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The Oaks Nursery

Parkwood Road, Canterbury CT2 7FL
The Oaks Nursery, Canterbury
The Oaks Nursery, Canterbury
The Oaks Nursery, Canterbury

Oaks Nursery is based on the University of Kent campus, caring for up to 90 children a day. The nursery support children of university staff, students, and the wider community.

At the last Ofsted inspection (October 2022), Oaks was rated ‘Good’. The nursery team are very proud to have received so many positive comments - particularly referring to partnerships with parents, and staff/child interactions.

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum...  

Funding & Fees

0800- 1300 = £42
1300 - 1800 = £42
0800 - 1800 = £79

Hot nursery lunch = £3 per day

Funding pattern - stretched funding over 48 weeks of the year
24 hours funding per week
1000 - 1300 = £0

1300 - 1600 = £0

Optional Wraparoundcare
0800 - 1000 = £18
0900 - 1000 = £10
1600 - 1800 = £18

1600 - 1700 = £10

Contact The Oaks Nursery to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

No

Owner

  • Kent Union Trading Ltd
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned

Person in charge

  • Heidi Firth (Manager)

Admission Information

  • Priority to university staff and students, open to local community when spaces allow.

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 30

Registered Charity Number

  • 1138210

Total Places for Children

  • 90

Age Range

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

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
  • Tuesday 08:00-18:00
  • Wednesday 08:00-18:00
  • Thursday 08:00-18:00
  • Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • The nursery is located adjacent to a University car park, which is free for parents dropping off and picking up. Staff will need to apply for a parking permit from the University.

The Oaks Nursery Reviews (3)

8.3

The Oaks Nursery has a Review Score of 8.3 (8.274) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Oaks Nursery has 3 reviews.

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Review from Naomi M (Mother of Child) published on 4 January 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My child has been encouraged and supported throughout his time at The Oaks. It's the best nursery in Canterbury and the team are wonderful. The office staff are happy to help with any questions I have about finance and attendance, while the room staff are simply brilliant with my little one. They have encouraged and nurtured my little one's growth at every stage.

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Review from Saghi B (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Oaks is a truly outstanding nursery. From the very start it was clear how much they care about the children and their families, paying close attention to each child's personality, needs and preferences. The management team is organised, approachable and genuinely invested in creating a warm, supportive environment, and they know every parent and child by name. The teachers are wonderful with the children and bring real patience, enthusiasm and understanding of child development. My child is thriving here, growing in confidence and learning so much every day, which gives me real peace of mind. They're also open to constructive feedback, which shows how committed they are to continually improving. I'm genuinely grateful to have found such a safe, caring and nurturing place for my child.

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Review from M A (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

All three of my children attend or have attended The Oaks, and it has been the perfect nursery for our family. The warm, welcoming atmosphere was clear from my first visit. Staff are dedicated, knowledgeable, and genuinely care for the children, with low turnover and strong, trusting relationships. They tailor learning where possible, and the focused activities in the baby room were especially valuable for early development. The nursery feels very safe, and I love that children explore outdoors in all weathers and enjoy plenty of messy, creative play. The management team is responsive, and as a mum of children with health needs, I've been impressed with the staff's training, attentiveness, and reassurance. Even when my child was at school, I was very fortunate to be able to ask my child's former key person for advice during the transition! I highly recommend The Oaks Nursery.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (0) & Events (0)

News

There are no news items for The Oaks Nursery.

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for The Oaks Nursery.

Awards / Recognitions (0)

There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for The Oaks Nursery.

Meet the Team (2)

Heidi Firth Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2002
Heidi Firth

Early Years degree and EYPS

Liana Olsen Job Title: Assistant Manager Joined: 2013
Liana Olsen

Early Years Qualification

Frequently Asked Questions about The Oaks Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that The Oaks Nursery accepts?

The Oaks Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Oaks Nursery Open?

The Oaks Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does The Oaks Nursery have capacity for?

The Oaks Nursery has capacity for a total of 90 Children.

How far is The Oaks Nursery to the centre of Canterbury?

1.4 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 The Oaks Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Oaks Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.