Your experience of Bumblee Bee nursery or Noah’s Ark Cobham Close Post Reply

[Locationorspace]

Hello

I’d really appreciate any first hand experience of either of these two nurseries
Both seem great from visits and would love to hear some more personal thoughts from local parents

Many thanks

[Batterseamumoftwo]

Hi

Two of mine went to Cobham Close and the first to Noah’s Ark’s old site in Endlesham Road. It is a lovely nursery with very caring staff and a great mix of fun and learning. The only downside is the small outside space but the staff have recently done a really good job at making the most of it. They also use the common which is very close. I have no experience of Bumblebee so can’t compare but would definitely recommend Noah’s Ark.

[szerma]

I just posted this on the other post asking about Bumblebee vs. Mouse House, but reposting just in case:

It's now been 3 years since my daughter has gone to Noah's Ark, so the info might be a bit out of date (back then, they only let them in at 2.5). However, two of my good friends have their kids there now - one is about to finish after two years there, and the other one started in January as a 2 year old. Both of them love it.
It's a relatively small nursery, tables are about 8 in size. For each of the tables, they have one teacher that they stay with for the whole year, and I think there might be a dedicated assistant for the younger one. They do a variety of activities, teaching, and there is a big focus on the right behaviour. They have a tiny outside space that they were using, I do not know if they now started going to the common. The nursery itself is bright and well equipped, on account on being on the first floor.

Please note that this is a "Christian" nursery and associated with Dolphin School (you might find more info if you go to the Dolphin School website). However, we are atheist and did not find it too much (we were a bit worried) - the kids are taught about the Bible etc, but not any indoctrinating way (and there were certainly families of many faiths attending). 

There is a real sense of community around the nursery and I found the parents and the teaching staff, as well as the management, really lovely.

I honestly think you can't go wrong with Noah's Ark!

I know nothing about Bumble Bee nursery, but I see that it's in the same group of nurseries as Mouse House. So it's the same principal. 

[Nickyh]

My son went to Noah’s Ark in Balham (and is now in reception at Dolphin) and then moved across to Cobham close. I would highly recommend. There was a lovely atmosphere, nurturing environment for the children and a real
sense of community.
My understanding is that they now offer quite a bit of flexibility, with mornings plus afternoons on offer for those looking for additional hours. I believe they spend quite a bit of time out on the common too.

[KClaphammummy]

My daughter is just finishing her first year At Noah’s Ark Cobham and my son attended two years before going to Dolphin school. I can’t recommend NA highly enough. Both of my children have loved it. The current manager Amy is utterly dedicated to parents and kids and the small learning atmosphere really sets children up to transition into big school.

From September, they will be offering optional afternoons up to 3pm (you can do as few or as many as you like) which include tennis, outdoor nature exploring, dance and so on.

Best of luck

[astro]

Hi, 

We've had both of our children at Bumble Bee and have been very happy with the facilities and in particular the teaching staff - there is relatively low turnover so the kids get consistency in care, and they are all wonderful. Both children have loved it and have certainly been very well prepared for school in a loving and fun environment. It feels very cosy and the parent community is really nice, very down to earth and local. Each term there is a concert or a show which is simply adorable, and there are afternoon clubs and afternoon sessions available as well.

There are only two drawbacks that I'm aware of - one friend has a boy who was struggling developmentally and I don't think the school has done all they can to help him. The staff are so kind and great with shy or quiet children but don't think they have the training to deal with more complex cases. 
Secondly, it is owned by the Kindergartens which is a family-owned business with a poor reputation for being financially motivated. This has been particularly borne out during lockdown. It doesn't affect the nursery itself much as you don't see the owner, but it is worth keeping in mind. 

Good luck with the decision!

[amber100]

Noah's Ark, Cobham Close is an amazing nursery and I cannot recommend more highly.  My son attended until he turned 4 last year and it is the most nuturing place, with such kind staff - Amy the manager is simply brilliant.
I was concerned about the outdoor space before he started but it was no problem at all; they make great use of the common right accross the road or use the hall beneath for tennis lessons etc.  The outdoor space that is onsite is used very effectively too, and suprisingly can fit a class (the class/group sizes are small) very well with ample room to play.
Yes this is a 'Christian' nursery, but our family is non-religious and felt in no way was the environment too religious.  In fact, with this background it seemed to be run in a far less money-oriented way than many local nurseries.  Their sole focus is on the children and not profits.
During my son's time there I was also super impressed with the way they managed any child who was struggling in some way (socially/behavioural etc) with one-on-one care and attention.  
I do have a friend who had a son at Bumble Bee and they were very happy too, and it sounded like a great nursery.
Good luck with your decision, you honestly can't go wrong with Noah's Ark, it's such a wonderful environment.  If you have any questions I'd be happy to help.