Business Details
9 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Preschool Education in Oxfordshire
Established in 2017, Willow Cottage Nursery provides high-quality childcare and preschool education across three Oxfordshire locations. Our approach combines OFSTED-recognised good practices with a curriculum rooted in nature connection, physical play, and emotional wellbeing. We prioritise secure relationships between children, staff, and families, ensuring developmentally appropriate progress for every child. With spacious outdoor facilities and home-cooked meals, our team creates happy, safe environments where children flourish through diverse learning opportunities. Our experienced practitioners use children's interests to design engaging activities, from sensory play for infants to obstacle courses for older children.As a family-run business, we maintain close partnerships with parents while adhering to strict safeguarding standards. Our three departments cater to children aged 0-5, offering direct access to outdoor gardens and developmentally appropriate resources. We support government-funded childcare schemes and provide flexible booking patterns to accommodate family needs. Our commitment to excellence has been demonstrated through successful OFSTED inspections and positive parent testimonials. We continuously invest in staff training to maintain educational quality and developmental outcomes.
Services
Childcare Services
Preschool Education
Funded Childcare
Tax-Free Childcare
Outdoor Learning Programs
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- OFSTED-recognised good practices in child development
- Three spacious Oxfordshire countryside locations with outdoor learning
- Experienced team using child-led educational approaches
- Home-cooked meals with fresh, quality ingredients
- Flexible funding options including Tax-Free Childcare
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Secure relationships
Outdoor learning
Nurturing environment
Dedicated staff
Developmental focus
Services
Childcare Services
Our childcare services cater to children aged 0-5 across three Oxfordshire locations. Each setting provides secure, stimulating environments with direct garden access. Staff use OFSTED-endorsed methods to create individualised learning plans based on children's interests. Outdoor activities include puddle splashing, dinosaur hunts, and physical challenges.
Preschool Education
Our preschool curriculum follows Birth to Five guidelines while incorporating nature-based learning. Qualified practitioners deliver structured sessions in music, art, and language development. The program prepares children for school through social skills development and cognitive stimulation in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Funded Childcare
We accept 15/30 hours funded childcare for eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds. Our team assists parents with funding applications and explains eligibility requirements. This government-supported provision ensures quality early education access for local families across Oxfordshire.
Tax-Free Childcare
Registered for the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, we help working families reduce childcare costs. Parents receive 20% government top-ups on payments, making our premium services more accessible while maintaining educational quality and safety standards.
Outdoor Learning
Our curriculum emphasizes outdoor exploration with purpose-built garden spaces. Children engage in physical play, nature observation, and seasonal activities. This approach develops motor skills, environmental awareness, and creative thinking through hands-on experiences in Oxfordshire's countryside settings.
People
Ruth Salway
Head Teacher
BEd-qualified educational leader with extensive early years experience, overseeing curriculum implementation and staff development across all nursery settings.
Jess Mills
Setting Manager
Experienced nursery manager responsible for daily operations at Owls Leat, Eynsham, ensuring high standards of care and education.
Toni Gaul
Setting Manager
Dedicated manager at Oxleys Farm, Farmoor, with specialist knowledge in early childhood development and outdoor learning environments.
Sam Hitchman
Setting Manager
BSc-qualified Early Years Professional leading operations at The Old School, Bletchingdon, with focus on child-centred educational approaches.
Valerie Grady
Proprietor
Founder and educational visionary behind Willow Cottage Nursery, developing the nature-based curriculum and maintaining quality standards across all locations.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We cater to children from under one year old up to five-year-olds preparing for school.
Are you OFSTED registered?
Yes, all our nurseries are OFSTED-registered and have received positive inspections highlighting our educational practices.
Do you offer government-funded childcare?
We accept 15/30 hours funded childcare for eligible 2, 3, and 4-year-olds through the government scheme.
What food do you provide?
We offer home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients, with special dietary requirements accommodated across all settings.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum combines OFSTED guidelines with nature-based learning, tailored to each child's interests and developmental stage.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Visits require prior availability confirmation. Complete our online form to arrange a pre-booked appointment.
Reviews (1)
Stephen Harness
Aug 30, 2021
Report
Our son has just graduated from the Farmoor setting after three and half years. The staff have been great with him and hes loved his time there. Hes left happy and ready for big school. So thats probably the most appropriate thing to say when considering whether wed recommend it to other parents.
