Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford)

Old Road, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JU
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9.9 223 Reviews
  • Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford), Oxford
Julia Durbin Day Nursery is located within the grounds of Churchill Hospital and caters for children both in the local community and the Oxford Radcliffe Hospital Trust.

Homely surroundings and a thoroughly resourced facility allows the nursery's highly trained practitioners to achieve high standards of early years education across the age ranges.

Parent partnerships are promoted and developed whilst long opening hours and a fully inclusive package offer a convenient service to busy families.
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Funding & Fees

Contact Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) to get a personalised quote.

Contact Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Emma Wallbridge (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 54

Total Places for Children

  • 164

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00-18:30
    Tuesday 07:00-18:30
    Wednesday 07:00-18:30
    Thursday 07:00-18:30
    Friday 07:00-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Inset Days

Parking

  • Free parking is available onsite.

Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) Reviews (223)

9.9

Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.911) out of 10, based on 48 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) has 223 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford)
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Total of 223, showing 101-120
Review from Rebecca C (Mother of Child) published on 15 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at Julia Durbin from the age of 9 months, up to going to school. She has had an incredible experience, and we highly recommend this nursery. All the staff are very fantastic - they really care about the children and teach them so much. They give them amazing experiences, both in
the nursery and on trips out (including to the library, theatre, and further afield including the hedgehog hospital!). In the nursery, they focus on age-appropriate skill development, and our daughter is now confident in starting to read, early maths, role-play, whiteboard work and art. The outdoor space is fantastic, with loads of resources in the garden to play. The team has been incredible during the COVID pandemic, supporting those of us who needed to continue to use the nursery, and keeping everyone safe when more children returned. I am so pleased we sent our daughter here, the range of experiences she has been given has been amazing, and it's prepared her extremely well for school.
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Review from Laura C (Mother of Child) published on 7 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended Julia Durbin since she was 10 months old. We’ve been extremely happy with the care that she had received during that time. She has acquired countless social skills and grown in confidence. She’s always had a lovely bond with her key workers and we’ve always felt that they
have understood her character and encouraged her in the things that she enjoys. She’s made some great friends and will miss it greatly when she starts school next week however I feel that Julia Durbin and more recently her time at preschool has prepared her well and put in place solid foundations for her to start school and for that we are extremely grateful. I've always found staff to be helpful and reassuring. There is excellent communication from both key workers and management. We would without hesitation recommend this nursery to parents. Thank you to all the staff for their care and kindness for the last nearly 4 years!
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Review from Sara R (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our son really enjoyed his time at the Julia Durbin Day Nursery and we'd like to thank all the staff in Butterflies room, especially his key worker, for all their excellent work and for really caring about the children. It was a bit too expensive for us in the end and we had to go for another childcare
option after 10 months or so of attendance, especially as prices normally go up every year. However, I would still recommend Julia Durbin as an excellent nursery, primarily because of the people working directly with the children and the admin staff, who are very understanding. The outdoor space of the nursery is really fantastic and that was the thing that really sold it to us to begin with.
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Review from Claire H (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our children have attended Julia Durbin so we have had a long relationship with the team.
They both started as babies and we have seen them flourish through their early years.
The staff have got to know them well and seen their interests develop.
We have always appreciated the feedback from
the day and were confident our children were happy and well looked after.
We have always found the team very caring and committed to individualised learning.
The range of activities and outdoor space was excellent and really encouraged our children in their play and learning.
We have decided to move our younger child on to a different pre-school environment with a qualified primary school teacher because of flexibility of sessions and because he is old for the school year - but our older son who is young for his year was very well prepared for school so we would still highly recommend Julia Durbin Nursery.
Overall we are very thankful to have chosen Julia Durbin.
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Review from Charlotte (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has had a wonderful time at the Julia Durbin Nursery. He started in the Butterflies room when he was aged 2 and a half. He had never been looked after by anyone other than a close relative, so it was a big transition. All the staff were very kind and welcoming and helped him to settle in. His
key worker was really enthusiastic and joyful and he talked about her a lot at home. Our son particularly enjoyed the daily music sessions, activities in the big garden, and playing with the plentiful array of toy construction tools. We highly recommend Julia Durbin as a welcoming and stimulating nursery.
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Review from Nicola A (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used Julia Durbin for all 3 of my children, and I can honestly say it’s the BEST by far! The nursery has always supported me and my family and has been my ultimate backbone for over 7 years.
