Information Density: Barney Bears Nursery – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

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Each day, learning through play
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"Barney Bears Nursery prides ourselves on word of mouth and our reputation.”
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A happy secure environment in which each child can develop at his or her own pace
Our Gallery

[H2] Welcome to Barney Bears Nursery!
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Barney Bears Nursery Barking was the first site to open in 2004 followed by West Ham Nursery in 2012.
We are Ofsted registered, offering places from 3 months to 5 years.

[H2] Why Choose Us
[H5] Why Children & Their Parents Choose Us

[H4] Healthy Eating

[H4] Trips/Outings

[H4] Garden

[H4] Keyperson role

[H4] Partnership with Parents

more info
[H2] Visions and Values
[H5] Barney Bears Nursery Values

Our Visions are: To be an OUTSTANDING setting
To gain this we need positive Leadership
With a Quality mindset
Consistency is key

read more
[H2] We care for
[H5] Choose Your Age Group

[IMG: Baby Room]
Cares for children under the age of 2 years in a peaceful, calm environment where we provide a comfortable homely space.

[H4] Baby Room
3 Months-2 Years

[IMG: Main Room]
Our Main Room offers fun and excitement for the toddlers from 2 to 3 years through a variety of activities.

[H4] Main Room
2-3 Years

[IMG: Pre School]
We work around our pre-skills activities and readiness for school. These are planned and tailored to our individual children to focus on skills within the EYFS curriculum.

[H4] Pre School
3-5 Years

[H3] How to Enroll Your Child at Barney Bears
[H5] A happy secure environment in which each child can develop at his or her own pace

[H5] Call Us Barking |  West Ham

[H2] Our Activities
[H5] Each Day Learning Play

Table/Floor Activities
Outdoor Play
Sand & Water
Play Dough/Mark Making
Construction

Role Play
Creative Play
Book Area
Music and Movement
Trips and Outings

More about us
[H2] what parents say
[H5] Testimonials About Barney Bears
more testimonials
I have had two of my children attend this nursery and I could not be more happier with how they have helped with them. My older son who attended a few years back was helped with potty training his, speech development was brilliant, his tantrums was kept under control and I was given some handy tips for those at home too. My daughter now attends there and there has been some new staff members started and have got along really well with my daughter. She sometimes has down days and does not want to go in but that changes with the bond she has made with the staff! She eats really well there and her sleeping pattern, thanks to the nursery, has improved at home as she used to stay up most nights now she has a strict routine and that’s thanks to Barney’s! Would highly recommend Barney Bears Nursery as they have undoubtedly worked really well with my children.

[IMG: West Ham Parent]

[H4] West Ham Parent
West Ham

We are so glad we chose Barney Bears for our son! All the staff are incredible – they clearly all really care about the children and are passionate about what they do and it shows as the children all respond really well to the staff. They have lots of activities planned, always have extra events on special occasions and really go the extra mile. They have home cooked food and really look after the children’s welfare. My little boy absolutely loves going to nursery, and we have had nothing but good experiences.

[IMG: West Ham Parent]

[H4] West Ham Parent
West Ham

We’ve had such a wonderful experience with this nursery! It’s a warm, caring, and creative environment that really supports children’s development through engaging sensory and learning activities. The facilities are excellent – there are two separate gardens for babies and toddlers, spacious rooms with views of the park, and everything is kept very clean. They follow a no-shoes policy inside the rooms, which we really appreciate. The baby room also has its own changing area with access to running water. The staff are absolutely lovely – kind, attentive, and genuinely caring. My little boy started here at 8 months old and he settled in so well. He’s now 18 months and already talking! We’re so happy we chose this nursery – it’s made such a positive impact on our son’s early development.

[IMG: West Ham Parent]

[H4] West Ham Parent
West Ham

[H2] LATEST NEWS

[IMG: Newham Business Awards 2025]
[IMG: Fun Day 2025]
[IMG: Barking and Dagenham Business Awards]
[IMG: Annual Outing 2025 – Hertfordshire Zoo]
more news
[H2] Photo gallery
[H5] From the Nursery

West Ham

West Ham

West Ham

West Ham Garden

West Ham Garden

Barking Babyroom

Barking Preschool

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077

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[H5] Barking Address

[H5] 60 Upney Lane
Barking
Essex IG11 9LR

[H5] Phone

[H5] 020 8594 3366

[H5] West Ham

[H5] Grassroots, Memorial Park,
West Ham, London,
E15 3DB (near play area)

[H5] Phone

[H5] 020 7476 7500

[H2] get in touch
[H5] Send us a Message
Send us a message using the form and we’ll respond as soon as we can.

