Business Details
20 Years
experience
Outstanding Nursery & Preschool in Abingdon | Culham Science Centre
Established in 2006, we are a purpose-built nursery and preschool located at Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Our team of highly qualified professionals has been consistently rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2012, 2015, and 2020, reflecting our commitment to excellence in early years education. We deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum through carefully planned play and age-appropriate resources, ensuring each child receives individualised attention from a dedicated key worker.Our facilities include a large garden with mature trees and age-specific learning environments designed to stimulate curiosity and development. With a focus on healthy, home-cooked meals and partnerships with local producers, we provide a nurturing environment that prepares children for school while maintaining strong communication with parents.
Services
Nursery Care
Preschool Education
Play Stages
EYFS Curriculum
Healthy Meals
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We have been rated Outstanding by Ofsted three times since 2012.
- Our team includes qualified nursery managers and practitioners with specialist training.
- We implement the EYFS curriculum with individualised play-based learning plans.
- Our nursery cooks provide healthy, home-cooked meals using local produce.
- We offer government-funded childcare schemes to support families.
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Outstanding childcare
Excellent facilities
Dedicated staff
Healthy meals
Engaging activities
Services
Nursery Care
We provide nurturing care for babies aged 3 months to 18 months, with individual key workers who follow personal routines for feeding, sleeping, and play. Our baby rooms feature age-appropriate toys and equipment to stimulate sensory development and motor skills. Each child receives tailored attention to ensure comfort and developmental progress.
Preschool Education
Our preschool caters to children aged 2.5 to 5 years, focusing on school readiness through structured play and the EYFS curriculum. We develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills while fostering independence. Daily activities include themed learning, outdoor exploration, and creative projects tailored to children's interests.
Play Stages
Age-specific play activities are designed to match developmental stages, from sensory exploration for babies to complex problem-solving games for preschoolers. Our outdoor spaces include gardens with natural elements and play equipment to encourage physical and cognitive growth in a safe environment.
EYFS Curriculum
We implement the statutory EYFS framework to ensure comprehensive learning across seven areas, including communication, physical development, and personal growth. Daily planning adapts to children's interests while meeting educational milestones, with regular progress assessments shared with parents.
Healthy Meals
Our in-house cooks prepare balanced, home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients, accommodating dietary needs and preferences. Children participate in cooking activities and are introduced to diverse foods, fostering healthy eating habits and culinary curiosity in a supportive setting.
People
Nikki
Nursery Manager
Nursery Manager since 2006 with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Oversees operations and team development, holding Ofsted Outstanding ratings in 2012, 2015, and 2020.
Laura
Nursery Operations Manager
Qualified Nursery Practitioner since 2003, managing staff and operations. Focuses on staff development and maintaining high childcare standards through continuous training.
Hanane
Babies Room Leader
Room Leader since 2024 with a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. Specialises in infant care, creating stimulating environments for babies' developmental milestones.
Daisy
Babies Junior Room Leader
Junior Room Leader since 2024, qualified in Level 3 Early Years Education. Focuses on settling babies into nursery routines and supporting early developmental achievements.
Tafie
Toddlers Room Leader
Room Leader since 2020 with a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. Specialises in toddler engagement through music, movement, and exploratory play activities.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 3 months to 5 years, with dedicated baby, toddler, and preschool rooms tailored to developmental stages.
Is your nursery Ofsted registered?
Yes, we are Ofsted-registered and have maintained an Outstanding rating since 2012, with our latest inspection in February 2020.
How do you support children's learning?
We follow the EYFS curriculum, using play-based learning plans individualised for each child's interests and developmental needs, with regular progress assessments.
What meals do you provide?
We offer freshly cooked meals daily, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, using local produce and accommodating dietary requirements.
Do you offer government-funded childcare?
Yes, we accept government funding for eligible children aged 9 months and older, including tax-free childcare schemes.
Reviews (3)
Sarah Howe-Davies
Sep 18, 2018
Report
I can highly recommend this nursery/Pre School, I still remember going for a visit before Jack was born and signing him up knowing it was going to be the best place for him and we werent wrong! From the baby room, to the Toddler room and then Lower and Upper Pre school, the staff were amazing, Rebecca was fantastic with the transition into Lower Pre School, and Richard has been an absolute star with Jack in Upper Pre School, we've seen Jacks confidence grow and finally feel like he is actually ready for big school, this is definitely down to Richard and the staff at the pre school, this has
Sara Peter
Sep 04, 2015
Report
I am not sure if you have any questions please let me to get the intended recipient you are not the intended recipient you are
Kirsty Chapman
Jun 05, 2012
Report
My daughter was in the toddler room, but also interacted with the baby room and the pre-schoolers and I feel the nursery is excellent in every respect. They were very helpful and attentive to my daughters particular needs. The staff were friendly, approachable and left me with no worries when leaving my daughter. One morning my daughter had slept through lunch so when I collected her after her morning session they had saved it for me to take home for her, so I can honestly say Ive seen the food and that too is of an extremely high standard (which was quickie polished off when we got home).
