Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station

Osney Lane, Oxford OX1 1LF
Review Us
9.8 70 Reviews
  • Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station, Oxford
Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station is ideally located next to the railway station and it has four spacious rooms each with direct access to the outside, allowing children the choice to move freely between inside and out whenever they choose.

They are big on happy children and they have areas for growing food (and eating it), regular visits to care homes and a focus on taking care of each other and the world. The nursery are silver eco schools accredited, a programme that sees children lead the way in making little changes that deliver big environmental differences.

The nursery team are big on safety which is why ALL their staff are paediatric first aid trained. They use their 5 Little Pioneers to help share their core values with children, encouraging them to be independent, make their own choices, express their feelings and make a difference in the world.

Their Famly app keeps parents/carers informed about life at nursery and includes photos from their day, assessments, meals eaten and even toilet training progress.

Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station love learning to cook as their onsite chef assists their nursery practitioners with interactive, fun-filled (and safe!) cooking activities whilst teaching children the importance of eating healthy too.
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Funding & Fees

(0-2) Full day £91.50/ Half Day £56.75


(2-3) Full day £87.25 / Half Day £54.25


(3-5) Full day £81.25 / Half Day £49.00

Government Funding accepted

Contact Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station to get a personalised quote.

Contact Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Zoe Sandalls (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 27

Total Places for Children

  • 70

Age Range

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

Opening Times

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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Parking

  • Parking available

Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station Reviews (70)

