Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery

The Field Barn, Weston Park Farm, Weston on the Green, Bicester OX25 3QE
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10 50 Reviews
  • Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery, Bicester
Sparkling Minds has a team of well-qualified staff who provide high-quality care and education. They employ passionate and enthusiastic staff to nurture the children in their care.

Situated in farmland yet readily accessible from Kidlington and Bicester, the location has allowed the development of a Forest School area and separate large (age specific) outdoor areas. The building is light and bright, whilst the learning environment is divided into 3 age group rooms - each being calm and inviting, allowing children to feel safe and secure.

The experienced and passionate team form trusting relationships with families and in particular with their key children. Children are encouraged to take age-appropriate risks in their learning and staff model how to ask questions to develop curious minds.

The website offers information and support for families and carers, with a specific Parent Partnership section full of relevant links and advice around child health and development. The Electronic App allows secure access for the shared Learning Journal and updates on what the children have experienced.

Food is prepared by the Nursery Cook, on site in the 5 star food-hygiene rated kitchen. The Nursery provides Breakfast, Lunch and Tea, alongside fresh fruit, morning and afternoon snacks and drinks.

Funding & Fees

We have a standard full day at £91 (this is a non-funded place). We offer two options for working families; Option A = 'Funded Only' places and Option B = 'Blended Choice' places. All of which are subject to availability - enquire direct to the nursery for greater detail.

Please contact us directly or look at the fees section of our website.

Contact Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Contact Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Katarina Turbe (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 24

Total Places for Children

  • 58

Age Range

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

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 & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • Private onsite Car Park for staff and parents.

Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery Reviews (50)

10

Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.973) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery has 50 reviews.

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Review from R D (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son continues to have a wonderful experience at Sparkling Minds, and we truly couldn't be happier with the care and dedication shown by the entire team. From the moment we first walked through the doors, we felt welcomed and reassured that our child would be in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating
environment.


The staff are incredibly warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They take the time to get to know each child individually, supporting their development, confidence, and curiosity every single day. It's clear that they care deeply about the children, and that makes such a difference for parents.


The activities provided are creative, engaging, and thoughtfully planned. Our son is always excited to tell us about the fun things he's done from arts and crafts to outdoor play and learning new skills. It's amazing to see how much he has grown socially and emotionally since attending Sparkling Minds.

Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryIt's so heartwarming to read such lovely words about the team. They genuinely do all really know their key children and do their utmost to build trusting relationships with families. Our recent addition of sharing planning with families via the secure app is having positive feedback. Those who like having more detail of the day to day at nursery like having the ability to consolidate any new learning with experiences and adventure at home. Social and emotional growth while developing confidence and curiosity will stand them in good stead for future learning so they are certainly off to a good start! Thank you for trusting us with your little one and for sharing to prospective families.
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Review from J H (Father of Child) published on 27 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As parents we have had a very positive experience with Sparkling Minds, over nearly 2 years of our child being at their setting. We have recommended them to friends with children who have now had their own great experiences, and others who are signing up for the future. We were first interested after
reading many other very positive reviews, and were drawn by the countryside feel of the setting, the attentive, knowledgeable, and well trained staff, brilliant outdoor facilities & forest school, strong focus and high standards of learning, care, and play, and well structured routine and activities. We have experienced different key persons throughout the different age groups/rooms, and they have all been brilliant, always helping and encouraging them to engage and supporting their individual development. Communication and collaboration with the staff and office has been very good, they take the time and effort to keep parents up to date on all progress and development. Highly recommend!
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryIt is wonderful to have such detailed feedback that covers so many areas of our individual provision. The list of recognition including the team efforts on a daily basis across the board through to the continued efforts to have great parent partnerships really does show the hard work is paying off. Thank you for your kind words and all of the recommendations! We really do appreciate the honest feedback and know it will support families looking at reviews before making an important choice.
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Review from J T (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sparkling Minds have been brilliant from the start. Communication is great - from handovers to observations made. My son has always enjoyed coming to nursery, and the staff genuinely care about their well-being and progress.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryThank you for the positive review! Communication is so important and coincidentally is always mentioned when we inherit children from other settings; we are really pleased that you feel this is a strength of ours. It's wonderful to hear that little one always enjoys coming into setting and that as a working parent, you feel confident in the balance of professionalism, approachability and care that our staff strive so hard to provide.
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Review from Diana D (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is great place for the little ones to grown and learn. Every day there is always something's new to learn and explore. Rations are very well balanced between staff and children which was important when choosing nursery. Forest school is also great opportunity for 3-4 year olds to develop
the outdoor exploring skills and learn about spiders, bugs and forests.
Staff at Sparkling Minds are very kind and have lots of experience working with young children which is very reassuring when sending your little one for such a long time away from you.
During holiday time there is always a themed activity for little ones to explore which really fits in with the time of the year they are in.
Having nursery opened over the holidays and for long hours gives me a great chance to have work life balance and still know my little one is being well looked after.
I have recommended Sparkling Minds to my friends who have children to join and would recommend to others too.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryThank you so much for your positive feedback. Recognition for the team efforts with parent partnerships really does mean a lot and this will be shared with the team as always. Forest school always has great reviews and its a wonderful time to appreciate that children have many different interests and a wide variety of skills and talents to model and develop while with us in the outdoor environment. We love that your feedback also shows how the all year round provision is a real support to working families; the work life balance is so important for wellbeing. It can be a long day for little ones who are away from their families and knowing they are cared for and age appropriately challenged will be very reassuring to prospective families. Thank you for recommending us to friends!
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Review from Jessica W (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our daughters have been to Sparkling Minds and we are very sad that it's our time to leave. It is the most fantastic place and we can't recommend it highly enough.


Every member of staff is kind, caring, understanding, and enthusiastic. No question is too much and they seem to really understand

the gravity of leaving your precious child with someone else. They care deeply and their communication is exceptional. I believe the consistency of good care and provision is because it is so well managed, and the staff seem genuinely happy and passionate about their work.


One of our daughters has allergies and the team quickly built our trust and have handled this flawlessly. The amount of time and effort the manager went to, to communicate with us and reassure us, was impressive. We totally trusted them all to keep her safe.


Our girls have always been so happy there, thrived, and built relationships that have had a lasting impact. A very special place. Thank you Sparkling Minds.

Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryThank you so much for recognizing the whole team and how individuals 'go the extra mile'. Every child deserves to have a place where they feel safe and secure (and therefore free to learn and have fun). Allergies really can cause stress and anxiety for many families; understandable, but nothing that can't be eased with good communication, reassurance and very careful, detailed planning and risk assessments. Both girls have been an absolute pleasure; very different personalities but both are confident, curious and hilarious at times!Starting at school & attached Preschool near to home will make such a difference to you all as a family and so we wish you all the best for the future!
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Review from I H (Father of Child) published on 28 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter joined Sparkling Minds at just under a year old and has been attending three days a week for the past three years. At the time we were looking for a setting, Sparkling Minds came with glowing recommendations and we have certainly not been disappointed. The staff have always been friendly
and welcoming, both to our daughter and to us as parents. On the occasions when she has been a bit reluctant in the mornings, we know that her key people have cheered her up very quickly and she always comes out happy at the end of a day. We have attended a number of 'Stay and Play' events and, each time, it has been a pleasure to watch the children and staff interacting so positively. I would also add that the communication from the management team regarding important issues and nursery events is always very clear. We couldn't be happier and will certainly miss everyone when she leaves to start school at the end of this month.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryThree years have flown past & we have loved being part of your daughters development & growth. Your recognition of our focus on providing a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with positive interaction between staff, children & parents really means the world. We strive to deliver our shared ethos & to have parents see this demonstrates the impact we are having on families who need good quality childcare & early education. It's reassuring to hear that you can see the impact individual team members have on wellbeing; little ones can become overwhelmed so easily during busy morning routines followed by a car journey & 'drop off'. To have a team that recognize these contributing factors & know how to support & reassure children (& parents) makes such a difference when you dash off to a busy day ahead. Thank you for acknowledging the management team; their efforts with communication are clearly impacting on our partnerships with parents. We will miss you all too! Good luck at school!
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Review from Claire C (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We feel incredibly lucky to have had both of our children at this nursery over a period of seven years. It's a truly outstanding place-warm, caring, and run with such professionalism and heart. We even had consistency with the same key workers caring for both our children at various points.


