Business Details
Trusted Nursery School & Chameleon Club in Didcot
At Lydalls Nursery School, we are dedicated to providing exceptional early years education and care. Our OFSTED-rated 'outstanding' provision focuses on fostering a lifelong love of learning through play-based, child-centred approaches. With expert staff who possess deep knowledge of child development, we create rich learning experiences that nurture personal growth and exemplary conduct. We actively collaborate with parents as primary educators, offering regular tours and transparent communication. Our structured admissions process ensures timely placements, while our curriculum balances structured learning with creative exploration, preparing children for future educational success. 
Services
Nursery School
Chameleon Club
Special Educational Needs
Early Years Pupil Premium
Training Programmes
Highlights and features
- We hold an OFSTED 'outstanding' rating for educational quality
- Our staff demonstrate expert knowledge of early childhood development
- We offer structured admissions timelines with clear decision dates
- Personalised nursery tours available six times annually
- We prioritise parental involvement as first educators
Associations and certifications
- OFSTED
What people say
Wonderful learning experiences
Expert staff knowledge
Exceptional personal development
Exemplary conduct
Lifelong love of learning
Services
Nursery School
Our nursery school provides structured early years education for children aged 2-5. Following the EYFS framework, we deliver play-based learning that develops foundational skills. OFSTED inspectors praised our 'exceptional personal development' and 'expert staff knowledge', ensuring children receive optimal preparation for primary school.
Chameleon Club
The Chameleon Club offers extended childcare provision beyond regular nursery hours. This flexible service supports working families while maintaining our educational ethos. Activities combine structured learning with creative play, ensuring continuity in child development outside standard school timings.
Special Educational Needs
We provide tailored support for children with special educational needs. Our inclusive approach features individualised learning plans and specialist resources. Staff receive regular training to address diverse requirements, ensuring all children achieve their full potential within our nurturing environment.
Early Years Pupil Premium
We administer Early Years Pupil Premium funding to enhance educational outcomes for eligible children. This additional support enables targeted interventions and resource allocation. Our transparent process ensures funds directly benefit individual learning and development needs.
Training Programmes
Our training programmes develop early years professionals through apprenticeships and continuing education. We offer Level 2/3 Early Years Educator qualifications alongside practical experience. This investment in human capital maintains our high staff expertise standards and sector leadership.
People
Sarah Phillips
Headteacher
Sarah Phillips leads Lydalls Nursery School with extensive early years education experience. She champions staff development and parental partnership, maintaining OFSTED 'outstanding' standards through innovative curriculum delivery and quality assurance processes.
Questions
What OFSTED rating has Lydalls Nursery received?
Lydalls Nursery School was rated 'outstanding' in its October 2023 OFSTED inspection, recognising exceptional personal development and learning experiences.
How do I arrange a nursery school tour?
Contact our office on 01235 813137 to book one of our six annual guided tours, held between September and June with 8 places per session.
What are the admission deadlines?
Applications for September 2025 closed on 30th April 2025. Future deadlines are 30th September (January start), 31st January (April start), and 30th April (September start).
Do you support children with special needs?
Yes, we provide tailored SEN support with individualised learning plans and specialist resources, delivered by trained staff committed to inclusive education.
What childcare options are available?
We offer nursery education for 2-5 year olds plus the Chameleon Club for extended hours, combining educational continuity with flexible childcare solutions.
Reviews (3)
Dicken Peter Hatt
Jul 20, 2021
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Fantastic care and attention to both of my girls. The team are an established group that work for the children and this shines through with wonderful results.
Sam looked after both G and A. While Sally and Steph looked after G in the older room. We can't recommend the site highly enough. Wonderful in door and lots of various outdoor facilities to.
Thankyou to all the team for the experiences you have given my girls.
Sam looked after both G and A. While Sally and Steph looked after G in the older room. We can't recommend the site highly enough. Wonderful in door and lots of various outdoor facilities to.
Thankyou to all the team for the experiences you have given my girls.
Helen Wiseman
Aug 12, 2018
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Lydalls Nursery School really is an Outstanding place. My little one thoroughly enjoyed their time there. The staff are totally fantastic, friendly and welcoming and it really impressed me how well they knew each individual child and their family. The classrooms and garden area are amazing and have lots of activities for all. My little one progressed brilliantly in their learning and became ready for big school all because of their time at Lydalls. I cannot recommend this nursery school highly enough.
Sian Gardner
Aug 02, 2018
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My older children went to an other nursery which I feel they missed out on the wonderful experience my younger children have and are having at Lydalls. It Is a friendly and welcoming environment where children come on in leaps and bounds. Growing in confidence. The staff become part of the family as theyre all so lovely. I would highly recommend Lydalls Nursery.
