Western Elms Day Nursery

59 Western Elms Avenue, Reading RG30 2AL
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9.7 26 Reviews
  • Western Elms Day Nursery, Reading
Western Elms Nursery enjoys an excellent reputation within the community. Situated near to the town centre, the nursery operates from a Victorian house that is truly a home-from-home.

The nursery is a privately run setting established in 1962, caring for children between three months and five years. The current owner has a broad range of childcare experience and has run the nursery since 2004.

The established, dedicated, professional staff team treat each child as an individual. They promote each child’s development using a wide range of resources in a safe and secure environment. Healthy balanced and nutritious food is freshly prepared on the premises.
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Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Jean Jones
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Jean Jones (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 14

Total Places for Children

  • 48

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas Eve at 12 noon

Western Elms Day Nursery Reviews (26)

9.7

Western Elms Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.699) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Western Elms Day Nursery has 26 reviews.

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Total of 26, showing 1-20
Review from B S (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Western Elms is really the continuation of home. My toddler is 2 years 8 months and he has been there since 8 months old. It has been wonderful to feel his development, to feel he is loved by every single carer, not only his key person. All the staff is very attentive and loving. His transition between
rooms was very smooth. I truly trust his key person, that tells me every single detail about him, and can even predict he would be starting a cold before there were cold signs....I know he is having fun all day long, indoor with messy play and outdoors in the garden. They have plenty of space to be creative, and express themselves. Recently, his key person has helped introducing the concept of having a brother, as I became pregnant. This shows the level of proactively introducing concepts to the children that are important in their life. My son is already potty trained and the nursery had a crucial role at given that continuation after we started it at home. Honestly, couldn't recommend it more!
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Review from Serena C (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with Western Elms Day Nursery and the care our two daughters receive here. Our eldest started in the baby room a year ago and is now in the toddler room-she absolutely loves it and runs towards nursery every morning when she hears the word! As a bilingual child, her English has
improved so much thanks to the amazing staff, who also keep us updated with lovely, detailed observations and pictures. Now our younger daughter has just joined the baby room, and even on her very first day, she was so happy and confident, proudly walking me around to show me her new room. The staff are kind, professional, and truly dedicated, we are so grateful for everything they do and highly recommend this nursery!
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Review from Michelle N (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my daughter started at Western Elms her development has soared through the roof! The staff have worked well with her by being patient and adapting to her style of learning. It's warming seeing her happy at drop off and ready for each day.
The staff is lovely to all the children, and update frequently
on the various activities the children get stuck in to. Great facilities and toy selection for all ages too. Overall very pleased with the care and service.
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Review from Z C (Mother of Child) published on 4 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had two children attend Western Elms Nursery ranging from 2017-2025! They both enjoy(ed) attending. Never any issues with going into Nursery with anxiety, they both went in absolutely excited. All staff are incredible. But the owner is such an amazing woman. So accommodating and kind and considerate.
I highly recommend the Nursery.
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Review from Emily H (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Western Elms nursery about 18 months. She absolutely loves it! She has made lots of friends and has learnt so much! She is always excited to see any of the staff and it makes me feel very confident about choosing this nursery. There is an app to let you know what your child has
eaten, how much they've slept etc plus little updates on their progress. I am so pleased with this nursery and recommend it highly!
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Review from Iulia P (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at this nursery since he was 11 months old and he truly loves it. It's so reassuring to see him happy and excited to go in every day. The staff have supported his learning brilliantly, by 18 months he was already trying to count and knew all his colours, and now at 3 he's starting to
recognise letters and numbers. We feel he's thriving in a safe, caring environment, and we couldn't be happier as parents.
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Review from Z T (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Western Elms Day Nursery is absolutely fantastic and my son is thriving there. You can tell from how the children are treated and how happy they are to attend that they are well looked after.
The staff are all knowledgeable, caring, great at communicating with parents and have the necessary knowledge
and experience to take care of our most precious of things: our children.
I already know that I have made the right choice for my child and that he will thrive here.
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Review from R K (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children have attended Western Elms from 2019 to date and have been very well nurtured, educated, and cared for. When she left nursery, my oldest child settled in to her first year at school instantly, even though she knew no-one, and her confidence is a credit to the nursery preparing her to
be ready for this big change. The nursery is very friendly and the staff are approachable. When we had family bereavements that were distressing for the children, the nursery was completely supportive of the children and the wider family. They were sensitive and understanding, paying close attention and reporting back on the children's emotional presentation. Both of our children can be awkward eaters at home, but couldn't get enough of Christine's home cooked meals, usually having second helpings! The outside space, although not large, is put to good use and our children loved their time in the garden. They have loved their time at Western Elms and we have appreciated it hugely too.
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Review from Denitsa F (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at the nursery exceeded our expectations, they are beyond wonderful. The nursery is small and has a family feel, and all the staff working there that we have been in contact with are caring, friendly, and engaged. They all know each child and are very approachable and we see them as part of
the family in a way. Our girl has been there for six months now and we are very happy with choosing Western Elms Nursery after seeing a couple of different places in the area. The culture and vibe of the nursery are beautiful -as are the rooms and the garden. The other parents are also very nice.
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Review from Eleanor C (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been attending Western Elms Day Nursery since he was around 6 months old. They have been so good with him through every stage of his development. He has created bonds with his key workers and is always happy when I take him to nursery. The staff are very informative and friendly. They
have a great outside area for the children in the summer. It’s a great nursery and I wouldn’t like to send him anywhere else now I have experienced Western Elms Day Nursery.
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Review from Parvathy N (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a mother sending my child, for the first time, to daycare was difficult and it was much more difficult as we were all coming out of the pandemic and my child was new to this place, culture and language.
The staff at Western Elms made it look easy for my child to settle in and become independent.
The
garden space may be less but the children learn gardening and know how to make use of the space. I am happy that I chose this nursery for my child.
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Review from I K (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been so pleased with the Western Elms Day Nursery for our child. The staff are caring and really involved in making sure the children develop and have fun. The garden is great and the children have done lots of planting and learning. My child has improved in confidence and been so happy here,
and they have prepared all the children really well for the next step of going to school. Food is cooked on-site and there is excellent variety and nutrition and catering to specific requirements.
Reply from Jean Jones, Owner at Western Elms Day Nursery
Thank you for the lovely feedback! All the best in the future.
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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 12 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery and staff here are lovely. There is a friendly and caring attitude which helps foster good social skills in the children. They are taught good manners and good behaviour. The outside area is quite small but they have made the most of it with planting projects. It’s also shady. They don’t
stint on sun cream either. From an administrative point of view, they are very fair with no fees at all when closed for Covid.
Reply from Jean Jones, Owner at Western Elms Day Nursery
This is a lovely review. Thank you very much! We love looking after your children and watching them develop and grow!
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Review from Jo D (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can not speak highly enough of the amazing team at Western Elms Day Nursery...... honestly, they are all absolutely brilliant.
Such a relief as a working Mum knowing your pride and joy is being so well cared for.
My little one's confidence has grown immensely which the team at Western Elms Day Nursery
had a massive part in and she loved going to nursery.
The team really care about the children and take great pride in their jobs.
Wouldn't send my children anywhere else.
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Review from Sylwia O (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3 months old daughter has just started this week on 3rd of July 2017. I can see the progress straight away. She is more relaxed, happier, calmer, smiley, more tired. I'm told when she's had a good day full of activities and it is visible that she sleeps better at night. They taught her how to play
with toys, interacting with others and taking her in the garden. She sleeps so well that she doesn't even cry much and eats well. The staff is very friendly and experienced, prices reasonable and place not far from town.
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Review from Lindsay S (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has had a very positive experience at Western Elms and I can't recommend it enough to anyone. The nursery has a homely welcoming feeling, it's bright airy clean and tidy. The children's artwork is beautifully displayed and the garden areas are perfect for each age group and I always notice
how happy the children are. The staff are what makes Western Elms special. They are all without exception friendly, approachable, professional and most importantly kind to our daughter. I've never felt they were disinterested or apathetic even after a long busy day, they open the door with a big smile and lots of stories of what your little one has been up to. They truly care about your child's development and take the time to get to know your child as an individual. When I collect my daughter in the afternoon, she is shattered and happy which tells me they have spent the day engaging with her.
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Review from A K (Father of Child) published on 24 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending this nursery for almost a year. We, my wife and I, have seen great improvements in her self-confidence since she started. She has learned a lot of good habits, safe practices and good manners. She also has lots of fun every day with multiple developmental activities the
staff of the nursery plans. Nursery staff are very professional, caring and provide specific attention to her needs and requirements. Our daughter loves going to nursery. As parents, we get regular updates including pictures of our daughter's progress.
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Review from Victoria H (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I Extremely recommend Western Elms Day Nursery to anyone who wants their child to have fun and learn all necessary skills needed to prepare for school. I sent my first child to the nursery in September 2014 and am so proud of the little person she has become with the help of the fantastic staff and
have since had 2 more children who also attend the nursery and love it.


