West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester)

Romsey Road, Winchester SO22 5HT
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9.9 119 Reviews
  • West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester), Winchester
A purpose built day nursery, specified by Childbase to the highest quality standard. Friendly and well-established, West Downs provides a happy, sociable environment where every child is treated as an individual.

The nursery has four main bright and colourful playrooms for individual age groups with additional sleeping areas. Outside is a secure, fully enclosed garden with a well-equipped soft tarmac playground and a lawned area which includes a digging and planting area and a sensory path for exploration.

The nursery also organises regular outings as a means of extending the children's vocabulary and understanding.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Ren Norman-Greer (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 26

Total Places for Children

  • 68

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 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 & Inset Days

Parking

  • Drop off bay directly outside of the nursery.

West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) Reviews (119)

9.9

West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.896) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) has 119 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester)
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Total of 119, showing 101-119
Review from J M (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children who attend West Downs nursery. My one-year-old is very happy with the staff in his room and they show him plenty of affection and care. A range of interesting activities are on offer each day and there appears to be a good balance of indoor/outdoor time. My pre-schooler has formed
close bonds with her key worker and a few other staff members (although these members do rotate among the rooms so she does not see them every day). What I have welcomed most about the setting, is the staff openness to queries and suggestions. If there is anything I am unfamiliar with or concerned about, the staff open door policy means that I get to address these right away. The staff have always responded quickly and with effect. They are genuinely concerned with the children's well-being - and importantly - their happiness. For me, this is much more important than assessing whether my children meet the EYFS learning goals. We look forward to continuing this journey with West Downs.
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Review from Ellen S (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended from 12 months to his recent graduation. I have been extremely happy with the care both he and his younger sister have received. Staff work very hard to ensure children have a happy nursery experience. Neither child wants to come home, and they always say what fun they've had.


Although

only part time, developments I have seen in both children in their learning and self-care have been so pleasing. Staff put much thought and time into planning activities and themed areas. They are always ready to talk about the children's learning and are interested in their lives.


The equipment and range of toys are excellent. I love the outdoor space, which has recently been expanded to incorporate a small woodland area.


The facility itself is light, bright, clean. Rooms are laid out and decorated well. The kitchen team do a great job. Managerial staff are approachable and always ready to talk. The nursery puts on many events during the year. I would recommend it to any parent.

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Review from Ruth J (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy and impressed with all of the staff at West Downs, our daughter has settled in beautifully and we feel safe knowing how well cared for she is during her days here.
Her dietary requirements are well managed and we are never made to feel an issue and she comes home happy and content
each day.
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Review from Clare D (Mother of Child) published on 16 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have our 3rd daughter currently at West Downs Day Nursery. As with the older two, we have been extremely pleased with how she has been cared for, developed and nurtured. She is very happy and has excellent relationships with her key workers and all the staff in 'bumblebees'. Communication between
us and staff is always clear and concise. Our daughter enjoys all the activities and loves the food! I would highly recommend the nursery to other families.
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Review from Tehreem M (Mother of Child) published on 18 May 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our overall experience has been great. The staff are amazing and very caring. The kids have learnt so much to prepare them for school life. The cameras being present allows safety and security. Admin and Accounts are great, and Management is excellent with the handling of things. I have always
been satisfied knowing that my children are in a safe environment and looked after well. They are fed and cleaned and enjoy their time here.


Thank you for such a great nursery.

