Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford)

Old Road, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7JU
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9.9 215 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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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 (215)

9.9

Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.927) out of 10, based on 46 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) has 215 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford)
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Total of 215, showing 101-120
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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Review from Rose S (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Valentines Disco. We came in especially for the Disco and had a great time! The staff pit in so much effort to make it special with lots of activities. The resources were amazing, lighting, face painting etc that usually parents would expect to pay for. Were so lucky Julia Durbin go the extra mile.
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Review from Francesca W (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Valentines Disco. Both my children and I thoroughly enjoyed the Valentines Disco and were so pleased to be invited. As always the staff organised a fantastic event with so many activities that appealed to all. They clearly ensured that all the children (and grown-ups) were involved and enjoyed themselves.
My 4-year-old son has just said that it was "fun" it was good I got something from pass-the-parcel! He also liked dancing. This event is really representative of how thoughtful the innovative staff are at engaging with the children in pre-school. Thanks.
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Review from E C (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the care and professionalism of all staff in the nursery. Both our children attend and love coming.
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Review from Anna C (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing staff, my son is so cared for and happy. He has just moved into his third room and is settling really well. The nursery has a really caring and family feel which is unusual for a large nursery.
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Review from Melanie C (Mother of Child) published on 11 December 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used the Julia Durbin nursery for ten years now and I think it is a fantastic nursery. All three of my children have been very happy there and have learned amazing social skills which has helped them as they started school. The staff are very caring and have always listened and dealt with any
concerns I have had. I would highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 4 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started at Julia Durbin Day Nursery six months ago and has settled in very well. The staff are exceptional - caring, enthusiastic and build a great bond with the children. Communication is excellent and we have often commented on how well the staff know our son and his likes and dislikes. The
food at the nurser is varied, fresh and healthy. The menu has been designed with great care. The activities staff organise are educational and stimulating. We would highly recommend this nursery.
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Review from Richard T (Father of Child) published on 19 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved our son from another nursery and there was a marked improvement in the quality of the facilities, staff and level of care at the Julia Durbin nursery. The development of our son has been hugely influenced by the fantastic staff at Julia Durbin, helping him to gain confidence and also begin
to learn some of the key skills that are required for school and beyond. We would recommend this nursery to friends and family without any hesitation.
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Review from Tammy R (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've been using this nursery since 2010 and I couldn't recommend any place better. This nursery is simply fantastic. They ensure our children are the best they possibly could be. The staff (from admin, cleaning, chef, teachers to management team) all know each child individually and care for them like
family. Both my children have settled quickly and have learnt so much more for being at this nursery than they ever would have at home.
They have both left extremely ready for school, being ahead of their targets and with the best possible opportunities in front of them.
This nursery is located brilliantly for those of us working at the hospital. Knowing it's so close is reassuring when little one is poorly, the staff always keep you informed and look after them brilliantly.
I wouldn't hesitate to use this nursery again, other nurseries just aren't as good. It may be expensive, but it's worth the cost for the hours, the "extras" and the brilliant, well-qualified staff.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.927)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.927) 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 46 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 46 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 4.927 for Julia Durbin Day Nursery (Oxford) is calculated as follows: ( (511 Excellents x 5) + (38 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 550 Ratings = 4.927
  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 46 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 164 number of registered child places is 32.8, which has been reached with 46 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.

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