Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford)

Old Road, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JU
Review Us
9.9 208 Reviews
Julia Durbin Day Nursery is located within the grounds of Churchill Hospital and caters for children both in the local community and the Oxford Radcliffe Hospital Trust.

Homely surroundings and a thoroughly resourced facility allows the nursery's highly trained practitioners to achieve high standards of early years education across the age ranges.

Parent partnerships are promoted and developed whilst long opening hours and a fully inclusive package offer a convenient service to busy families.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Person in charge

  • Emma Wallbridge (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 54

Total Places for Children

  • 164

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-18:30
    Tuesday 07:00-18:30
    Wednesday 07:00-18:30
    Thursday 07:00-18:30
    Friday 07:00-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Inset Days

Parking

  • Free parking is available onsite.

Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) Reviews (208)

Total of 208, showing 1-20
9.9

Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.916) out of 10, based on 43 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) has 208 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 200
  • 7
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

208
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Review from Jessica G (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm quite emotional writing this review! Both my children have attended Julia Durbin so the nursery have been part of my life for 7 years now. It is my son's last day tomorrow before he starts school in September and it feels like we will be leaving our family behind! The staff are phenomenal and have
supported not just my children but myself and my husband too when my son was diagnosed as autistic. It was a staff member who identified his possible neurodiversity and helped us move forwards to getting the diagnosis the following year. The team went above and beyond to support my child's needs and make sure he had the provision in place he needed. I will always be eternally grateful for the start you gave him. I simply cannot praise the team highly enough and, if I can name names then the lady in pre-school is just incredible. Please don't hesitate to send your child to Julia Durbin - they will love your child like their own and hold your hand if you need it.

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Review from E C (Mother of Child) published on 26 August 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot fault anything about this nursery - all the staff are incredible and the facilities provided the perfect environment for our daughter to develop and grow in. We are sad to be moving her on!

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Review from Jess G (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have just left JD after five years: my eldest attended from 2 until he went to school, and my youngest was there from aged 1 until leaving for school last week. We've had a fantastic experience here all around. The two children are quite different, but each of them was brilliantly cared for by the
staff, who always listened to what they needed, and provided appropriate activities to engage and challenge them. The admin team are also really great - streets ahead of another setting we previously attended - and in spite of the large size of the nursery, it really feels that all the staff know the children, and care about them. The preschool team in particular deserve a special mention: they are really excellent, and there are always so many exciting things going on, from concerts to trips to craft activities. We'll miss you all!

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Review from Jenny S (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at the nursery since she was 2 and is now due to head to school in Sept. Julia Durbin has hands down been the best nursery we have attended over the years. My daughter is so happy to see the staff and her friends every morning. The staff challenge them with appropriate activities
to improve their motor control and explore their interests. It will be so sad to say goodbye but I know the JD team have ensured my child is ready to transition to school. Thankyou JD!!

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Review from Michelle C (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son aged four and daughter aged 2 have both attended julia Durbin since they were 12months old. I can't speak highly enough of the whole experience. The management are brilliant the workers are wonderful- I have always felt my children have been cared for as individuals and given so much enrichment
love and attention.
The staff are passionate about their jobs and this shines through clearly.
I feel very lucky to have this nursery in our locality

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Review from R S (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Julia Durbin is a great nursery- we've been really pleased with our experience. The manager is very helpful and supportive, and the team in Ladybirds room 2 are brilliant. They are very kind and caring and always give our little one the warmest welcome! Our little one has grown and developed so much
since starting.

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Review from Louise B (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful care! My toddler was very well cared for and had a special bond with his contact person. The manager and her entire team were amazing in the Ladybirds room.


The team are warm, friendly, loving and thoughtful and always shared feedback with me of the day. It was such a comfort to leave my

son with the team and he was very happy.


Julia Durbin has wonderful creative activities and areas for children to learn through play. The food is healthy and of great quality. But most important, the staff are fantastic and truly provide great loving care.


I highly recommend this nursery.