9.8

Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.783) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station has 70 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station
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Total of 70, showing 21-40
Review from S B (Father of Child) published on 6 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our sons attended the nursery for several years until they left for school, and were extremely well looked after throughout their time there. The staff's commitment to the children was exemplary, particularly during the Covid pandemic. The long opening hours are also extremely helpful for working
parents, as it makes a delayed train or overrunning meeting less of a disaster than at nurseries with shorter hours.
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Review from Eve D (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends The Co-op Childcare Oxford Station. She absolutely loves it, the staff go above and beyond to make sure she is well stimulated and emotionally cared for. She comes home knowing new words, new songs and new games every day. They work exceptionally hard, as do the administration clerks
and chef. We feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing nursery close by. I would not send my daughter anywhere else.
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Review from H P (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have sent both of our kids to the Co-op nursery and couldn't be happier with it. The staff are warm, caring and creative, and really engage with the kids at whatever stage they're at and whatever their individual interests. The kids are encouraged to be outdoors a lot, and we like that they have
dirt, bugs, birds, and real materials like pallets and so on to explore. It appeals to us much more than a curated and sterile outdoor space. They have also learned so much in terms of phonics and counting ahead of starting school. There is always someone there to give feedback at the end of the day, and the team have been super helpful with dietary restrictions, nap transitions and toilet training . They really are brilliant!
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Review from Anwesha R (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When we moved to Oxford, we were looking to place our daughter at a nursery that would understand the effects of a change of place on a 3-year-old. My daughter had been going to her previous nursery for more than 2 years, and naturally, this new move was tough for her. But I am really impressed by the
way the nursery staff handled her, cared for her and provided her comfort. It made our transition into Oxford so much easier because our daughter was so well cared for in the nursery. They were incredibly patient in toilet training her and even had tips for me when I was struggling. My daughter attended all five days at the nursery and continued at the nursery till she moved on to her reception year. Honestly, when she left, I did not know who was sad - her or me! Excellent job, everyone!
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Review from M G (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My baby girl goes to the nursery one day a week and she seems to really enjoy her time there! The staff are very caring and attentive. The baby room is full of fun things for her to explore. The location is perfect for us! The few times she has had health issues (an allergic reaction once, another time
she was sick unexpectedly - none of which was their fault!) the staff have responded so well: they let me know as soon as possible about the issue, answered all my questions fully and helpfully and offered her such good care until I was able to get her.
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Review from P R (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our 1-year-old child has been attending since September and really enjoys it. The staff are skilled, communicative and empathetic. We have been able to build close relationships with the handful of staff working with our child and have found communication whether in person, by email or by phone to be
easy and responsive. Our child clearly has a good bond with their key person. My child eats and sleeps well when they are there.
In terms of governance and facilities, the nursery seems to have good mechanisms to invite and respond to feedback. The nursery site is quite small and compared to other nurseries they don't have a huge outdoor space. However, the playgrounds seem adequate to the kids' needs and the site as a whole is nestled among trees by the river away from any major roads. Another benefit is the nursery is very flexible about pick-up and drop-off times, as well as extra days, so it works well around our work schedules.
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Review from James H (Father of Child) published on 2 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
With it being such a daunting task trying to find the right nursery for a child, I am so happy and pleased with our experience with the nursery. My little girl really enjoys it and has come on leaps and bounds since she started going. The key worker my daughter is with has really bonded and is so nice
to see as a parent. All the staff are super friendly and keep me informed every day about how my daughter is doing and what she's been up to. The app which gives you videos and pictures throughout the day is great and brings a smile to my face when one pops up when I'm sat at my desk!
The management are really informative and helpful and keep us updated regularly.
My daughter loves coming to the nursery so much, she's started picking up her coat and bag and walking to the front door ready to go!
Thank you to all the staff for a great experience.
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Review from Gail W (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our twins started in the baby room at 9 months old and now have another year to go in preschool. They have always had a really happy time, especially because of the staff - they've formed strong bonds with several different adults, while the staff obviously know the children extremely well and are very
happy to follow their interests and encourage them with what they might need help with. Our twins are very different from each other and it's lovely to see how nursery staff have responded to this - it's clear that they treat each child as an individual. Communication with parents is also great, with a really sensible amount at each stage and the app is used brilliantly to pass on photos and messages about special moments as well as important information and suggestions for things to do at home. The nursery is extremely conveniently situated for the station, which means that space is a bit squeezed, but the staff work really well with what they've got.
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Review from Tim R (Father of Child) published on 17 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended since 12-months-old and is now in the pre-school class preparing for the step to primary in September. I can honestly say that our experience with the nursery throughout this time has been exceptional. All nurseries have four walls, a floor and ceiling but it is not the quality
of these that makes for an exceptional experience, it is the people that work within that space that make the difference. All the team have consistently demonstrated a professional, caring, flexible and creative approach to enable our daughter to flourish into a confident, well rounded and, most importantly, happy 4-year-old. I personally have suffered from a serious health scare over the last year and the management team and staff have supported us as a family to a level above and beyond what we would have expected or hoped for. We feel that our daughter is well prepared both academically and socially for primary school due to the work and environment at the nursery. Thank you!
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Review from Anna K (Mother of Child) published on 13 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been in the nursery since she was 9-months, now a pre-schooler. The first thing that comes to my mind is the feeling of being listened to as a parent. The staff really try and accommodate the various and sometimes odd things we, parents, ask for (eating habits and allergies, nap times
and duration of it, flexible pick up and drop off times, etc.etc.). It is clear the children adore the members of the staff and vice versa, exemplified by inviting the staff to their birthday parties. My daughter comes home and tells us about erupting volcanos, Earth going around the Sun, woodland animals, how plants grow, excavators, when to call an ambulance, etc., which clearly she has learned about in the nursery, not to mention numbers and letters/sounds. We do feel the outside space and several toys need revamping/replacement but overall we are very happy with the nursery.
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Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 13 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy loves the Co-op Childcare Oxford Station Day Nursery. He has settled in very well and has a great bond with his key worker.
The nursery has a lovely, relaxed feel and the staff are kind and loving with the children.
I’ve found that nothing is too much trouble for the staff who are
very accommodating and super quick to respond to any queries or requests.