I have seen many staff over the years in the reception, and the classrooms and each and everyone are
a credit to the nursery, always going above and beyond to ensure the children’s needs are the main priority. I always feel confident leaving my child here and never worry, as I know they are in the safest hands.
The facilities and food are amazing, especially the action-packed garden. Each day always includes lots of fun activities, creativity and learning through play. I would honestly struggle to find any faults.
However, the best thing about Julia Durbin for me is that each of my children have always been happy. I will miss the nursery and the amazing staff so very much and can not thank you all enough for being our second home for so long.
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Review from Gracia (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Julia Durbin is a fantastic nursery. I say this based on over seven years' experience of sending my three children there. Over the years, my kids have been through each of the different age-based rooms and we have experienced firsthand the love, care and dedication that all of the staff pour into their
work. The daily activities are lovely and educational, the atmosphere is fun and the huge garden is a massive bonus. It can be nerve-wracking choosing a nursery, especially if it is a child's first time being away from home, but Julia Durbin really is a second family and I recommend them whole-heartedly!
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Review from Jonathan P (Father of Child) published on 3 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started at Julia Durbin in November 2018, first in Caterpillars, and then Bumblebees, and ever since then we've been absolutely blown away by how positive an experience this has been. The nursery itself is great, with lovely rooms and a brilliant outdoor play area, but it really is the staff
that make this place what it is. We're constantly impressed with the sheer level of dedication and care that they've shown to our son, how seriously they take his development and confidence and how much fun he has there. We really can tell the difference it's made.
We're also touched by the level of effort made during the pandemic. While our son hasn't been at nursery due to lockdown, the staff have been really proactive at keeping in touch at a time when they're stretched, and we know that when they say they can't wait to see him come back, that they really mean it. It's that attitude that sums up why, as a family, we're so happy with the place.
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Review from Zoe S (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Julia Durbin Day Nursery is a wonderful nursery, I can highly recommend it. Our son has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the nursery and made some really good friends. Every day they have different fun activities for the children to get involved with and there is plenty of outdoor space for the children
to play in. The team were wonderful when it came to settling him into the nursery when he first started age 2 in Butterflies room. They also helped enormously with the potty training in Pre-School. Our son’s social skills developed really well during his time at Julia Durbin’s Nursery. He bonded well with his key workers and he really enjoyed going to the nursery. Julia Durbin is a very professional nursery and I can highly recommend it.
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Review from Katie C (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was recommended the Julia Durbin by a number of friends and colleagues when deciding on a nursery for our son and I'm really glad we followed their advice. Having been there for nearly a year now he is so happy going off in the mornings and seems to enjoy his nursery days more and more every week.
He has clearly formed strong relationships with the staff members (who all know him by name) and the range of activities on offer both inside and out is tremendous. This is particularly impressive given how challenging the last couple of months have been, for both parents and staff, but despite this, the nursery has continued to excel in both their communication and high standards of care. I would thoroughly recommend Julia Durbin Day Nursery to any other family looking for a stimulating and supportive environment to send their children.
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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have never found anything about the nursery disappointing, the staff are amazing and appear so hard working and caring. My daughter has bonded with many of the staff over the 1.5 years she has been there, and I always feel happy leaving her there. There seem to be a great variety of activities and
meals, and she does lots of messy play which she wouldn't get to do at home. They maximise outdoor time in the excellent garden which is important to us. I'm really grateful for all the work they do, it cannot be an easy job.
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Review from Elizabeth (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Julia Durbin was recommended by several friends last year when we were looking to move our 3-year-old from another setting before her 1-year-old sister started nursery as we weren’t very happy at the previous place. I am so happy we took their advice, the staff are super friendly and helpful, and both
kids settled really quickly. We were reassured about them going back to nursery after lockdown by all the thought, hard work and preparation staff had clearly put in, and both have settled back in brilliantly this first week back. The menu is healthy and clearly tasty as mine frequently have seconds and thirds! Rooms and outdoor spaces are really well-equipped and great at stimulating their imagination and learning. I couldn’t rate them more highly, I feel completely happy with the care my kids get at Julia Durbin!
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Review from Laura E (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Julia Durbin highly enough. My eldest attended for three years and there was nowhere else I would have considered to send my youngest. The staff are wonderful and the children have had hugely positive experiences, learning so much and making great friends. Sending them to Julia Durbin
