Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool

Curie Avenue, Harwell Int'l Business Centre, Didcot OX11 0QQ
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9.9 61 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool, Didcot
A loving and inspiring Nursery in Harwell

Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool is located close to the A34 and the B417 on the Harwell Oxford Science Campus, making it ideally situated for employees situated on the campus and local residents. With great transport links between Didcot Parkway and the campus, commuting to the nursery couldn't be easier. The nursery welcomes all families in the area, supporting and caring for children from the age of 3 months to 5 years.

The nursery boasts dedicated homerooms for each age group including a separate baby unit. The large outside play areas ensure that children's learning and exploration continue outside, whatever the weather.

Bright Horizons' unique Healthy Hearts and Minds activities provide inspirational and engaging learning experiences using the innovative and well-established Boogie Mites active music-making programmes.

With all-inclusive fees, which means less to pack on a busy morning, the onsite meals are prepared with nutrition in mind. From healthy lunches and snacks to the chosen branded nappies and wipes included in the fees.

The nursery has been awarded an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ (SEPT2018) for their commitment to high quality childcare and education.

The staff are excited to be part of every child’s journey and look forward to showing the nursery and all their facilities during a personal tour.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Alison (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 38

Total Places for Children

  • 94

Age Range

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

Opening Times

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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (61)

9.9

Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.895) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool has 61 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Total of 61, showing 41-60
Review from Nicola N (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with our son attending Bright Horizons Harwell. He has attended for two years a few days a week and loves his days there... he 'skips' in and we hear all about what he's been up to on the way home. He speaks very fondly of his 'grown-ups and friends. The team are great at feeding
back to parents what they are focusing on each week and give great advice and ideas to implement these newly learnt skills at home. He enjoys the big play garden and children's kitchen. The catering is healthy and varied and has always accommodated well for him as he is vegetarian. The staff are experienced and knowledgeable on early years learning, and we feel they really cater to each individual child and their strengths and interests. The administrated side of the nursery is also superb; very efficient and great communication. He surprises us every day with what he has gained from his day at nursery, and we will be very emotional to see him leave for school next summer.
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Review from Akanksha B (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Harwell Day Nursery is outstanding in their performance. The entire staff are extremely efficient and responsible. They look after children on an individual basis and needs. From baby room to Oaks, the entire structure and staff are well trained.
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Review from N N (Mother of Child) published on 1 April 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the carers are really patient, calm, caring and understanding with the children. Policies are clearly followed and communicated. The children take part in a really wide range of different activities.
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Review from Laura R (Father of Child) published on 28 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are incredibly welcoming and show genuine care for my child. I am happy leaving my young child here and I know she will enjoy each day.
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Review from Pavlina T (Mother of Child) published on 1 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot be happier with the nursery. The staff are so lovely and caring, as well as the management. Nothing is ever too much for them. My son loves going to nursery every day. He has changed so much since he started and he has learned a lot. For everyone that is wondering whether this is the right
nursery for their child, I absolutely say YES. The food is amazing, the nursery has recently been refurbished as well. There are always activities for the kids planned and all of them are educational. I am very happy I have made the right decision for my son to attend this nursery.
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Review from M C (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery. My little boy is in pre-school, he loves the staff (who are all exceptional) and all the activities. The rooms have recently been updated which has really improved all the facilities. He looks forward to going every day which is a great relief to me.
The new management are approachable
and always listen to any concerns or suggestions I have.
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Review from E J (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Overall I am pleased with the nursery as a whole my son enjoys being there which is a great relief for me.
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Review from Alice D (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery staff are warm and welcoming, the rooms are lovely and the garden amazing. My child enjoys spending time outside so the choice of being in or out suits her. The chef cooks fabulous food and my child eats everything! My child is always exhausted from having so many things to do to keep her
busy.


I couldn't ask for a better place to send my child.

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Review from Michelle (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are really nice and my daughter seems to enjoy being at nursery. They have nice facilities with big rooms and access to the garden.
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Review from Simon (Father of Child) published on 28 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very impressed with the nursery, Each day appears to be very well planned. We can see the development of our daughter week by week, it has been very good for her and although she was initially a little scared of going there (she is only 1!), she now really enjoys it. She is confident around adults and
children and I'm sure a lot of this is down to the good work of the nursery.
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Review from Rob W (Father of Child) published on 28 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Harwell Bright Horizons nursery for 6 months now, and absolutely loves it.


The staff have been fantastic with settling him in and are always helpful and smiling, keeping the children stimulated, happy and safe. The nursery also has strong processes for dealing with special

dietary requirements.


In addition, there's always something going on, whether it's painting, music, improving things for the children, and even fund raising for charities.

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Review from Catherine M (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A great nursery with such caring and attentive staff who really do their best to help your child settle in well and build relationships. Lots of activities which are age appropriate and good communication with parents. Would highly recommend!
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Review from Sam F (Mother of Child) published on 25 October 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attends here full time and absolutely loves going in every day. He settled straight in and the staff know exactly what toys to have ready to welcome him. They treat him like an individual, encourage him to learn at his own pace and are always doing new activities which he enjoys.


