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The Mulberry Bush

Ofsted: Good
(Aug 2022)
·
5.0(2 parent reviews) ·51 Locks Road, Locks Heath, Southampton, SO31 6NS · Hampshire
Number of places
100 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Aug 2022
Local authority
Hampshire

About this day nursery

The Mulberry Bush Nurseries, located across various vibrant communities in Hampshire including Locks Heath, Bitterne Park, Waterlooville, Hedge End, and Eastleigh, provide nurturing environments where children are encouraged to discover themselves. The nurseries are dedicated to igniting curiosity, fostering creativity, and celebrating the unique journey of each child, aiming to help them blossom and build confidence.

The overarching philosophy of The Mulberry Bush is rooted in the founders' personal quest for excellent childcare, leading them to establish a setting that combines the warmth of a loving home with professional resources. They strive to offer children a safe and secure space for growth and learning, complemented by high-quality and contemporary facilities.

The team is comprised of passionate individuals committed to holistic child development and education, working collaboratively to make a positive impact on children's lives. The nurseries emphasise play-based learning, cosy atmospheres, and outdoor exploration to create joyful childhood experiences.

Our ethos

The Mulberry Bush's philosophy is rooted in providing excellent childcare that combines the warmth of a loving home with professional resources. They emphasise igniting curiosity, fostering creativity, and celebrating each child's unique journey through play-based learning, outdoor exploration, and a focus on holistic development.

What it's like

Staff greet children kindly and enthusiastically, leading to emotional security and positive relationships. Children show positive attitudes towards learning, engaging well in activities such as singing and storytelling. The nursery fosters an inclusive culture where every child is listened to and supported.

Nurturing environmentPlay-based learningOutdoor activitiesFamily-founded

Pricing & funding

This nursery charges uniform fees across all age rooms for children aged 3 months to 4 years. Parents can choose between full day, morning, or afternoon sessions. While non-funded session fees include food and consumables, funded and partially funded sessions are subject to additional charges for these items.

Funding accepted

30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Fees apply flatly across all rooms for ages 3 months to 4 years.
  • Government funding can be stretched to 22 hours per week over 51 weeks.
  • Food and consumables are charged as an extra fee for funded places.
  • An additional 30-minute charge may apply due to funding caps.
  • All major childcare vouchers are accepted.

Key facts

Opening hours

07:30 to 18:00, 51 weeks of the year. Closed on bank holidays and for a week at Christmas.

Age range

3 months – 4 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2013

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Mulberry Bush

Last inspected 5 August 2022

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

Staff greet children kindly and enthusiastically, leading to emotional security and positive relationships. Children show positive attitudes towards learning, engaging well in activities such as singing and storytelling. The nursery fosters an inclusive culture where every child is listened to and supported.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are emotionally secure and have positive relationships with staff.
  • Children show positive attitudes towards their learning and behave well.
  • Leaders show a clear curriculum intent and share this with staff, ensuring children build on their knowledge and skills.
  • Children's views are sought and incorporated into the curriculum and learning environment.
  • Partnership with parents is strong, and parents speak highly of the nursery.

Areas to develop

  • 1further support children's individual needs and ensure that children do not wait for long periods during routine transition times.
Inspection #10248433 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents speak highly of the nursery and comment on the amazing resources available to children after their recent refurbishment.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

The nursery's drive for an inclusive culture is successfully embedded throughout. Staff ensure they listen to and support every child.

Outdoor space

Staff aim for children to develop climbing skills in each age range. Toddlers and babies climb on soft play and ramps as they become increasingly mobile. Older children enjoy obstacle courses following current events, such as The Commonwealth Games.

Parent Reviews of The Mulberry Bush

5.0
(2)
pollysanderson
a year ago

So pleased we chose this nursery for our son who joined the baby room at 20 months and is now moving up to the toddler room. Staff are fabulous. Hannah, the manager, is so helpful friendly and calm every time I see her. Office staff always friendly and smiley. Key people in the rooms just amazing, my boy has learned so much with Georgie and Madison and his confidence has come on on leaps and bounds - wonderful to see. I’ve never seen a member of staff here look stressed or anything but friendly and happy to see my child. Only feedback would be the food menus need a little modernising (soup for babies is surely always going to be a struggle?!). Would absolutely recommend.

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Gary Pratt
2 years ago

Can’t thank the people here enough for how they look after and teach our son. He loves going here and that gives us peace of mind. Always fun listening to what they have been up to.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for The Mulberry Bush. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: January 2014

  • August 2022Good
  • September 2017Good
  • January 2014Good

Frequently asked about The Mulberry Bush

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more