Sandy Bears Nursery and Pre School
Good★ 5.0 on GoogleBirth to 8+Long established
A day nursery in Tattenhall for children from birth to 8+, open 07:30 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in July 2022. Open since 2012, with 48 places.
What you might pay
This setting does not publish its fees, and no national dataset holds them. This is what childcare costs across the council, as a starting point for the call.
What childcare usually costs in Cheshire West and Chester
This is not this setting's price. It is the median hourly fee across all providers in Cheshire West and Chester from the Department for Education's 2025 provider survey. No national data holds what an individual nursery charges, so ring and ask.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
CH3 9PXWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 13 July 2022 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children happily wave to their parents as they enter the setting, eager to greet friends and play. Babies put their arms out to their key person before they quickly settle into activities. Children develop strong bonds with the welcoming and nurturing staff. Children are motivated to learn and make good progress.
Managers create an environment to support children to be curious and independent learners. The organised curriculum, resources and environment allow children to choose a wide range of activities. Children splash through the puddle they have made with the hosepipe, then watch their footprints dry up in the sun. They work together and show resilience as they transport a large bucket of water to a hole they have created. They are delighted to watch the water disappear down the hole and recall previous learning which they excitedly share with staff. There are many opportunities for children to develop their large-motor skills as they climb up and over play equipment and crawl through tunnels. They turn take well as older children say, 'your turn next'. They are developing friendships. Children generally use good manners. Younger children and those with limited vocabulary are encouraged to use sign to say please and thank you. Staff consistently model positive behaviour to children who develop good social skills.
Expectations for children are high, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children's play is supported by knowledgeable staff who expertly thread learning into activities. For example, babies exploring flour are encouraged to stand in the tray and feel the texture under their feet and as it sprinkles over them. They are learning new words and communication skills.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- focus more on the organisation of routine transition times so children remain fully engaged and prepared for the transition n review hygiene routines so they are consistently adhered to and hygiene standards are of the highest quality.
- 13 July 2022Good
- 14 September 2016Outstanding
- 24 September 2012Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Sandy Bears Nursery and Pre School
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.