[H2] Our Owners

Founded in April 2004 by Sarah Hawkins and Leah Clarke, Barney Bears Nursery has been nurturing young minds for over 20 years. Sarah and Leah first met while studying at Barking & Dagenham College in 1996, and their shared passion for early childhood education became the foundation of our nursery.
We take pride in our strong reputation and the trust our community places in us—most of our new families come through word of mouth. With nurseries across Newham and Barking & Dagenham, we continue to see high demand and maintain a healthy waiting list.
As we grow, our commitment to providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for every child remains at the heart of everything we do.
Thank You
Sarah Hawkins & Leah Clarke
Directors of Barney Bears Nursery’s Ltd

Leah Clarke
CEO & Co-Owner, Barney Bears Nursery Ltd.

I grew up in Newham, starting from humble beginnings. I hold a Coaching Degree and have a strong passion for leadership and the physiology behind it. I love learning and personal development, and I’m always seeking ways to grow both professionally and personally.
I serve on the executive board of the Newham Chambers of Commerce and am Vice Chair of the Women in Business sub-group, where I enjoy connecting with others and expanding my network. Health and my two children are at the heart of everything I do. At Barney Bears, my main focus is managing expenses, ensuring our operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Sarah Hawkins
CEO & Co-Owner, Barney Bears Nursery Ltd.

I began my journey in childcare at 16, studying at Barking and Dagenham College, and have been passionate about supporting children’s development ever since.
As a mum of three daughters, I understand how important it is for children to feel safe, happy, and inspired. I love what I do and am committed to creating a high-quality, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and make lasting memories.
I’m also dedicated to supporting our team, helping staff grow into confident professionals and achieve their goals. Alongside leading HR within the nursery, I’m also a Governance at Barking and Dagenham College.
I also co-host the podcast Real Talk, Real Hustle with my business partner Leah, where we share our journey to inspire others to pursue their ambitions.

[H2] what parents say
[H5] Testimonials About Barney Bears
more testimonials
I have had two of my children attend this nursery and I could not be more happier with how they have helped with them. My older son who attended a few years back was helped with potty training his, speech development was brilliant, his tantrums was kept under control and I was given some handy tips for those at home too. My daughter now attends there and there has been some new staff members started and have got along really well with my daughter. She sometimes has down days and does not want to go in but that changes with the bond she has made with the staff! She eats really well there and her sleeping pattern, thanks to the nursery, has improved at home as she used to stay up most nights now she has a strict routine and that’s thanks to Barney’s! Would highly recommend Barney Bears Nursery as they have undoubtedly worked really well with my children.

[IMG: West Ham Parent]

[H4] West Ham Parent
West Ham

We are so glad we chose Barney Bears for our son! All the staff are incredible – they clearly all really care about the children and are passionate about what they do and it shows as the children all respond really well to the staff. They have lots of activities planned, always have extra events on special occasions and really go the extra mile. They have home cooked food and really look after the children’s welfare. My little boy absolutely loves going to nursery, and we have had nothing but good experiences.

[IMG: West Ham Parent]

[H4] West Ham Parent
West Ham

We’ve had such a wonderful experience with this nursery! It’s a warm, caring, and creative environment that really supports children’s development through engaging sensory and learning activities. The facilities are excellent – there are two separate gardens for babies and toddlers, spacious rooms with views of the park, and everything is kept very clean. They follow a no-shoes policy inside the rooms, which we really appreciate. The baby room also has its own changing area with access to running water. The staff are absolutely lovely – kind, attentive, and genuinely caring. My little boy started here at 8 months old and he settled in so well. He’s now 18 months and already talking! We’re so happy we chose this nursery – it’s made such a positive impact on our son’s early development.

[IMG: West Ham Parent]

[H4] West Ham Parent
West Ham

[H2] Vision & Values
[H5] MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where children and staff feel valued and experience a strong sense of belonging. We are committed to creating positive and enriching experiences that support children’s, and staffs, development and wellbeing, ensuring that every person leaves our nursery with happy, lasting memories of Barney Bears.

