Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning in Reading
Park Day Nursery has been providing exceptional childcare and early years education in Reading since 1989. Established as both a family home and nursery, we have cultivated a nurturing environment where children develop strong emotional attachments with our dedicated staff. Our Ofsted Outstanding rating since 2017 reflects our commitment to excellence in early childhood development. Located in a spacious Victorian house, we offer age-specific learning spaces including dedicated pre-school and sensory rooms, alongside a secure outdoor garden designed to stimulate creativity. Our team of experienced professionals, led by co-owners Jackie and Simon who have personal insight into working parents' needs, delivers tailored care aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.We prioritise individualised attention through key person systems while maintaining flexible group activities. Our facilities accommodate children from 3 months to 5 years across seven specialised rooms, ensuring age-appropriate learning experiences. Living locally enables us to maintain operational oversight while empowering our Nursery Manager to implement best practices. We welcome parents to experience our home-from-home atmosphere through personal tours, with testimonials consistently highlighting children's happiness and staff dedication.
Services
Dormice Sleep Room
Acorns Room (0-2 years)
Squirrels Room (2-3 years)
Badgers Pre-School (3-5 years)
Foxes Physical Development Room
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of dedicated childcare experience since 1989
- Ofsted Outstanding rating across all inspection areas
- Specialised age-group rooms with tailored learning resources
- Secure outdoor garden with sensory path and playground
- Flexible small-group and large-group activity spaces
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Caring staff
Happy children
Secure garden
Personalised attention
Excellent facilities
Services
Dormice Sleep Room
Our dedicated sleep room provides a calm, secure environment for children under 2 years. Equipped with individual cots and soothing resources, our trained staff ensure restful sleep cycles while maintaining safety standards. The room's design promotes relaxation through controlled lighting and noise levels, supporting healthy development for our youngest attendees.
Acorns Room
Tailored for infants and toddlers, this room features age-appropriate sensory materials and safe exploration spaces. Our Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum introduces foundational learning through play, with staff delivering individualised care plans that track developmental milestones in a nurturing setting.
Squirrels Room
Designed for transitioning toddlers, this space encourages social interaction and structured learning. Staff facilitate activities developing motor skills and early communication, using purpose-selected resources that stimulate curiosity while preparing children for formal education environments.
Badgers Pre-School
Our pre-school programme prepares children for school through balanced educational activities. Qualified teachers deliver literacy, numeracy, and creative arts sessions aligned with national standards, while outdoor learning spaces develop physical coordination and teamwork skills in a stimulating environment.
Foxes Physical Development Room
This specialist room enhances physical coordination through climbing structures, balance equipment, and movement activities. Designed to improve motor skills and spatial awareness, it provides safe challenges that build confidence while supporting the Early Years Foundation Stage physical development requirements.
People
Jackie Brown
Co-Owner & Nursery Manager
With over 30 years in childcare, Jackie has led Park Day Nursery since 2013. Her hands-on approach ensures daily operations maintain Ofsted Outstanding standards while implementing innovative early years practices that benefit both children and families.
Simon
Co-Owner
Co-owning Park Day Nursery since 2013, Simon works alongside Jackie to maintain their vision of exceptional childcare. Their combined leadership ensures the nursery continues delivering high-quality care while adapting to modern educational requirements.
Emma
Manager
As daily operations manager, Emma oversees staff coordination and programme implementation. Her expertise in early childhood education ensures consistent delivery of the nursery's educational objectives while maintaining strong parent communication channels.
Crystal
Head of Academic and Teaching
Crystal leads curriculum development and staff training initiatives. Her focus on Early Years Foundation Stage requirements ensures educational programmes remain current and effective in supporting children's learning journeys.
Tarah
Daily Operations Coordinator
Managing day-to-day administrative functions, Tarah ensures smooth nursery operations. Her organisational skills maintain efficient systems that support both staff requirements and parent communications across all nursery departments.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 3 months to 5 years across seven dedicated rooms including Dormice Sleep Room, Acorns (0-2 years), Squirrels (2-3 years), and Badgers Pre-School (3-5 years).
What is your Ofsted rating?
We hold an Ofsted Outstanding rating across all areas since our July 2017 inspection, with continued excellence maintained through regular staff training and quality assurance processes.
What facilities do you offer?
Our Victorian property features age-specific learning rooms, a sensory room, physical development space, and a secure garden with outdoor classroom, wooden playhouse, and safety surfacing.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain open communication through key person systems, regular progress updates, and parent workshops. Our online enrolment and policy documents provide easy access to essential information for families.
What makes your nursery unique?
Our home-from-home atmosphere combines with professional staff expertise to create a nurturing environment. The flexible space allows both small-group intimacy and larger social interactions within a secure, stimulating setting.
Reviews (3)
James Burn
Oct 27, 2021
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My daughter went to Park Day nursery until we recently moved away from the area and she was extremely happy there, she came on leaps and bounds. It's not just child care, they're really set up to develop the children through activities they enjoy. As someone with a background in education, it was no surprise that they're graded as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. Very appreciative of the role they played in helping my daughter grow.
Tatiana Harrison
Aug 15, 2021
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I would highly recommend Parkday nursery, Jackie and her team are wonderful. Both of my children attended the nursery from 1 year old till school and I have been delighted with the nursery for the whole time. There is a high level of care and engagement for all children and tons of different and fun activities. There is also a children's committee and the Nursery regularly ask for feedback from children as well as the parents. Can't recommend enough!
Lucy Rose
Oct 30, 2018
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Undergoing a traineeship at this nursery has been the best time i'v had in a long while. I work in the badgers room with the older children, everyday there are activities like painting and drawing and sensory activities along side outdoor play, singing, story time and meal times. The staff look after the children like their own and its just such a beautiful thing to see.