Our son

has coeliac disease, and the level of diligence shown by the team was exceptional. They took his needs seriously from day one, managing his diet with care, consistency, and clear communication. We never had to worry that he was safe, included, and treated with such kindness. That attention allowed him to thrive, just like every other child.


Both of our children grew so much during their time there. They made friends, built confidence, and were always excited to go in. The nursery gave them a joyful, secure start to life, and we'll always be thankful for the role it played in their early years.


It's a place that truly goes above and beyond. We couldn't recommend it more highly.

Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryWe appreciate how emotional it can be leaving any child at nursery, but when a diagnosis is finally provided and families need to adapt so dramatically it is clearly very daunting. To know you all felt so confident with our level of care and constant communication means the world to us. Yes, it's sometimes tricky to find suitable alternatives to ensure inclusion but the consideration and effort is worth it when we get to see children thrive. You have been a family that witnessed the transition from the previous owners and your comments show we have managed to do this well; as you know, some of our team are the 'originals' who also cared for your eldest. We are grateful that you allowed us to care for both children and have now found the time (in the busy school holiday period) to write such beautiful words to help support the choices of prospective families.
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Review from L G (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery, great staff and great environment for children and their development. Our son started in the toddler room after we moved, they really helped him to settle in. He is now leaving to go to primary school and the nursery has been great in helping him get ready to transition to school.
Our second will start next year at sparkling minds, the management has been very helpful to accommodate our childcare needs.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryThank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We appreciate juggling two under 5's doesn't always leave much time for 'anything extra'. We are so pleased that you can see how the team have supported the 'settling in' after a transition from another setting; it can be such a tricky time! We know how you loved us offering Healthy Hedgehog to help with eating choices and appreciate you working with us for the best outcomes. Your son will love his new big school and thrive when he becomes settled and familiar. Good luck! We know we will still see you at handovers when little sibling joins us and we look forward to hearing about your time in reception!
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Review from robert p (Father of Child) published on 20 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
To say my daughter has loved her time in Sparkling minds is an understatement. With a smile on her face and excitement in her belly, she looked forward to the adventure and learning every day. In particular, she was blessed to attend forest school twice in her time at Sparkling Minds and it by far was
her favorite activity. One of the main deciding factors of selecting Sparkling Minds was the forest school opportunity, as it is uniquely British and we are so glad she got to experience it.
Also, I particularly chose July to highlight the staff at Sparkling Minds because of the over-the-top support they provided to us during a stressful time for my family. All members from the top, down to the individual key persons stepped in and assisted us anyway possible, allowing us to focus on resolving concerns external to Sparkling Minds. It was appreciated to receive that level of kindness and not just looked upon as a "number".
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryTo read you see her coming in with a smile and excitement in her belly just fills us all with joy! Happy smiles show a feeling of safety and trust and as such, allow busy families to focus on their other home and work commitments. We love that Forest School was such a positive experience and to attend two blocks of 6 week sessions will have undoubtedly given her a real curiosity about nature and hopefully stand her in good stead for the reception year ahead. Thank you for your appreciation of the office and background team who always try to assist with extra external issues if they can. Again, this is part of our ethos; we want to support our families to allow the best outcome for the children. We hope the transition to school goes well and look forward to having little one join us too!
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Review from R B (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have had the most wonderful start to their early years at Sparkling Minds. My daughter attended from 2019 to 2022, and my son has just finished his time there, and I cannot praise the team enough.


