Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove Day Nursery and Preschool

19 Boxgrove Lane, Merrow, Guildford GU1 2TD
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9.8 88 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove Day Nursery and Preschool, Guildford
A welcoming and nurturing nursery in Boxgrove, Guildford

Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove is a welcoming day nursery and preschool in Guildford and supports children’s development from the age of three months to five years.

The nursery has great links to public transport and is only a 5-minute drive to Guildford town centre and London Road (Guildford) Station.

The team at the nursery understands it can be an adjustment to settle into nursery life, for both adults and children.

This is why the nursery offers up to eight weeks of settling-in sessions. These sessions give everyone an opportunity to be properly welcomed into the Bright Horizons family and allow the team to get to know every family.

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

To give children the energy they need to grow, experiment in the science lab and create in the art room, Bright Horizons provide them with delicious and nutritious meals every day.

These are prepared within the nursery by its own in-house chef using fresh ingredients.

The nursery has been awarded an Ofsted rating of ‘good’ for its commitment to high quality childcare and education (February 2019).

Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove is excited to be part of every child’s journey.

Book a personal tour with the nursery today.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Clare (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 28

Total Places for Children

  • 96

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 & Christmas

Parking

  • Onsite parking available.

Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (88)

9.8

Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.804) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove Day Nursery and Preschool has 88 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 88
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  • 10
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Reviewer Connection to Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove Day Nursery and Preschool
  • 73
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Total of 88, showing 61-80
Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The management and staff at Starfish are excellent. They are very friendly, helpful and accommodating and create a very warm and homely environment for the children.


The nursery's indoor facilities are very good and their outdoor areas perfectly adequate for the space they have. It's a shame there's

not a bit more outside space for the older children to run around a bit more. The children have fun, but I feel a few more structured activities throughout the day might be beneficial, especially for the older children. Overall, I'm very happy with this nursery.
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Review from J L (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has attended Starfish Day Nursery and Preschool for 10 months and we couldn't be happier with how he has settled in. I have many friends with children in different nurseries and whilst they all look after the children very well, I feel the thing that sets Starfish Day Nursery and Preschool
apart is how supportive they are of the parents. Management really appreciates that the majority of children are there because their parents have to work and they make it as easy as possible for both the children and the parents.


I admire the staff integrity and how every member greets me and my child, regardless of whether he is in their room.


He loves Gymboree too and it's great that this is included in the fees!


He loves the food and often has double helpings! They were fantastic at helping us with weaning and prepared his own food during this time. They are very respectful of my choices as a parent such as not giving him sugary desserts and always have healthy alternatives.


Nappies, wipes and formula being included are a real bonus!

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Review from Marte W (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children grew up at this nusery and I cannot thank the staff enough for taking such good care of them. The management and supervisors have always been extremely attentive, sensitive and helpful. They prepared the children for their reception years very well. They have always been very creative
in the activities as well. Both of my children have had such a wonderful time here and we will all miss the staff, who are now our friends!
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Review from Moira T (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son is very happy at Starfish, after I drop him off in the morning I don't have to worry about him as I know he loves it and the staff that work there.


They were wonderfully supportive when settling him in and made the transition into his second room very straightforward too.


The staff love

the children and care for them well. We're so happy we choose Starfish for our son.
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Review from Lisa (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery and amazing staff! Had my first son in from 10 months until he went to school last year! Currently have my 1 year old there and he loves it, so helpful and assuring in transitions and staff are amazing when parents want to do something with their child/parent requirements and give advice
if wanted e.g potty training! I wouldn't leave my children with anyone else as I know my children will be safe and looked after.
10 out of 10! Brilliant nursery to send your child.
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Review from Fiona L (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic nursery, cannot recommend it enough. Staff are kind and caring and my children absolutely love it. We feel confident leaving our children and that they will be well fed, well cared for, and also have a lot of fun.
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Review from Helen W (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3 year old son has been attending Starfish Day Nursery since he was 8 months old. From the first phone call to arrange to look around, up to and including the present moment, Starfish has been a wonderful, caring, attentive, responsive and fantastic extension of our family.
As I'm sure most parents
do, I visited a number of nurseries before making a choice, and the overwhelming sense that the staff at Starfish have everything covered and that nothing would be too much trouble was the difference which made our decision an easy one in the end. Comparing opening hours, menus and daily rates is one thing, but you can't beat that gut feeling that your child will be looked after as you would look after them at home.
The nursery has a warm community feel to it, underpinned by a calm professionalism from all the staff and managers, and I have no hesitation in recommending Starfish in the strongest possible terms to any prospective parent .
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Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter first started with Starfish 3 years ago when she was 1 and she is now coming to the end of her time there.