Staff have

taken the time to get to know my son individually; have regular daily dialogues keep me up to date on his activities and progress and they are able to quickly recognise when he isn’t quite himself. My son is turning into a well-balanced and confident little boy and his nursery have played a key part in this.
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Review from Emma M (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was initially unsure if nursery was the right place for my daughter but the team reassured me and were very accommodating with organising numerous 'settling in days' for my daughter. Dropping her off in the new setting was difficult for us both but they very quickly understood what my daughter required
to make this as easy as possible. It didn't take long before she started to love going to nursery. All the staff seem very happy in their workplace and this has evidently rubbed off on the children. She has learnt so much in a very short time. The staff always have the time for questions even if they are busy. We will all miss the friendly environment. Thank you.
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Review from Rebecca J (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is fifteen months old and has been at Harwell for the last nine months. She is thriving there and loves going to nursery. The staff are so welcoming, helpful and supportive. My daughter really enjoys the variety of activities and has formed close relationships with her careers and friends.
She is very well looked after and enjoys the facilities offered. The daily feedback given by staff is really helpful. Staff are always very accommodating to my daughters needs. I highly recommend Harwell nursery.
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Review from Claire Louise (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My nearly 3 year old attends this nursery and has done since she was around 8 months old.
The young girls in her room are lovely and I am pleased with her overall progression here and the fact that they get lots of outdoor play time in the summer months which she loves.


She is due to move up to

rising threes over the coming weeks which we are looking forward to and I am hoping she will be able to get more hands on and creative which I have been told she will once she has moved across.


I have been happy with the menu and care offered to my child and the flexibility if we need to book extra days (on the rare occasion we do). We would like to keep our daughter here at the Harwell nursery throughout preschool if possible until she starts school.
Thank you to the girls in toddler 2 for taking great care of our little girl :)

Reply from Marketa Cardon, Bright Horizons Team at Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your feedback. If there are any aspects you are not 100% satisfied with, I would strongly recommend that you speak to the Nursery Manager to express your views, so any areas of concern…read more
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Review from Charlotte A (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended this nursery for the past 4 years and he has had a great start in life with great staff and friends along the way. Great activities and excellent care standards, it's nice to not have to worry! We will both be sad to leave in September when my son starts school.
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Review from Amy J (Mother of Child) published on 21 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very impressed with the staff in my daughter's group. They had noticed a small rash and informed me ASAP they also contacted me a second time to say it had got slightly bigger. I phoned the Dr's and by the time she got there the rash had covered all of her body. It turned out she had a virus
but it could have been different . I would just like to thank them for their efficiency and for being on the ball. They are always a friendly team giving lots of feedback on my daughter's day. Thank you.
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Review from Alexander R (Father of Child) published on 15 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started here in September and has always had a great time. She loves coming here and the staff are all fantastic. The food is always very tasty and healthy too. I cant rate it high enough!
Reply from Marketa Cardon, Mrkg at Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool
We really enjoy hearing from our families and understand how important your views are. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
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Review from BexReip P (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started here 1.5 days per week at 13 months, and she really loves it - she's all "Nurshry! Nurshry" when she realises she's going, and reels off the names of the staff and her friends as she gets closer! I love hearing about what she got up to during her day, and that I can call any time
and find out how she's getting on.


I've popped in early to pick her up and seen the staff in action - some are young but they all are competent, enthusiastic and well-trained, as well as energetic and loving. It is clear they love their work, they talk to/about their charges with obvious genuine affection, and the joy/excitement shown by my daughter when we mention their names is evident!


Our daughter eats tonnes more than when she's at home - and they don't leave little ones to cry to sleep, so she's started napping well there too.
Some of the staff sign with our toddler, which really helped her settle and has really supported her language development and has helped her become even more social.


I like that they let them develop at their own pace but do have fun activities to participate in together, that there is lots of safe outside play opportunities.


I used to be reluctant about the idea of sending her to nursery, but she's so happy that now I'm really pleased we did. She wouldn't have half as much fun with a childminder and fewer adults/toddlers to interact with, and I can trust there are always a small body of well-trained staff looking out for her. I would actually be reluctant to pull her out of there, as I think she really benefits from it.

Reply from Marketa Cardon, Bright Horizons Team at Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your kind feedback. We are delighted to hear that you are happy with the level of care we provide.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.895)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.895) out of 10 for Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool 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 20 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 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 4.895 for Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (214 Excellents x 5) + (25 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 239 Ratings = 4.895
  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 Bright Horizons Harwell Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 20 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 94 number of registered child places is 18.8, which has been reached with 20 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 (4)

Meet the Team (2)

Alison

Alison

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2018

Child care has always been a passion since I was a teenager, I qualified with my NNEB in 1992 and was a uniformed nanny for many years before I completed my NVQ level 3 and worked in the nursery environment as a Nursery Nurse. Over the years of working with Bright Horizons I have been lucky enough to have had senior roles with flexible working to support my own children through school.


I joined the Senior Harwell team in 2015 and became Manager in November 2018. Providing inspiring education and care at Harwell is a drive and passion of mine, it's wonderful to see the children thrive in our nursery environment and support busy working families, seeing many of them progress through the nursery and flourish in school.

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Sarah

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2018

I qualified with a BTEC in Childcare and Development in July 2004 and then studied to complete my Foundation Degree in Early Years in July 2017. For 11 years I worked in nursery environments with a variety of age ranges before relocating from Stock-on-Trent to Oxfordshire in 2015 where I joined a nursery as their preschool room leader until joining the Harwell Senior Team as Third in Charge and Room Leader of Saplings (toddlers) in April 2018.

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