The Close Day Nursery School

Prospect Road, Banbury OX16 5HH
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9.9 56 Reviews
  • The Close Day Nursery School, Banbury
The Close Day Nursery, proud recipients of the Top 20 Day Nursery Awards in both 2023 and 2024, ranks as the nursery of choice in Banbury. The intake is capped at 55 children, allowing the team to forge deep, nurturing bonds with each young learner. With a rich history spanning over 60 years, this family-operated establishment sets a benchmark in childcare.

The exceptional team of dedicated Early Years Practitioners at The Close has fostered a welcoming, familial, "home away from home" ambiance that greets visitors from the moment they enter.

The Close upholds a commitment to high-quality care and education, ensuring that every child's voice is not only heard but also valued. With core values centred on respect, love, and steadfast attention to health and safety, the nursery cultivates an environment where children flourish.

Situated in the heart of Banbury, The Close's prime location offers convenient access to local transport links, and strong relationships with the area's top schools.
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Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Sutha Satkunarajah
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Lorraine Wetherill (Head Teacher)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 16

Total Places for Children

  • 55

Age Range

  • from 0 years 1 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • We offer funded places utilising the Government Funding for both 15 and 30 hours. We are able to stretch this funding over 50 weeks a year rather than just term time.


    Please contact us for information regarding Government Funding and private fees.
    Please telephone or email for more information.

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, 2 weeks at Christmas & 1 week at Easter

Parking

  • They have a car park situated at the rear of the nursery in Old Parr Close - OX16 5HY

The Close Day Nursery School Reviews (56)

9.9

The Close Day Nursery School has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.947) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Close Day Nursery School has 56 reviews.

