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Bubbly Gems

Ofsted: Requires improvement
(Jul 2025)
·
5.0(29 Google reviews) ·Bubbly Gems Ltd, 15 Hylton Road, Sunderland, SR4 7AF · Sunderland
Number of places
26 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2025
Local authority
Sunderland

About this day nursery

Bubbly Gems is a day nursery in Sunderland for children from birth to seven years old. It is open from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, closing for bank holidays and one week at Christmas. Children have daily outdoor opportunities, which include trips to a local park, playing games on a nearby grassed area and going on nature walks. The curriculum focuses on the prime areas of learning, and staff use stories and songs to support children's communication skills. Older children are encouraged to develop their independence to help prepare them for school.

At its inspection in July 2025, Ofsted rated the day nursery as Requires Improvement. The inspector highlighted the provider's passion for an inclusive setting that supports the local community. However, Ofsted also found that activities were not always planned to meet the individual needs of all children, particularly the youngest. The report noted that inconsistent daily routines could disrupt children's engagement in play and that the atmosphere was not always calm and purposeful.

Our ethos

BubblyGems Nursery is committed to providing an inclusive and affordable early years education. They emphasise a personalised, child-led approach where children are encouraged to explore and develop at their own pace, with learning plans tailored to individual needs through dedicated key workers who foster strong relationships with child and family.

What it's like

Children are cared for by dedicated staff at this welcoming nursery. Young children need a lot of reassurance from the staff and sometimes struggle to engage in the play and learning opportunities available. Staff are generally responsive to their needs, however the atmosphere within the nursery is not always calm and purposeful and does not fully promote children's emotional well-being.

Inclusive and AffordableDedicated Key WorkersChild-led Play EnvironmentAfter & Before School ClubSchool Drop-offs and Pick-ups

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Session types

After School Club, Before School Club, Daycare

Opening hours

Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm

Age range

6 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Registered with Ofsted

2024

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Bubbly Gems

Last inspected 15 July 2025 · Jan Batchelor

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of education
Requires improvement
Behaviour and attitudes
Requires improvement
Personal development
Requires improvement
Leadership and management
Requires improvement

Actions the provider must take

  • ensure that learning opportunities are planned and delivered so they build on what individual children know and can do, in order to support their progress effectively
  • ensure staffing arrangements consistently meet the needs of all children, with particular regard to the youngest children, in order to support their care, and their learning and development
  • improve daily routines so they meet children's needs and help them to feel settled and secure.

What it's like to attend

Children are cared for by dedicated staff at this welcoming nursery. Young children need a lot of reassurance from the staff and sometimes struggle to engage in the play and learning opportunities available. Staff are generally responsive to their needs, however the atmosphere within the nursery is not always calm and purposeful and does not fully promote children's emotional well-being.

Inspector highlights

  • The provider has worked hard since the last inspection to develop the nursery and has welcomed support from her local authority.
  • Her passion about providing a fully inclusive nursery that serves and supports the local community is highly apparent.
  • The provider has identified the key knowledge and skills she wants children to develop during their time at nursery, with a strong focus on the prime areas of learning.
  • Stories, songs and rhymes play an important part in children's learning, with staff skilfully reading to children and asking a range of questions to support communication and language skills.
  • Older children are starting to become increasingly independent, washing hands and putting on shoes, which helps prepare them for school, and they develop social skills by eating meals together.

Areas to develop

  • 1The provider has identified the key knowledge and skills she wants children to develop during their time at nursery. There is a strong focus on the prime areas of learning. Staff can describe in general terms what they want children to learn from the different activities they provide. However, they do not fully consider individual children's needs. This means that children do not consistently benefit from activities that build on what they already know and can do.
  • 2The youngest children are cared for by several different members of staff and spend most of the time in the same room as the older children. The activities planned by staff are generally more appropriate for the older children. This does not fully support the individual needs of the younger children.
  • 3The daily routines within the nursery do not consistently support children to settle and focus. Staff are not always clear about what is expected of them, so are not able to help children to understand what they will be doing next. There are a lot of changes during the day. For example, children who are engaged in independent play are brought to the carpet for a story or told it is time for a snack. This does not always help children to feel settled and secure.
Inspection #10392053 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The provider understands her responsibility to monitor children's progress and development. She describes effective arrangements to work in partnership with parents to ensure that any concerns about children's progress towards their developmental milestones are addressed in the best way possible.

Outdoor space

Children benefit from daily learning opportunities outdoors. They develop their physical skills in trips to the park and playing games together in the grassed area close to the nursery, and they explore the world around them on nature walks.

Google Reviews of Bubbly Gems

5.0
(29 Google reviews)
Abbey lious
8 months ago

I had the pleasure of enrolling my children at Bubbly Gem, and I must say it was an outstanding experience! The staff were warm, caring, and incredibly dedicated to nurturing young minds. The environment was safe, stimulating, and full of engaging activities that sparked creativity and curiosity. My kids absolutely loved going to Bubbly Gem and always came home bubbling with excitement about their day 😊. What truly stood out was the nursery's focus on individualized attention and fostering strong, trusting relationships with both children and parents. Communication with the team was excellent. The activities were perfectly age-appropriate, striking a great balance between playful exploration and structured learning. Bubbly Gem truly felt like a second home for my little ones, filled with love, laughter, and lots of learning. I'd highly recommend Bubbly Gem to any parent seeking a nurturing and supportive early years setting for their child ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️."

Read on Google
Ayobami
8 months ago

Its a home away from home for my daughter. From the first day, it felt like a warm and welcoming spot for her. They have fun and engaging activities that are perfect for each child's age and development. I love how the communication is great, they send regular updates, reports, and pictures, so I always know what my child is up to. I totally recommend this nursery

Read on Google
‘Segun Otayemi
8 months ago

My son loves this place! He gets so excited when I tell him he's going to Bubbly Gem. As soon as we arrive, he happily waves goodbye from outside and runs off to play with his friends. Its a wonderful nursery. He has improved so much and continues to learn everyday. I highly recommend Bubbly Gem, its truly a gem of a place!

Read on Google
Owenkpe joy Ikpea
8 months ago

Bubbly Gems has been my little one’s nursery since he was a newborn, and now at 3 years old he still loves going in. The staff are amazing, and the children have such a lovely bond, it really feels like a family where everyone looks out for each other. What I value most is the nursery’s flexibility; their ability to adapt to parents’ schedules is truly a blessing. A big thank you to Mrs. Mariam and the team for always being there for our children, even when life gets busy.

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Seyi Akinsomiro
9 months ago

Bubbly Gems Nursery has played an exceptional role in the social development of my son. Their dedicated support helped him take his first steps, and they consistently engage him in both indoor and outdoor activities that nurture his growth and confidence. What truly sets them apart is the attention they pay to every detail, both in understanding the needs of each child and in listening to parents. Their personalised care ensures that every child feels valued and supported. I especially appreciate the regular updates shared through their mobile app, which keeps me informed and reassured about my son's daily activities and progress. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all the staff and management at Bubbly Gems Nursery. Your care and commitment have made a meaningful difference in our lives. I wholeheartedly recommend Bubbly Gems Nursery to all parents seeking a nurturing and supportive environment for their children.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Bubbly Gems. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Requires improvement in 2025

Date: September 2024

  • July 2025Requires improvement
  • January 2025Inadequate
  • September 2024Inadequate

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