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.
what parents say
Testimonials About Barney Bears
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.
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.
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.