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Review from S A (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our experience of the Julia Durbin Nursery has been fantastic and far exceeded our expectations of what nursery provisions can offer. The level of care and attention staff have given to my daughter has been amazing, taking each and every interaction to suit her individual development, getting to know
her and providing daily feedback to us as parents, both through the online app as well as personal feedback at the end of each day. Julia Durbin isn't just nursery provision, it's a loving, caring and supportive environment for both parents and children. I can't thank our key worker enough for her dedication, and our daughter has thrived under her care, patience and guidance.

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Review from Becky P (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one has been attending Julia Durbin Nursery since September, and I honestly couldn't be happier with the experience. The staff are incredibly kind, caring, and nurturing. It's clear how much they genuinely care for the children, and I've seen such a positive change in my daughter since she
started.
She's grown so much in confidence and has learnt so much - it's been amazing to watch her thrive. What means the most to me is knowing that if she ever just needs a cuddle or a bit of comfort, that's exactly what she'll get. The team really understands each child as an individual.
I was quite nervous about sending her to nursery at first, but seeing how happy she is there and how much she loves it has completely reassured me. Thank you so much to everyone at Julia Durbin for taking such wonderful care of my girl - we're so grateful

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Review from F O (Father of Child) published on 12 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are having a good experience so far. The staff is very friendly and approachable. When we go to work, we feel that our son is in good hands. He loves staying at the nursery with so many activities going on every day.

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Review from Nicholas D (Father of Child) published on 11 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter absolutely loves her time at nursery and has thrived since joining the Bumblebees room. The staff are excellent - warm, professional, and dedicated to the children's wellbeing and development. Her key worker has been especially caring and attentive, and we've been really impressed with
the thoughtful focus on learning through play.


There are a wide variety of fun and stimulating activities, both indoors and out. The outside space is fantastic - with a sandpit, play park area, large garden, and more - it's clear the children enjoy lots of fresh air and exploration.


The nursery hours are very convenient for working families, and the food is great too - varied, healthy, and prepared by a friendly chef team who are open to parent input. One small suggestion would be to add a bit more variety to the breakfast options.


Overall, we're very happy with the care and experience our daughter is receiving - a lovely, nurturing environment that she looks forward to every day.

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Review from C H (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had a great experience with Julia Durbin Day Nursery. My daughter always has a great time and has developed so much both emotionally and intellectually. She has made some lovely friends and is developing her social skills becoming a confident individual gaining her independence. The food offered
is healthy and balanced which my daughter really enjoys and the outdoor space is lovely for outdoor play and exercise.

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Review from Rafaela G (Mother of Child) published on 3 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter joined Ladybirds 1 at Julia Durbin Nursery in October, and we couldn't be happier. From the start, the team welcomed her with such warmth, helping her settle gently and feel secure. Though she spoke very little before, she now says the name of every staff member and talks about them often
at home. On weekends, she says their names as if she misses them and wants to go back - a true sign of the bonds she's built. We've seen a lot of progress in her language development, along with growing confidence, independence, and curiosity. The environment is calm, nurturing, and full of thoughtful, engaging activities. The regular updates keep us connected and show just how well the team knows and supports each child. We are so grateful to the wonderful Ladybirds 1 staff - your care, patience, and kindness are making a truly meaningful difference in our daughter's early years. Thank you for everything you do!

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Review from Joe D (Father of Child) published on 2 June 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We really love the time our son is currently spending in the bumblebees room at Julia Durbin nursery.
The staff are really friendly, engaged and attuned to the kids and their needs, and we feel like they know and care about our son as an individual. The team have a really nice vibe as well.
There
are always new and interesting activities taking place.
Access to the garden facilities seems really easy, and I know my son really values it.
The staff are helpful with issues around nap management, potty training and other things like that.
The food seems good and we're always impressed by how calm breakfast and tea is at pickup/ drop off.
We really like this nursery and our son is very happy there.

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Review from Courtney N (Mother of Child) published on 29 May 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was really nervous when dropping off my child for the first settling in session. It has only been a couple of months, but already she reaches for her key person the moment we arrive at nursery in the morning. We really appreciate how caring the staff are, and how they are willing to communicate with
us at pick-up and drop-offs. Importantly, we are also really impressed with the food. Everything is homemade, and they do not use sugar. Puddings are always fruit- and vegetable-based. Overall, we have been really impressed with the nursery!

