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Cuddly Bear Day Care

Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2023)
·
4.5(11 parent reviews) ·Park Hall, Sydenham Park, LONDON, SE26 4EE · Lewisham
Number of places
109 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2023
Local authority
Lewisham

About this day nursery

Cuddly Bear Day Care nurtures children in a family-like atmosphere, driven by committed and compassionate staff and enthusiastic leadership. The nursery prioritizes the child's voice and individuality, offering a fun-filled and engaging curriculum within an inviting environment.

Their approach focuses on creating independent and excited learners through exemplary care, love, and support. The nursery operates across three distinct venues in London: Sydenham Park, which is a charming former church with extensive outdoor space; Sydenham Hill, a bright and airy single-level setting surrounded by a large leafy area; and West Wickham, a newly renovated space designed with a strong focus on early learning.

A unique "Musical Bears" project is integrated into the daily routine at no extra cost, aiming to inspire children through music, singing, and instrumental exploration.

Our ethos

Family atmosphere Committed and compassionate Staff Devoted and enthusiastic leadership Promoting the children’s voice Seeing the “individual” child Fun-filled and engaging curriculum Inviting environment Creating independent and excited learners Providing exemplary care using love and support

What it's like

Babies receive plenty of cuddles and attention from committed and caring staff as they settle in and benefit from flexible routines mimicking home. Older children develop independence, managing handwashing and tidying toys, while pre-school children confidently introduce themselves and engage in conversations. Children play happily, share, and receive good support for expressing emotions positively.

Family AtmosphereChild-focused ApproachEngaging CurriculumMusical Bears Project

Key facts

Opening hours

Mon — Fri: 8.00 AM — 18.00 PM

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2012

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Cuddly Bear Day Care

Last inspected 24 January 2023 · Kareen Jacobs

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

What it's like to attend

Babies receive plenty of cuddles and attention from committed and caring staff as they settle in and benefit from flexible routines mimicking home. Older children develop independence, managing handwashing and tidying toys, while pre-school children confidently introduce themselves and engage in conversations. Children play happily, share, and receive good support for expressing emotions positively.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders work well together, seeking parents' views and engaging them in children's learning.
  • The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is effective in her role, helping staff implement teaching strategies and collaborating with other professionals.
  • Staff plan sequenced activities that help children build on their knowledge, practice skills, and extend ideas.
  • Children respond well to staff's high expectations and consistent strategies, acquiring positive social skills and forming good friendships.
  • Curriculum leaders provide teaching support and monitor curriculum effectiveness, aiding staff in professional development.

Areas to develop

  • 1review the deployment of staff so that skilled and qualified practitioners are available to meet the learning and development needs of babies more consistently
  • 2broaden opportunities for children to value and share their languages and backgrounds.
Inspection #10271150 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents speak highly about the staff and value the nursery.

Parents appreciate the social events and the support and advice that staff provide.

They mention an inclusive and individualised service, including bespoke arrangements that allow parents to breastfeed very young babies.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The special educational needs coordinator (SENCo) is effective in her role. She helps staff to agree and implement teaching strategies and review these with parents. The SENCo collaborates effectively with other professionals and local advisors. She uses her good knowledge of referral routes and funding streams to get children the help they need.

Outdoor space

Children enjoy physical challenges. They ride on wheeled toys while they strike small balls with long-handled sticks. Babies take tentative steps or navigate gentle slopes on their tummies under close supervision.

Parent Reviews of Cuddly Bear Day Care

4.5
(11)
Heather Firminger
6 months ago

My daughter attended this nursery which at the time was ofsted outstanding. Her whole personality changed over night and went from being exceptionally confident to extremely withdrawn. We attended the nursery for 2 months and ended up taking her back to the childminder. The nursery is effectively a business. It had a high turnover of staff. The staff weren’t encouraging the children to play together or make friends despite being over age 2. They once sent her out in freezing winter without a coat for a whole hour despite her coat being in her baby bag. I had to repay the whole deposit when I took her out which was over £1k despit3 me feeling like they were negligent. Parents beware. It’s a business the staff looking after your kids are probably on minimum wage and checked out.

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Anna Clarke
2 years ago

Our son has loved his time at Cuddly Bear. Lots of thoughtful activities and fun for the kids and the staff are lovely and genuinely love and care for the kids. I've felt well informed as a parent (monthly newsletters and weekly updates) as well as daily photo updates on the parents app. Parents can get involved in 'parents as partners' sessions which is fun to come and spend time in the kids rooms. A brilliant nursery we've had a great experience.

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Thomas Reilly
2 years ago

Thank you to all the Cuddly Bear staff for creating a nurturing and caring environment. The teachers really go the extra mile to make sure each child thrives. There is excellent communication and daily updates through a secure app. There are regular activities and a fantastic variety of meals. We have seen my child come on leaps and bounds in her confidence since being at this nursery. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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TheVent
2 months ago

Ildi is a wonderful carer, warm friendly and engaged in your child.

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paul davey
3 years ago

Both our children attended Cuddly Bear over the last seven years, and the staff and setting were excellent throughout this time. Great nurturing environment which helped them flourish in their early years. Highly recommended

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Reviews from Google for Cuddly Bear Day Care. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: March 2013

  • January 2023Good
  • August 2017Outstanding
  • March 2013Good

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