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Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Close Day Nursery has exceeded our expectations in every way. The staff are nothing short of amazing and their dedication and passion for their work shine through in every interaction. They go above and beyond to create a nurturing and supportive environment with endless, exciting opportunities.
The communication is exemplary, with staff keeping us informed about our child's day, milestones and any special moments. We wholeheartedly recommend The Close Day Nursery to any parent seeking a nurturing and enriching environment for their little ones.
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Review from Neil K (Father of Child) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Close Day Nursery is the most brilliantly organised, friendly and caring nursery. The staff are well trained, polite and kind and took excellent care of our daughter throughout her time at the nursery. The communication was fantastic, always updating us on our daughter's day she grew very attached to
her teachers and you could tell that they had a great relationship with her too. As new parents, we were quite nervous sending her to nursery when we first started but the team in the baby room led by a staff member was so good at putting us and her at ease on dropoff and sending regular updates and pictures throughout her days. She moved up to the middle room and the transition was managed really well and it went very smoothly. A particular member of staff and the middle room team were equally fantastic and her key worker went above and beyond in looking after our daughter and making sure she settled in. We can't recommend this nursery highly enough. We have now left the nursery having moved to a new area and already miss it!
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Review from Ali D (Father of Child) published on 27 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff, facility and policies. Our 4-year-old daughter feels like this place is her second home. There is a natural harmony between all the members. Very well organised, with different themes each week, a teacher for a second language, close monitoring of the child's development and regular
updates. It is all bound up with professional management.
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Review from Leah N (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined The Close Day Nursery in January and attends two mornings a week. She has bonded so well with all of her teachers and comes home learning something new each time - which is really important to us. Everyone is kind, always happy to help, give guidance on any of our concerns and most
importantly gives all their attention and support to the children. If you are looking for a friendly, helpful, safe and overall amazing nursery for your child, this is the one for you!
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Review from Shannon M (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been at The Close Day Nursery School since October 2021. He started in the baby room and transitioned to the middle room once he turned 2. He’s had amazing key workers in both rooms. He knows all the staff by name and he knows they all care for him. The staff are intentional and invest not
only in his educational development but also in his social and emotional. He is flourishing and growing in his confidence! Staff are quick to support parents with practical things like potty training and providing leaflets and information that’s been useful at home. We wouldn’t want our son to be anywhere else. We also know there is brilliant leadership as there is little to no staff turnover. We’re grateful for all they do.
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Review from K P (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are incredible, nothing is too much for them. My child has a fantastic day every day and can't wait to go to nursery, not only to see his friends but to see all the staff too and tell them about his evening.
Amazing nursery. Can't fault anything. Any problems you have you can contact the
head teacher and she will go above and beyond (as well as everyone else) to help resolve any issues - this is including things that may be happening at home.
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Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love The Close Day Nursery School. Our daughter started in August 2022 and we couldn’t be happier. All the girls in the baby room made her first experience of being away from home seamless. They take the time to give thorough feedback at the end of each day and she loves going into nursery. The work
she comes home with is varied and I really feel like they know my daughter and next steps including targets which are shared with home.
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at The Close Day Nursery School since March 2022 when she was 7 months old.
I immediately felt at home and welcomed by the lovely staff and my daughter settled immediately.
They keep you updated about their days, needs and send photos of their progress.
My daughter has progressed
so well and shows some amazing skills in language for the age of 19 months.
They are always willing to help wherever they can and we are always greeted with smiles!
Amazing place!
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Review from Tiffany I (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have sent both our daughters to The Close Day Nursery School. Our eldest, age 5, has moved to early years (reception) but our youngest, age 2, currently attends. We have been incredibly happy with the level of care throughout the years. The attention to detail, education and overall support from
the staff have allowed our girls to thrive. Both truly love the nursery. Lovely sense of community and family.
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Review from C D (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been very impressed with the team at The Close Day Nursery School since our son started in 2022. Compared to a previous setting we had used, the communication is very good, the environment is very clean and tidy and there is excellent engagement with the parents and the community. The children
are encouraged to go on short trips in the local area. There is always a clear theme that they are working on and this is communicated very well to parents. Every member of staff is warm, engaged and clearly knows the children well and cares about them. The manager is accessible, friendly and very responsive to queries. We would recommend The Close Day Nursery School to any parent.
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Review from Charlotte J (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The best nursery in Banbury! We have had such a positive experience moving from another nursery to here.
All the staff are caring and lovely and our son has come on so much since being there.
The activities are always educational and meet the needs of your child's educational and development milestones.
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Review from Annie E (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started nursery in the baby room in May 2022, and she absolutely loves it. The staff are so caring and understanding, ensuring individual needs are met and I get an update each day, plus emails and photos, so I know how she has been and what she has been up to. The activities are great and
varied and ensure my daughter is learning through play. She mixes with the children and adults and gets to gain social skills and has grown in confidence. The staff genuinely care and listen and it’s so reassuring knowing I’m leaving her in such a caring environment. I was so nervous about leaving her the first time, but I had nothing to worry about, she always enjoys her days at nursery.
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Review from Claire S (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I currently have two children who attend The Close Day Nursery. Our overall experience since our oldest child joined in January 2021 has been nothing but fantastic. Our journey started in the middle room and from our very first visit, we knew straight away both our boys would be very happy here. The
manager and her team of dedicated staff go above and beyond to provide the best Nursery experience for both child and parent, nothing is ever too much trouble. We will be forever grateful for all the help and support we have received from the manager and all the ladies in the Middle room and Big room. Thank you all for taking such good care of my boys. You are all wonderful.
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Review from Gosia Z (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending the nursery since she was 2 years old and absolutely loves it. Staff are very nice and keep you updated about their progress. My daughter is always going to nursery happy which makes me happy too.
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Review from Imogen W (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started in October 2020 in the middle room and then progressed to the big room in 2021. She starts school this September 2022 and has come on so well and learned so much, my daughter has got a good relationship with the staff and always talks about them. I will miss coming to the nursery
and I will definitely be sending my other daughter to the nursery when she turns 2. All the staff are friendly and it has been a pleasure to know them.
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Review from Elisabeta G (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has changed nursery and he loved it from the moment he started. The staff were so friendly, kind and made his transition very smooth! At the moment he goes only 3 days but he asks me every day to go to the nursery. They do so many activities, they spend lots of time outside and he has learned
so many things. The staff are so caring that one day, they called me to say that my little boy has my house keys, imagine how surprised I was about this kindness. I highly recommend this nursery!
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Review from Eve W (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our eldest son started at the Close Day Nursery six years ago, the staff from baby room, middle room and through to the big room are like one big family. The culture within the nursery is caring and nurturing. Staff are all proactive in giving practical advice from their wealth of experience when consulted
or required. Our third child is now enrolled at the Close Day Nursery and our middle child is in the big room. We couldn’t imagine sending our children to any other nursery.
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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending the nursery for the last year. He has really enjoyed his time there and has come on a lot over the year. The nursery has a family-friendly atmosphere and the teachers are all really friendly and supportive.
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Review from Charlotte W (Mother of Child) published on 9 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started in the baby room in May and since then his confidence with other people/children and playing has grown tremendously. Every morning he is excited to go to see the staff in the baby room and his friends. I love that I get an update each day via email with a photo or two to keep me informed
with how well he is getting on as well as a written update in a journal we get to take home.
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Review from Sarah-Jane B (Mother of Child) published on 9 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started at The Close Day Nursery School in early 2019 after her first birthday and is due to start school in September 2022. We cannot fault the nursery, especially during the covid pandemic. Our daughter loves the staff and has built some fantastic relationships with all of them. She has
thrived in each room and we will be sad to leave such a great nursery.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.947)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.947) out of 10 for The Close Day Nursery School 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 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.947 for The Close Day Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (233 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 246 Ratings = 4.947
  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 The Close Day Nursery School is based on 21 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 55 number of registered child places is 11, which has been reached with 21 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)

Meet the Team (1)

Lorraine

Lorraine Wetherill

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2006

Lorraine has 16 years of experience in the childcare field and has been at Close Day Nursery since 2006. Whilst being responsible for maintaining the high standards of the nursery, Lorraine also ensures that each member of staff adheres to the policies and procedures creating a safe, stimulating environment for all the children who attend.


Lorraine supervises the nursery curriculum and implementation of the EYFS, providing support and training to staff. She encourages close partnerships between staff and parents, striving for The Close Day Nursery to be the best nursery in Oxfordshire!
Lorraine is our Lead Safeguarding officer. In addition, she delivers talks around the county on best practices in Nursery Management.

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