From the very beginning, the care and attention shown by the staff has been exceptional.

My son has thrived in this nurturing environment, he's been so happy, has learnt so much, and has been supported in every aspect of his development, including his overall health and wellbeing. It's clear how much thought goes into not only the educational activities but also into creating a space where children feel safe, valued, and confident.


The support I've received as a parent from both key workers and management has been consistent, thoughtful, and caring.


Although I'll be very sad to say goodbye to Sparkling Minds, I know my son is well prepared for the next steps. He leaves as a confident, happy and enthusiastic little boy.

Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryIt has been an absolute pleasure having both of the children with us. Your words mean so much as you were also one of the families who experienced our take over almost five years ago; proving the transition was considered and had no negative impact on the children or existing families. You have also been with us during OFSTED and your positive feedback to the inspector really helped demonstrate how we try so hard to support everyone and consider each child and family when we make any changes to provision. Knowing you have been supported as a family by many individuals across the whole breadth of the team also gives us confidence that everyone is playing their valuable part in the service we provide for our children and their families. We will miss you all, but please do keep in touch - especially when those special certificates get awarded in school assemblies!
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Review from Roger M (Father of Child) published on 19 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been at Sparkling Minds for over two years and I would absolutely recommend the setting to any prospective parent. The team are incredibly friendly, build strong & unique relationships with the children and wholeheartedly care about enriching their experiences and development. I can't think
of a day where our son hasn't come out of Sparkling Minds grinning from ear to ear!
In addition, the nursery is extremely well run, with hands on support, proactive initiatives, transparency and excellent communication.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryWow! Thank you so much for recognizing the hard work and dedication of the room teams, but also those in the background, moving the many cogs that many do not see! We pride ourselves on the extended family feel and smiling children most certainly demonstrate the positive impact our team have on a daily basis. Thank you for sharing our transparency, proactive initiatives and excellent communication. Technology can sometimes cause some issues, however we are hoping the new switch to the 'Famly' parent App will eliminate any small glitches we may have experienced in the past.I will always think of your little one when I select my new nail polish colour. I can always hear his voice and personal preferences when I am asked to chose a fresh coat of varnish!Good luck at school. We know there's a little scientist just waiting to explore the wider world!
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Review from Helen W (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All three of our children have attended Sparkling Minds, and we stayed for 8 years despite changing commutes, to give each child the same excellent start. The experienced, nurturing staff are endlessly creative, with consistent keyworkers and full team support creating a true home from home. From my
first visit - after seeing many nurseries - I knew this was the one: bright, colourful, welcoming, immaculately maintained, with diverse activities including forest school in a beautiful rural setting. But mostly, it was that feeling in my heart of how much the staff cared. Their soothing voices, huge smiles and warm hugs. The children learn through play, building strong foundations in phonics, a love of books, maths, art, dance, yoga, friendships, and school routines. Our youngest starts school confident this September, while her older siblings are thriving both personally and academically thanks to the magical foundation from Sparkling Minds.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryWe have loved having all three with us! Such a wonderful review and only so may ways to reply... the feeling in your heart of how much staff cared...soothing voices, huge smiles and warm hugs...I'm not sure what else could encompass our values and ethos in a more simplified way? True parent partnerships bring our the best for children and we most definitely felt like a partnership over the years. The end of an era for your family but we know they will all do well at school and in life. Please keep in touch and let us know how they all continue to blossom!
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Review from K P (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so glad that both our children have had the opportunity to attend Sparkling Minds. Our son and daughter were even lucky enough to have the same lovely key person when they joined, two years apart. The nursery has a home-from-home vibe, and it is very apparent that the staff all truly care about
the children and their wellbeing. Even the management team know the children by name, adding to the extended family feeling. It has been a joy to see our daughter smiling excitedly at her key person in the mornings and we have appreciated the thorough handovers on collection and updates in the app, as well as the periodic 'stay and play' sessions. Our son required some additional support during his time at nursery, and we are so grateful for the dedicated SENDCo, his teachers and even the managers, who all went above and beyond for him. Finally, the farmland setting is beautiful, and the outdoor facilities are unrivalled in the area. We would recommend Sparkling Minds without hesitation!