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Review from Maya W (Mother of Child) published on 22 May 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm really grateful for the team at ladybirds 2 who all seem so genuinely happy to see my son when I drop him off. I appreciated the team encouraging my son with his walking and I felt the team really shared my excitement when he started walking.
Another thing worth praising are the meals. The meals
are all made in house by a chef who takes a lot of care to make sure there is a variety of nutritious meals.

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Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been in the pre-school room for the past 9 months, and the growth in his social and intellectual skills has been incredible. Every day offers something new-whether it's art, gardening, Forest School, or cooking. The team celebrates diversity through cultural events and activities, and there's
a strong focus on experiential learning: from fire engine and dentist visits to music lessons and even learning Spanish. The staff are truly caring and dedicated, and it's clear they put a lot of thought into creating a nurturing, stimulating environment.

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Review from N G (Mother of Child) published on 12 May 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has truly flourished during his time at the nursery. I am incredibly grateful for the warm, nurturing environment they provided, and the dedication and care shown by the entire staff have far exceeded my expectations. My little one has developed emotionally, socially and intellectually, and
he is now fluent in both English and our mother language.
Highly recommend this nursery!

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Review from Gabriela D (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at caterpillars room in November and since then I have no words to say how happy I am with the team leader, both key person and the whole team. They took my little one under their winds and helped him to grow and develop. He always comes happy to the nursery and he is loved by everybody
there. When you go through the nursery to pick up your son, you immediately realize the great environment that there is there, you see all the staff in different rooms happy and smiling, interacting with the children and doing a lot of activities. Thank you very much.

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Review from N C (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We feel incredibly fortunate to have been accepted into the Julia Durbin Nursery. My 7-month-old son recently started there, and we couldn't have wished for a better beginning.
From the very first day, we received a warm and welcoming greeting from the entire team.
My son joined the Caterpillar Room,
and we had six settling-in sessions before he officially started. Both his key person, the rest of the team, and the team leader welcomed him brilliantly.We receive daily updates on the app, detailing his activities in line with the early years framework, including sensory development and music-based interests.
In all the photos shared by the team, my son is always smiling-we truly couldn't have asked for a better start!
Thank you team.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.916)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.916) out of 10 for Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 43 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 43 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.916 for Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) is calculated as follows: ( (472 Excellents x 5) + (41 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 514 Ratings = 4.916

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) is based on 43 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 164 number of registered child places is 32.8, which has been reached with 43 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Child Vacancies

posted 04 Aug 2025

Places are available. Please contact our nursery for details on age groups and session availability.

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Awards / Recognitions (19)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2025

Recipient: Childbase Partnership

Date: Monday 31 Mar 2025 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2024

Recipient: Childbase Partnership

Date: Thursday 28 Mar 2024 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2023

Recipient: Childbase Partnership

Date: Friday 28 Apr 2023 More details

Meet the Team (1)

Emma

Emma Wallbridge

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 1996

Emma is the Manager of Julia Durbin Day Nursery in Headington and has a wealth of experience, having worked in the early years sector for 24 years. Emma has numerous qualifications, including an NNEB, Management NVQ's and a Foundation Degree in Early Years. Emma has worked for Childbase Partnership since 1996.

What is your favourite feature of Julia Durbin?
Despite being on the hospital grounds we are almost secretly hidden within a lovely natural space and a huge natural garden. I also like our entrance and reception area as we get to greet all the families and visitors as they arrive.

What are you most proud of about your nursery/team?
Our ongoing recognition from Ofsted and amazing day nursery reviews from our parents. The staff have exceptional relationships with the families and each other which leaves a great morale across the nursery. The children are the heart of our Julia Durbin family.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford)

What is the Age Range of Children that Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) accepts?

Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) Open?

Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) is open: Monday 07:00-18:30, Tuesday 07:00-18:30, Wednesday 07:00-18:30, Thursday 07:00-18:30, Friday 07:00-18:30.

How many Children does Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) have capacity for?

Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) has capacity for a total of 164 Children.

How far is Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) to the centre of Oxford?

1.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) has an Enhanced Service - more info.