The girls are all lovely and very caring for all my children's individual needs. Nothing is too much trouble and requests are sorted straight away. I am so proud of the nursery for achieving their Outstanding Ofstead report and am glad I picked them to help raise my children.

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Review from Marion L (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would thoroughly recommend Western Elms Avenue nursery to any parent wishing to send their children to a charming, peaceful and extremely welcoming nursery. My little one really enjoyed his time there, and was asking for his friends in the morning. He was always full of beans after his sessions and
I could see him playing with his little friends and engaging with everyone when collecting him. The staff are absolutely brilliant, very caring, and nice and friendly, and most importantly very approachable. They offer a wide range of activities for children, including a lot of "messy play" type activities which my little one seemed to love! They have a good selection of toys outside, and the cuisine of the chef went down a storm with my little boy at every meal!
I also liked the fact that it is not a big nursery, set in a semi-detached house, so it felt almost like a home away from home. It was a very good transition to a bigger space/school afterwards.
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Review from Jewels V (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have attended Western Elms Day Nursery for the last 5 years and I have always been very happy with them. The children always look happy and well behaved whenever I visit and my children have always come home very happy, polite, well mannered, full of confidence and bursting to tell me all
about their day.
The staff are always very friendly, welcoming, informative and always address the children in a caring manner. I have always address the children in a caring manner. I have always felt completely confident leaving my children in their care knowing they are safe, loved and well looked after. This is a fantastic nursery.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.699)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.699) out of 10 for Western Elms Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 9 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.861 for Western Elms Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (97 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 108 Ratings = 4.861
  2. 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 4.838 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Western Elms Day Nursery is based on 9 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 = 3.9
    2. 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 48 number of registered child places is 9.6. 9 Positive Reviews ÷ 9.6 = 0.938
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Western Elms Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Western Elms Day Nursery accepts?

Western Elms Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Western Elms Day Nursery Open?

Western Elms Day Nursery is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Western Elms Day Nursery have capacity for?

Western Elms Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 48 Children.

How far is Western Elms Day Nursery to the centre of Reading?

1.0 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 Western Elms Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Western Elms Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.