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Review from Amanda B (Mother of Child) published on 9 May 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care that the staff have given my two boys, couldn't be any more amazing. They go above and beyond to provide the best are they can. The nursery is always calm and friendly.
The activities are always fun and interesting and the staff interactions are always on point.
Couldn't ask for better staff
to look after my boys.
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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
West Downs was my daughter's first experience of nursery childcare and was initially happy in the baby room. Progression through the rooms only happened when a space became available and led to our daughter remaining in a room unhappy, and not stimulated. During our time here, the manager changed and
we had 3 changes of key person. Some days we did not recognise a single person in our daughter's room and often the person welcoming her did not know her name. Observations which we regularly received in the baby room were nowhere to be seen and our daughter became increasingly unhappy about attending. Clearly overwhelmed by a chaotic and cramped environment where she was not stimulated and never came home with items she had made. I write this now because my daughter has had a year at a nursery where the staff remain consistent, they know us as a family. My daughter skips in each day and leaves every day happy and items to show us. In an exit meeting, the manager listened but only offered us a reduced rate!
Reply from Sarah Gibson, Nursery Manager at West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester)
Thank you for your feedback on using our nursery last year. I am sorry that you did not have the positive experience which the majority of our families enjoy and we were unaware of these problems at…read more
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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at West Downs Day Nursery since he was one, he has really enjoyed nursery and the staff are lovely and he has made loads of friends. The facilities are great and the garden is fantastic. The food is always good too. My youngest will be joining the baby room soon.
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Review from Emily P (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have settled really well and have built great bonds with the nursery team. All members of staff are very friendly and give good feedback on pick up.
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Review from Frances L (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A really wonderful nursery. All the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable - it sometimes feels like they only looked after my little boy, they seem to know him so well. My son is very happy. He's always busy with an activity and there is a huge variety of things to do with a fun, safe, outdoor area
and lots of exciting seasonal fairs and special days. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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Review from Hayley D (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ease back into my son going into childcare couldn't have been any better. I can not thank the management, deputy manager and business administrator for how understanding they have been and how simple a smiley face can be in this big transition for us as parents.
The girls who have cared for my son
in The Butterfly Room are amazing. They all seem extremely knowledgeable and aware. My son is always talking about them at home! Most of all they are thoroughly caring and I feel more than happy leaving my son in their care.
Big thank you to his keyworker who is an amazing practitioner and a delight. The parent partnership is very important; his key worker has taken a lot of time to develop a strong relationship with me in this short time; I can not thank her enough.
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Review from Nikki (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended West Downs for 4 years and has just started school. She is happy, confident and has really taken school in her stride. The team at West Downs played a huge part in her developing this confidence, especially the pre-school team over the last 8 months. The staff are friendly and approachable
and my daughter talks fondly of them.
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Review from Jessica B (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not fault the West Downs team, the care and attention they give my daughter is outstanding! They always go out of their way to say hello and make me feel welcome. Since my daughter has started nursery she has made a huge improvement with her development and I am so grateful.
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Review from Grant M (Father of Child) published on 7 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When my daughter started nursery I was so worried but the staff were incredible and so supportive I was able to stay and play with my daughter to help settle her in. The staff would also phone to let me know how she was getting on. My daughter loves going to nursery and has learnt so much. Every time
I collect her she is always engaged in something new. West Downs is such a happy environment I'm always made to feel welcome. The care, love and attention the staff give my daughter is outstanding and I can't thank them enough.
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Review from Caroline R (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son is so happy at West Downs - even though he currently only attends one day a week at the moment we are treated just like we would if he was full time- all the staff at the nursery know him and his name and he is always treated as as individual what's lovely is that if there is a big event like
a party or visit is that he is invited to join even if it's not on his day. He always has the best time- all the staff are so lovely and kind and the nursery environment is amazing, especially the outdoor space. As a parent I am always assured that my son is in the best possible care and you couldn't ask for more.
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Review from Eileen (Mother of Child) published on 21 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
My daughter attended this pre-school from September 2015-March 2016 while I was completing my first year at university.
In the 6-7 months she was there, she had 3 different key persons. There were always different staff in the room, staff leaving and new staff joining. I was never introduced to
new staff who were caring for my child through the day.
In the first term, Sept-Dec, I was charged just under £2000 which was a massive mistake by them, as they had not included any deductions. This was brought up only because I had contacted the council to find out what I was entitled to, and they soon realised I had been overcharged. The money was not reimbursed, but carried over to the following term so I was charged a lot less.
On my daughter's last day, they presented me with a file of her progress, which had no more than 10 pieces of paper; 3 were observations scribbled down from that afternoon. I never had any work given to me that my daughter had made at all from the whole term.
Reply from Bev Sharpe, Area Manager at West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester)
Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. We regret that your experience with us has not been as positive as we would expect. We strive to maintain consistency between key people and…read more
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Review from Monisha M (Mother of Child) published on 3 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am so grateful that I go a spot for my two and a half year old. The management is so understanding and friendly, the staff are well aware of the child's needs and are very friendly. It took no time for my kid to adjust here, which gave me the peace of mind I so needed after moving countries. Perfect
location, great activities for kids to be engaged at and reasonably priced.
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Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have always been very happy with West Downs. Our daughter has received excellent care since she started at 10 months old. The staff genuinely care about the children and form strong relationships.
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Review from Katy R (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended West Downs since he was 6 months old. He goes 2 mornings and one whole day each week. He settled in within a few sessions and the relationship between all staff and parents is excellent and always has been in my experience. The outdoor area is great for all ages along with the rooms,
and played a big part in us choosing this nursery. My son loves it there and his learning, speech and social skills are great. The 'Golden Values' are a fab idea. He is happy, which makes me happy!! I would recommend it for anyone looking for a centrally located nursery in Winchester.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.896)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.896) out of 10 for West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) 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 20 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 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 4.896 for West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) is calculated as follows: ( (215 Excellents x 5) + (25 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 240 Ratings = 4.896
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) is based on 20 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 + 0.1 = 4
    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 68 number of registered child places is 13.6, which has been reached with 20 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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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Awards / Recognitions (18)

Meet the Team (1)

Ren

Ren Norman-Greer

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2016

Ren is the Manager of West Downs Day Nursery in Winchester and has a wealth of experience, having worked in Early Years since 2012, starting as an apprentice and progressing through to Nursery Manager. Ren holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, a Level 3 in SEND, and is also a Mental Health First Aider.


What is your favourite feature of your nursery?
My favourite feature of the nursery is our wooded area. It lends itself to endless amounts of imaginative play and creativity.


What are you most proud of about your team?
I am most proud of my team because they are the most kind and supportive people that always go above and beyond for anyone who needs it.

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