The Dolphin Pre School and Nursery is open 51 weeks a year Monday to Friday from 7.30 to 18.00. We provide a wonderful, friendly and engaging environment for your children. Our dedicated team provide first class care and learning experiences while our catering team serve fresh home-cooked meals made in our own kitchen.
If you're looking for a little something extra from your childcare provider, get in touch now. You'll be glad you did! We have a range of beautifully equipped and appointed rooms for the various age groups as well as some wonderful, safe outside areas. Since opening 2011, we are driven to offer a unique standard of care which exceeds parents' expectations, offering a perfect blend of 'home from home' childcare delivered in a group environment.
If you're looking for a little something extra from your childcare provider, get in touch now. You'll be glad you did! We have a range of beautifully equipped and appointed rooms for the various age groups as well as some wonderful, safe outside areas. Since opening 2011, we are driven to offer a unique standard of care which exceeds parents' expectations, offering a perfect blend of 'home from home' childcare delivered in a group environment.
Services
At the Dolphin the aim is to have a homely, family feel in everything we do and this is driven by the team, it is often referred to us as their "Dolphin Family". Highly qualified and experienced Owner/Manager Mellissa Bartlett leads the dedicated 'family' on a day to day basis, with back office support from Paul Bartlett who looks after the compliance and finance of the operation.
The Little Dinos room is the first of our baby rooms and is situated on the first floor. It is a bright yet cosy welcoming room which follows the same layout as all our rooms, a soft area and then a easy to clean area. The Little Dinos team are qualified and highly experience in all areas of childcare and specialise in younger babies.
Using the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum (EYFS); Personal Social and Emotional Development (PSED), Communication and Language, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design, we plan and implement a wide range of activities to develop children's learning on a daily basis.
Reviews (9)
Jessica Sanders
Oct 31, 2020
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Such a wonderful nursery! Initially, I was very worried about sending my son to nursery but the guys at Dolphin really reassured me and went above and beyond to ease us in. They have been so amazing and now, just six weeks on, my son has settled in so well and has really taken to his key worker, who is great! I cannot recommend highly enough.
Natalie Saunders
Sep 21, 2019
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I am so pleased that we chose The Dolphin for our son. It was such a big decision but we have never looked back. Since staring there, our son has been so well looked after. The staff are amazing and work very hard. Mel and Paul are always happy to help out if we need to alter or add days. I would highly recommend The Dolphin to any parents looking for childcare.
Rosie Taylor
Aug 16, 2019
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Charlotte Cozens
Jul 09, 2019
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Abel has been going to dolphin for a couple months now. He has come on so much! Getting independent with eating and enjoying interaction with other children. The activities are amazing and always have a book full of photos from the day.
Considering he only goes 1 day a week and not even all day, he runs off straight away when we go to nursery.
The staff are always so welcoming & friendly. I find myself staying longer just chatting. It’s so nice to know the setting and people that my boy is in and can’t fault a thing. Highly recommend this amazing nursery. Big shout out to Corinne, Nicole
Considering he only goes 1 day a week and not even all day, he runs off straight away when we go to nursery.
The staff are always so welcoming & friendly. I find myself staying longer just chatting. It’s so nice to know the setting and people that my boy is in and can’t fault a thing. Highly recommend this amazing nursery. Big shout out to Corinne, Nicole
Emily Lampitt
Jan 31, 2019
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Highly recommend the dolphin. my first child went there from 8m-5yrs and now my second child is there (age2) and could not fault at all. All staff are friendly and they plan great activities for the children which always makes learning fun for them. Its like a family there - all staff know all the children and there is always a happy atmosphere. great communication with parents (monthly newsletter, daily activity sheets and regular parents evenings) aswell as great contact on an everyday basis.
Jacqui Hurst
Jan 28, 2019
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Dolphin is a fantastic, warm, family orientated nursery, where when you walk in everyone has a smile on their face. I love all the activities and creative things they have the children doing, with little personal touches like getting the children to make cards for special occasions. There are so many things they must be doing right as our daughter is so happy, bright and learning all the time, some of which is down to the care and attention she receives at Dolphin.
I can't compare it to other nurseries, as we have only ever used this one, but I'm so glad we chose Dolphin. Leaving your children
I can't compare it to other nurseries, as we have only ever used this one, but I'm so glad we chose Dolphin. Leaving your children
Adrian Lloyd
Aug 20, 2018
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My son Alfred has been at the dolphin nursery for nine months now and really loves it. We have felt very at ease since the start knowing that the staff are caring and sincere and that Alfred is in very safe hands. Communication with parents is five star and we know exactly what happens on a day to day basis and what targets our son should be meeting. I have been very impressed by the range of activities the children are involved in. Food is excellent and it is great not having to take anything with you as it is all provided by the nursery. A fantastic start in life for any child.
Lucy Richmond
Jun 26, 2018
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Our son has been attending the dolphin nursery since he was 1 and his childminder let us down. Mel and the team were very welcoming and friendly and we felt it was the right setting and place for him. He has loved his dolphin journey and loves pre school. Our little girl has recently started and already has good relationships with the team in the room.
Sarah Avery
May 28, 2018
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The Dolphin is a fantastic nursery and pre-school. Our now 7-year-old daughter attended from age two until she started school and our son, who is almost three, started at 11 months old. All teachers and keyworkers have been brilliant and we have always felt well informed about all aspects of our children's development and progress. All of the Dolphin staff are welcoming and very attentive to the children. The nursery has excellent indoor and outdoor facilities with a professional, yet family-run atmosphere, which for us is what makes it stand out from other settings in the area. The meals are cooked