[H5] OUR VALUES ARE

Children First – We nurture every child’s growth, safety, happiness and learning & development in a warm, caring and inspiring environment.
Kindness & Respect – We treat everyone with care, compassion and understanding, creating a welcoming place where all feel valued and heard.
Trust & Honesty – We act with integrity, build strong relationships and stay true to our values in everything we do.
Teamwork & Support – We work together, encourage one another and create a positive environment where everyone can succeed.
Growth & Passion – We are committed to learning, improving and making a difference every day for children, families and each other.
Strong Leadership – We lead with confidence, kindness and integrity, setting clear expectations and supporting our team to be their best.

[H5] OUR VISION

[H5] Our vision is to create a high-quality, caring environment where children and staff thrive, feel secure and valued, and develop a lifelong love of learning. We strive to build a strong, supportive community that creates positive experiences and lasting memories for every child and family.

[H2] what parents say
more testimonials
I have had two of my children attend this nursery and I could not be more happier with how they have helped with them. My older son who attended a few years back was helped with potty training his, speech development was brilliant, his tantrums was kept under control and I was given some handy tips for those at home too. My daughter now attends there and there has been some new staff members started and have got along really well with my daughter. She sometimes has down days and does not want to go in but that changes with the bond she has made with the staff! She eats really well there and her sleeping pattern, thanks to the nursery, has improved at home as she used to stay up most nights now she has a strict routine and that’s thanks to Barney’s! Would highly recommend Barney Bears Nursery as they have undoubtedly worked really well with my children.

[IMG: West Ham Parent]

[H4] West Ham Parent
West Ham

We are so glad we chose Barney Bears for our son! All the staff are incredible – they clearly all really care about the children and are passionate about what they do and it shows as the children all respond really well to the staff. They have lots of activities planned, always have extra events on special occasions and really go the extra mile. They have home cooked food and really look after the children’s welfare. My little boy absolutely loves going to nursery, and we have had nothing but good experiences.

[IMG: West Ham Parent]

[H4] West Ham Parent
West Ham

We’ve had such a wonderful experience with this nursery! It’s a warm, caring, and creative environment that really supports children’s development through engaging sensory and learning activities. The facilities are excellent – there are two separate gardens for babies and toddlers, spacious rooms with views of the park, and everything is kept very clean. They follow a no-shoes policy inside the rooms, which we really appreciate. The baby room also has its own changing area with access to running water. The staff are absolutely lovely – kind, attentive, and genuinely caring. My little boy started here at 8 months old and he settled in so well. He’s now 18 months and already talking! We’re so happy we chose this nursery – it’s made such a positive impact on our son’s early development.

[IMG: West Ham Parent]

[H4] West Ham Parent
West Ham

[H5] Barking Address

[H5] 60 Upney Lane
Barking
Essex IG11 9LR

[H5] Phone

[H5] 020 8594 3366

[H5] West Ham

[H5] Grassroots, Memorial Park,
West Ham, London,
E15 3DB (near play area)

[H5] Phone

[H5] 020 7476 7500

[H2] get in touch
[H5] Send us a Message
Send us a message using the form and we’ll respond as soon as we can.

[H2] Our Qualities

Opening Hours: The nursery offers full and part-time places from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). The nursery is open for 51 weeks a year and closes 1 week at Christmas.

Visions and Values

[H2] MENUS
[H5] “The nursery offers freshly prepared meals on the premises and rotates a four-week nutritional menu”

Below are downloadable PDFs of our Food Menus.

Spring/Summer MenuAutumn/Winter menu
[H2] MENUS
[H5] “The nursery offers freshly prepared meals on the premises and rotates a four-week nutritional menu”

Below are downloadable PDFs of our Food Menus.

Spring/Summer MenuAutumn/Winter menu
[H2] What We Offer
[H5] Why Parents Choose Us

[H4] Healthy Eating

“Barney Bears has been working closely with the Early Start Nutrition Team to create and develop healthy balanced food menus for our children.”
Learn more

[H4] Trips/Outings

“Real life and community experiences, to discover the world around them”
Learn more

[H4] Garden

“Our garden is used for all ages to explore safely and enjoy outdoor play throughout the year”
Learn more

[H4] Keyperson role

To establish a secure and settled bond and tailor the care to meet the individual needs and developments of the individual child. ‘Through interaction and learning through play.’
Learn more

Learn more about Child Paths