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryThank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review for all prospective families. The whole team are always excited to meet new siblings and interact with them even when they are attending other age group rooms. This helps the little ones feel secure and familiar as they move through the rooms, although as you will have experienced, its very difficult to keep them away from the new siblings from the moment they come to the front door to collect older siblings! Our team and SENDCo always work closely with children who may need a little extra, and we really appreciate your recognition of their work, knowledge, advice and kindness while supporting you as a family. We wish you and the children all the best for the future and thank you for trusting us with their care and education.
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Review from Niki B (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I truly loved the whole vibe of the nursery the moment I walked in. It felt cosy, full of love, and above all, a safe and nurturing space for children.
The two ladies have been wonderful key persons for my son - their care, patience, and warmth gave him the trust and security every child needs when
away from their parents.
The staff's knowledge and dedication really stand out, and together they create an environment where children can thrive. My son has progressed beautifully during his time here, and I believe that's largely thanks to the open communication, consistent support, and genuine care provided each day.
We couldn't have asked for a better place to support my son early years.
We specially loved the stay and play opportunities!
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryThis is so wonderful to read. The team here are amazing at building trusting parent partnerships as they know how important it is to be able to work and know your child is in safe hands. We love that you appreciate the small nurturing environment which is enhanced by our lovely team. It's so rewarding to see such clear progress when staff take note of individuals needs and interests! 'Stay & Play' and 'Stay & Make' sessions have been very popular and always provide us with really positive feedback. We are glad you have had a wonderful experience with us and look forward to little one joining us too!
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Review from F B (Mother of Child) published on 6 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nurturing environment for babies and toddlers.
Brilliant outdoor facilities for exploring and play.
Child lead care.
Small number of children per room, ensuring an environment children feel safe.
Good communication between key person, management and families.
The child's best interest is at the
heart of decisions.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryWe are so pleased that you have given such positive feedback for prospective parents. Many families comment during tours that they can see how the smaller setting really supports the close staff relationships with the children and also parent partnerships. The nurturing environment is something that enables children to blossom and develop into confident little people. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
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Review from V B (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at Sparkling Minds for three months now following a recommendation from a friend in the area. We couldn't be happier, the staff are welcoming to both parent and child. Take the smallest of concerns or queries seriously and they are handled with care and consideration. Our daughter
is so happy each day she is collected and a thorough handover is given on a daily basis by the key workers. No day is the same for our daughter, the nursery works through a variety of subjects each week, to keep her learning and development varied. Communication from management is consistent and regular, with important nursery updates and events. A fantastic place with wonderful staff, we wouldn't want our daughter anywhere else.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryThe majority of our families join us through friends' recommendations, so it's reassuring that other's previous experiences are continuing to be shared and those who are looking for quality childcare and early education are able to gain a sought-after space with us. After only a few months, to have had such a wonderful experience gives credit to our team for their efforts. Parent partnership is so important and trusting relationships with thorough handovers make such a difference after a day away from family. The Sunbeam team are striving to further enhance their provision for the littlest ones and we are excited that this will impact even more on children's early learning and development. Thank you for choosing us!
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Review from L R (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter joined Sparkling Minds in Spring 2024, aged 2, and has loved going right from her 'settling in' session. The relationship she has built with her key worker is very special and we are always confident that she will be happy at both drop-off and pick-up. She also has strong relationships
with all the staff in Rainbow Room and talks about them fondly. We feel staff members know her well and their interactions with her are personal, making her confident and happy in all situations.
The nursery setting is brilliant. We love that she spends a good amount of time outside and are pleased that she's recently had the opportunity to take part in forest school.
Activities are varied and promote development, often giving us ideas for things we can do at home to complement the learning and play at the nursery.