Back in 2013 I was due to go back to work and as such I required childcare for some days. After looking round at several places, I needed somewhere I felt comfortable leaving my

child. Starfish was my first choice and my daughter has loved her time there ever since. My second child started a few months ago, a little older at 2 but settled in straight away which is always comforting as a parent. I do think it helps having big sister there and they do sometimes get to play together.

The managers are fantastic and have a great team of girls working for them. They are always very polite and easy to talk to if there are any problems. Both my girls come home smiling, well fed and tired out for bed and excited for their next visit! Thank you Starfish!
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Review from Sarah F (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I enrolled my daughter at Starfish, I was a very anxious Mummy! I wasn't sure if Nursery was the right step for my daughter or me..... Starfish was definitely the right step! From the moment the phone was answered to arrange to look around, the staff were and are happy, positive and confident.
The staff involved in my daughters settling sessions knew I was anxious and never rushed me during the process. They spent plenty of time talking over my daughters routine and giving me confidence to leave her.
My daughter has now been attending the nursery for over 18 months and absolutely loves it. ( as do I!) she is confident, developing well and thrives on the activities she does at starfish with her friends and the staff. I would not hesitate to recommend Starfish Nursery to other families.
Reply from Marketa Cardon, Bright Horizons Team at Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove 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 Kathy C (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to starfish nursery for just over a year now and she loves every day she goes. The staff are very friendly and so caring and great with the children. I always know that my daughter will have a great day there and she always enjoys the different activities and all the lovely
food that is provided.


Thank you starfish :)

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Review from Rita C (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started with Starfish in August 2015. I was very reluctant to put him in nursery but had no choice as I was going back to work full time. The staff were and have been amazing with both of us!! They recognised how hard it was for me leaving my baby to return to work and gave us both support.
Settling in was hard but we felt very supported and this made it so much easier for me on the first day back work as I knew our son was settled and happy. He has done nothing but flourish since he has been there. The staff, management, food, facilities and care are amazing! One thing I love is that the staff are so hands on and not afraid to give cuddles - I think that this is so important. I am very happy with Starfish and would highly recommend them.
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Review from Erin D (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter is two in May and she has been going to Starfish since she was 9 months old. Starfish took great care of our daughter in the baby room. Helping her with sensory, signing, painting and much more. They kept to our routines and also helped up with new ones.
Now our daughter is in the toddler
room and she has progressed so well in her speech, painting and social skills.
We highly recommend starfish for anyone looking for a nursery that is compassionate and has their child's best intentions in mind.
It can also be difficult for a working parent to leave their child and Starfish were also very supportive during the transition of dropped our daughter off.
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Review from Claire (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fan-blooming-tastic!!!!!!
Everything about Starfish has been wonderful!! The staff and management are such wonderful people who are obviously happy in their job. As a teacher I know how important this is on the impact of quality of care given. Happy staff make happy children. Our daughter has bonded
with staff and children fantastically. She loves coming to nursery and always has a smile on her face at the end of the day. Brilliant facilities, great communication, approachable management, yummy food, caring staff......what more could you want!?!
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Review from Dawn D (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have used Starfish since 2010 for our 3 children and view it as an excellent provider of childcare. All staff are extremely warm and welcoming and get to know each child's needs quickly and carefully. There is a very supportive atmosphere for parents and children in Starfish. Children have a wide
range of activities available to them and learn to make valuable, respectful relationships with other children and adults. A fantastic place to spend your early years!
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Review from Vlatka (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son joined the nursery when he was a year old. We do not know what to praise more - the staff, the management team, the facilities or the amazing food! Everyone is so approachable and supportive. They will tailor the activities for your child especially if he/she is not happy with something. For
instance, at first our little one did not enjoy Gymboree classes. The teacher would sit with him at the back. A couple of classes later, our little one was dancing with the whole group.
Cannot recommend them enough!
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Review from Graham W (Father of Child) published on 26 January 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using Starfish nursery for nearly two years now for both our kids, although our eldest is now at primary school she was at the nursery for about 6 months prior to starting school.
The service we have received at Starfish has been excellent as they have provided our kids with the right
environment to improve their social skills and develop their characters. The learning and development skills that our daughter experienced prior to going to primary school has helped her to be at the top of her class, especially in the role of phonics which was a new technique that we learned as parents from Starfish.
Our youngest is also developing just as quickly with his social skills and we are very happy with his development at Starfish.
I would not hesitate to recommend to any prospective parent that Starfish has provided our kids with the right tools to develop. All the staff are friendly, passionate about the kids and very supportive towards our kids development.
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Review from Nadine T (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Starfish has been amazing for my son, he has improved on his development extremely since starting 5 months ago staff are very knowledgeable and easy to approach with a real love for the children they look after. any concerns I have always had phone calls form them straight away so communication is
very good. Starfish have a lot of extra activities and outside groups that come in to entertain the children and help with their overall development.
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Review from Rania M (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My little boy Loves going to Starfish, he is always very happy when I drop him off and the staff are extremely friendly and passionate about what they do. I always get a quick summary of what he has been up to when I pick him up which means I have an idea of what he is talking about when we get home.
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Review from Emily (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had 2 children attend the nursery over the last 6 years, both started at 9 months old.


