161 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 164 Ratings = 4.982
  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 4.85 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Albert Bear is based on 14 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.85
    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 40 number of registered child places is 8, which has been reached with 14 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 (8)

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Judith Ellis

Job Title: Nursery Owner Joined: 1994

I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Judy, and I opened Albert Bear in 1994. I have a passion for working within the Early Years sector.


I qualified as a State-registered nurse in 1981 and a Level 3 Childcare practitioner in 2000.


I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren with whom I enjoy spending time.
My hobbies include cooking, reading and gardening.

Misha

Misha Russell

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2023

Hello, I'm Misha.


I began my career in childcare in 2015, where I have worked with children aged 3 months to 11 years old.


My favourite part of the job is that no two days are the same, and I have the privilege of supporting and watching all of the children in my care learn and grow!


During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Leanne

Leanne Bould

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2025

Hello, my name is Leanne.
I am a mum of 6-year-old twins whom I love spending time with.
My favourite hobby is to lose myself in a good book!


I have worked in Childcare for 10 years, working with ages ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years. I took a break to go and manage a pub for 3 years before I had my two beautiful children.


I'm excited for my new role within Albert Bear!

Lucy

Lucy

Job Title: Senior Practitioner/ Pre School Practitioner Joined: 2022

Hello, my name is Lucy, I have worked in Early Years for 14 years with children up to the age of 16 years old.


I have lots of experience with supporting children with Special Educational Needs.
I started working at Albert Bear as SEND Support in 2022 and now work as Senior Practitioner/Pre School Practitioner.


During my spare time, I enjoy time with my sons and socialising with friends.

Tracy

Tracy

Job Title: Baby Room Level 3 Practitioner Joined: 2025

Hello, my name is Tracy, and I started my Childcare journey in 2007.
I am a Level 3 practitioner.
I am very passionate about helping children grow and thrive. I find it very rewarding.


In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two children, going for walks, socialising with friends and floristry.

Jenna

Jenna

Job Title: Level 3 Practitioner Joined: 2025

Hello, my name is Jenna.
I have worked in Childcare since 2013 and enjoy working with all age ranges.


In my spare time, I enjoy spending lots of time with my niece and nephews, going camping and on day trips.

Lillie

Lillie

Job Title: Level 3 Practitioner Joined: 2025

Hello, my name is Lillie.


I started my Childcare journey in 2022, where I completed my Level 3 qualification at Newcastle College.


I enjoy helping the children in my care to grow.


During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Chloe

Chloe

Job Title: Level 3 Apprentice Joined: 2025

I'm Chloe, and I am a Level 3 Apprentice.


I have two years of experience. I enjoy working with children and watching them grow.


In my spare time, I enjoy going shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions about Albert Bear

What is the Age Range of Children that Albert Bear accepts?

Albert Bear accepts Children aged from 1 year 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Albert Bear Open?

Albert Bear 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 Albert Bear have capacity for?

Albert Bear has capacity for a total of 40 Children.

How far is Albert Bear to the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme?

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 Albert Bear to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Albert Bear has an Enhanced Service - more info.