We'd recommend Sparkling Minds without hesitation and have reserved a place for our son, staring him at nursery from a younger age because of the experience we've had.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryThis warms my heart to read how well little one has settled. I often stop to chat with her and her beaming smile and confidence demonstrate just how comfortable she feels with the whole team. Drop-off and pick-up are so important to ensure the team and you feel confident that the very best is being done for the little one, thank you for acknowledging the efforts of the whole team. Outside exploration in our special setting really does enhance development; Forest School is a new experience each and every time they visit. With Rainbow Room being younger, it's been fascinating to hear how this age group has interacted without standard resources for play. We are so pleased we have been able to accommodate your needs with a reservation for the new baby. You timed it well with the enquiry at one of the busiest times!
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Review from Alex G (Father of Child) published on 13 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff have been amazing in my son's first year at the nursery - Couldn't have asked for any more! Even when his key worker has changed, he is still always excited and enjoys it every day! Thank you.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryI cannot believe it has been a year since little one joined us! When a change of key worker can't be avoided, it can be unsettling but thankfully it hasn't had a negative impact on any of the children or relationships with families. The smiles at the door are always a good sign! Thank you for taking the time to review us.
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Review from Jemima F (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sparkling Minds Nursery has been fantastic for my shy daughter. They were so patient and kind to her and us as parents, keeping us informed of how she was doing and really supporting her through transitioning to starting nursery. She is so happy to be there now and loves the staff. We are so lucky to
have found them and got a place. We will definitely be sending our next baby there too. I'm really impressed by their safeguarding policies and protecting the children.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryIt's so good to hear that the team are keeping you informed and always supporting little one with confidence and age-appropriate milestones. The team are very conscious that Sunbeam new parents are often quite anxious with returning to work and having to leave their babies for the first time. A little extra patience and kindness during the early transition goes a long way! Thank you for also appreciating the effort we place into our safeguarding procedures that are so important.
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Review from S S (Mother of Child) published on 11 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery, my 2-year-old son is very happy there. The staff are very kind and caring and always give great feedback each day. The only thing I find could use improvement is the pickup and drop off process as it does take a long time, and some parents like a long handover, and some prefer a quick
drop off or pick up. Overall we love it and would highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Jennifer Walker, Director at Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day NurseryWe are so pleased that little one has settled so quickly since joining us in recent months. We love that you are really happy with the level of feedback from the team each day and acknowledge that handovers at the busiest time of day can cause a short wait for some families. We have recently shared an explanation with all parents explaining the unpredictability of children's personal needs during the drop-off and handovers and this can impact staff availability to come to reception faster, however maintaining safety with staff-to-child ratios is always a priority. We continue to be mindful while also providing suitable feedback to those families that prefer more detailed handover as this is such an important part of developing parent partnerships.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.973)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.973) out of 10 for Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 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 4.973 for Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (361 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 371 Ratings = 4.973
  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 Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery is based on 31 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 58 number of registered child places is 11.6, which has been reached with 31 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 (2)

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Meet the Team (4)

Jen

Jen

Job Title: Director & Primary Teacher (QTS) with EYFS Specialism

Level 6.
BA(Hons) Primary Education with QTS for 3-11 years.
Experienced Lead within Primary Education.
Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Katarina

Katarina

Job Title: Manager & Early Years Educator

Level 3 Qualified.
Highly experienced.
Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Paige

Paige

Job Title: Deputy & Primary Teacher (QTS)

- Level 6 Qualified (QTS)
- Highly experienced.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Sam

Sam

Job Title: Senior Lead, SENDCo & Early Years Educator with Early Years Professional Status

Level 6.
Qualified EYPS.
Highly experienced.
Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery accepts?

Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery Open?

Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day 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 Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery have capacity for?

Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 58 Children.

How far is Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery to the centre of Bicester?

3.8 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 Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Sparkling Minds Pre-School and Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.