I have always taken great comfort in knowing my children will have a great day at Starfish, not only in learning and developing but by playing with their friends and teachers and laughing lots. The food

they eat always smells fabulous and my children love it and eat many new things that I am sure they wouldn't even try at home!


The staff are always approachable and very kind to the children.


I will be very sad once it time for my youngest to leave this year.

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Review from Louise B (Mother of Child) published on 26 January 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended Starfish nursery over the last 2 years and I have been extremely happy with the way that they have been looked after and as a result they have been very happy. They have a variety of activities during the week to keep them entertained. Not only do the children feel
welcome at Starfish, but us as parent as well, there is always a happy face saying hello as we drop off or pick up the children. One of my children has severe allergies, and I have full confidence in the staff at starfish. The management have made sure all staff throughout the nursery aware of the allergies and have a detailed plan in place to deal with this. Overall I would recommend starfish to anyone looking for a nursery for their child.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.804)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.804) out of 10 for Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove 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 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 18 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 4.866 for Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (192 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 216 Ratings = 4.866
  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 4.938 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 18 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 96 number of registered child places is 19.2. 18 Positive Reviews ÷ 19.2 = 0.938
  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 (5)

Meet the Team (2)

Clare

Clare

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 1999

Clare has been passionate about working with children since 1999 when her own four children were in school. She began her journey in education as a teaching assistant, midday supervisor, and after-school playworker, gaining valuable experience in supporting children’s learning and development.


Eager to expand her knowledge, she completed an access to teacher training course in 2005, alongside earning her GCSEs in biology and English. She went on to achieve a foundation degree in early childhood studies in 2009, followed by a BA (Hons) in early childhood studies in 2010.


After spending time working in a local school, she joined a nursery as a nursery nurse in the toddler room. Her love for early years education and commitment to nurturing young children quickly led to a promotion and in June 2012, she became preschool principal. In this role, she spent nearly two years creating a warm and engaging environment where children could thrive, grow in confidence, and feel ready for their next big step into school.


With years of experience in early childhood education, she is dedicated to making every child’s nursery experience a positive and enriching one, supporting both children and their families along the way.

Toff

Toff

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Amy, also know as Toff, is been a valued member of the Bright Horizons Guildford Boxgrove team since October 2018. When she first joined, she had no experience in early years education, but with the support of the wonderful team, she quickly discovered her passion. This led her to complete her Level 3 Early Years Education qualification through Bright Horizons.


As she gained experience, Amy progressed to Room Leader, a role she truly loved. She enjoyed caring for the children, supporting families, and working closely with her colleagues. During this time, she also took on the role of Nursery SENCO, a position she is incredibly passionate about. She finds it deeply rewarding to see the growth and progress of the children receiving SEND support.


In August 2024, Amy became Deputy Nursery Manager, a role that allows her to work with all age groups, support the staff team and build strong relationships with families. She is dedicated to ensuring every child receives the best possible care and is always happy to support parents and carers throughout their nursery journey.

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