My little one is eligible to join a more local, school-based nursery in September but because I’m so happy with Oxford Station Nursery and how he’s gaining confidence and new skills, I’d like to keep his place here.
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Review from R R (Father of Child) published on 13 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Co-op Childcare Oxford Station Day Nursery has been ideal for our three boys. The staff are caring and nurturing and the nursery is really flexible around our arrangements. Food is excellent with an in-house cook preparing fresh meals every day. Thank you!
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Review from Hannah J (Mother of Child) published on 13 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would thoroughly recommend this nursery. The staff are caring and engaged and it is well managed. My child is extremely happy here full-time and runs in happily every morning! Activities are varied and well planned to develop my child individually.
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Review from John S (Father of Child) published on 13 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've had three children at the Co-op Childcare Oxford Station Day Nursery over the past five years and, though individual staff have arrived and left (and in some cases returned!) over that time, the ethos of the nursery and the quality of care have remained uniformly high, even during the pandemic
when working conditions were extremely difficult. We're kept very well informed about the children's day to day activities (including menus and nappy changes) and notified immediately of any small bumps or scrapes. The staff are, without exception, friendly and helpful. Our third is currently in the youngest section and we had no hesitation in sending him after very positive experiences with the previous two. Highly recommended.
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Review from A B (Father of Child) published on 6 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter loves the nursery, her friends and key workers. Great engagement levels by the teachers who form strong personal bonds. My daughter has transitioned through all the different rooms from baby to pre-school and the staff make that an easy process of settling in and adjusting to a new room.
The only negatives are the tired facilities.
Reply from Zoe Sandalls, Nursery Deputy Manager at Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford StationThank you for your kind words. We are really glad you're happy with us. Thank you for taking the time to write this review.
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Review from J S (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff at Co-op Childcare Oxford Station nursery are lovely. They are extremely friendly and flexible with regards to any special requests we may have, such as bringing in our son late some days and picking him up earlier. While I haven't witnessed the food being served, I have been inside when it
was being cooked and it smelled very tasty. For the most part, our son seems to agree and is happily eating most things that he is served. Overall, our son seems to be quite happy spending time in the nursery. One thing that could do with improvement is a general clean up and spruce-up of the premises. There are lots of dead leaves and branches lying about at the entrance and the AstroTurf that used to be bright green can now barely be seen through all the sand that is on top. Some of the toys have also had their fair share of wear and tear and could do with an update.
Reply from Zoe Sandalls, Nursery Deputy Manager at Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford StationThank you so much for your kind words in this review. We are so glad you and your son are enjoying their time with us. We hope you have seen a big difference in regards to tidiness of the setting. We struggled throughout the winter, due to the leaves falling from the trees around us, especially as there are so many. We would clean them up each day and they would be back again the following day. We have tried to keep on top of this as much as we can. The sand situation is a slightly difficult one, as the children adore their large outside sandpit and they really enjoy transporting the sand around the garden, in order to explore in other areas with it. The staff team always sweep throughout the day, which I am sure you have seen when walking in and out of the setting and the children sometimes enjoy helping them do this. We hope you can appreciate this, we will try our best to think of a solution. Thank you again for taking the time to write this review. Your feedback is very important
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Review from Viktorie M (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly and caring “nursery adults”, happy children. Our son has been in the nursery since he was a baby and he has always enjoyed it. He has learnt loads, especially now in the pre-school. Importantly, everyone worked very hard through the difficult Covid times and made it a very happy place for the
little ones.
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Review from Charlotte R (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son, who is 2.5-years-old, has been in this nursery since he was 9-months and my other son has been there for four years and they both absolutely loved it. We have seen them learning so much and generally being extremely happy to go there. The staff look happy and always kind and supportive to children.
Communication with parents is always good and there is always a will to get better or take any feedback. I can only recommend this nursery.
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Review from Chris O (Father of Child) published on 14 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Co-op Childcare Oxford Station Day Nursery has been a wonderful and vibrant place for our daughter, she has developed so much through the support and care of the excellent staff.
The staff are all very friendly, caring and helpful. We have had some tough times through child getting sick, settling into
a new place and a new home and the staff have all been supportive in helping us out where they can.
Communication is 110%, always able to respond to requests and questions and support.
There is a good outside space, they have a lot of free flow and nature friendly, we couldn't be happier with the care she gets.
Four-star for ICT as the parenting app is not that great compared to others we have used, however, emails and in-person talks are much better.
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Review from Eva W (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We're very happy with how well our little one is being looked after by all the staff. He's learnt so much since he started nursery, encouraged by all the activities and playtime ideas. He's growing up bilingual and everybody's been really mindful and supportive to help him cope with two languages.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.783)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.783) out of 10 for Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.808 for Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station is calculated as follows: ( (184 Excellents x 5) + (37 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 224 Ratings = 4.808
  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 4.975 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School Oxford Station is based on 19 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 = 3.975
    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 70 number of registered child places is 14, which has been reached with 19 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 (10)

Meet the Team (2)

Zoe

Zoe Sandalls

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2011

Hi, I’m Zoe, the Nursery Manager, and I’m proud to say I’ve been part of this wonderful nursery family for 15 years. Over that time, Oxford Station has truly become my second home. I’ve had the privilege of watching so many children grow, learn and flourish, and nothing makes me happier than seeing their confidence shine each day. I’m passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels safe, valued and inspired to explore the world around them. Our nursery is full of laughter, curiosity and care, and I’m incredibly proud to lead such a dedicated and nurturing team. We can’t wait to welcome you and your little one into our nursery family!

Katie

Katie Hayle

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2014

I have been part of the nursery team since 2014, starting my journey as a Level 2 practitioner straight from college. While working, I went on to complete my Level 3 qualification, further developing my knowledge and passion for early years education.


Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in every room across the nursery, gaining valuable experience with children of all ages and stages of development. I have progressed from Room Manager to Deputy Manager, a role I am incredibly proud to hold.


Since joining, I have worked closely alongside Zoe, and together we have grown within the nursery, supporting one another as we have both worked our way up. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a dedicated team and to continue supporting the children and families within our nursery community.

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