has provided such peace of mind, knowing how well looked after the children are with wonderful facilities, caring staff, varied food choices and an incredible outside space. The nursery feels at times like an extended family. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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Review from Rachel M (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son went to Julia Durbin so knowing the staff and the environment we had no hesitation in sending our daughter. We have been consistently impressed by all of the staff. The last few months have been no different. Despite everything that is going on, communication has been excellent, the staff have
all seemed so positive and it has been a huge weight off to see that my daughter has clearly had a great day whenever we collect her. Thank you to all the staff and we would highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from Ellie M (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Ladybirds at Julia Durbin since July 2019 and he absolutely loves it. He was only one when he first started so was understandably anxious and scared as he’d been with me totally the whole previous year. The staff were amazing, in particular his key workers and the room leader
who settled him in and he soon felt completely relaxed. He loves going to nursery and runs into the room in the morning. I feel totally at ease throughout the day and know I can call to check on him as much as I need. His confidence and learning has also come on so much especially when interacting with other children. All staff have been outstanding during the last few difficult weeks, thank you all!
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Review from Sam H (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending the nursery since October 2019, and she absolutely loves it. I would recommend it to any parent. The management team are fantastic - organised, good at communicating, and they have clear policies and processes in place i.e. for children with allergies. Our daughter is
in Bumblebees room - the staff are all so caring, friendly, and get to know the children really well. There is a good balance of play (indoor and out in the amazing garden) and learning, with each child's individual goals tailored to their interests and strengths. There are always so many great activities set up for the children to do each day. My daughter's key worker is particularly brilliant and we have enjoyed seeing our daughter blossom over the last six months.
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Review from Susan G (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend the Julia Durbin Day Nursery more highly. My 18-month-old has been going for the last 3 months and has really blossomed. The staff are attentive and engaging. The facilities are excellent with a lovely big garden and lots of stimulating books and toys inside. They put on lots of exciting
activities to keep the children entertained - to name a few "science experiments, gruffalo hunts, cooking and yoga sessions." I love that they promote healthy eating and being environmentally friendly. During the lockdown period, they have communicated excellently about the changes at nursery as well as sending out newsletters with food/play ideas. They have also been amazingly flexible with booking in extra days during this difficult period - which as a key worker has been invaluable. Most importantly I can go to work in the knowledge that my daughter is happy and safe whilst also learning and developing!
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Review from Faith E (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We cannot recommend this nursery highly enough. They have been and continue to be amazing. During the current pandemic not only did they adapt and continue to provide the same amazing care they were flexible so we as key workers could also offer flexibility to the NHS. Our son (12 months now) started
there 4 months ago and loves it and has thrived. The staff are caring and fun, he is stimulated, experiences lots of different age-appropriate activities, enjoys the outdoor space, messy play and eats exceptionally well from the wonderful nutritional food cooked daily.
I have nothing but praise for the nursery management who always ensure we are fully informed and the staff for their care and attention.
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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 1 April 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly, thoughtful staff. My son is very happy to go to nursery every day, and the lay schedule is well designed.
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Review from J C (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly and warm with my child. She has really blossomed and clearly feels safe at Julia Durbin. All the staff are committed, helpful and have a very caring attitude - they all know my child well and are always full of smiles and enthusiasm.
Thanks!
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.911)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.911) out of 10 for Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) 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 48 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 48 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 4.911 for Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) is calculated as follows: ( (525 Excellents x 5) + (49 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 575 Ratings = 4.911
  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 Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) is based on 48 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 164 number of registered child places is 32.8, which has been reached with 48 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

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Awards / Recognitions (19)

Meet the Team (1)

Emma

Emma Wallbridge

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 1996

Emma is the Manager of Julia Durbin Day Nursery in Headington and has a wealth of experience, having worked in the early years sector for 24 years. Emma has numerous qualifications, including an NNEB, Management NVQ's and a Foundation Degree in Early Years. Emma has worked for Childbase Partnership since 1996.


What is your favourite feature of Julia Durbin?
Despite being on the hospital grounds we are almost secretly hidden within a lovely natural space and a huge natural garden. I also like our entrance and reception area as we get to greet all the families and visitors as they arrive.


What are you most proud of about your nursery/team?
Our ongoing recognition from Ofsted and amazing day nursery reviews from our parents. The staff have exceptional relationships with the families and each other which leaves a great morale across the nursery. The children are the heart of our Julia Durbin family.

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