Blue Windmill Nursery provides care and early education for children from birth to five years in a welcoming and nurturing environment in Bilton, Rugby.
Now under new ownership, the nursery is developing a distinctive approach centred on outdoor learning, movement and wellbeing. The team believes young children learn best when they are active, engaged and given opportunities to explore the world around them through first-hand experiences.
Children benefit from access to extensive...
Blue Windmill Nursery provides care and early education for children from birth to five years in a welcoming and nurturing environment in Bilton, Rugby.
Now under new ownership, the nursery is developing a distinctive approach centred on outdoor learning, movement and wellbeing. The team believes young children learn best when they are active, engaged and given opportunities to explore the world around them through first-hand experiences.
Children benefit from access to extensive outdoor spaces where exploration, creativity and active play form an important part of everyday life. The nursery's developing "Garden of Discovery" approach encourages children to build confidence, independence and curiosity while learning through nature, play and adventure.
A particular feature of the nursery is its resident gardener, who works with the children throughout the year. Children have opportunities to grow plants, care for vegetables, observe seasonal changes and develop an understanding of the natural environment through practical activities and play.
Alongside outdoor experiences, the nursery places importance on children's physical and emotional wellbeing. Daily opportunities for movement, fresh air, active play and quiet reflection help children develop healthy habits while supporting their social, emotional and physical development.
Inside, the nursery offers well-equipped rooms designed to support each stage of children's development. The experienced team works closely with families to create a caring atmosphere where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
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Type of Service
Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all year
Attendance patterns offered
All Year
Minimum attendance
1 day per week
Full days available
Yes
Half day sessions offered
Yes
Owner
Blue Windmill Childcare Ltd
Private Owned
Person in charge
Belinda Branston (Nursery Manager)
Number of Childcare Staff
16
Total Places for Children
81
Age Range
from 0 years 1 months
to 5 years 0 months
Meals Provided
Yes
Meal Types Provided
Breakfast, Dinner / Tea, Lunch, Snacks
Consumables provided
No
Opening Times
Monday07:45-18:00
Tuesday07:45-18:00
Wednesday07:45-18:00
Thursday07:45-18:00
Friday07:45-18:00
When Closed
Bank holidays & Christmas week
Parking
Parking is free in the layby outside their garden gate, and along Addison Road.
Funding & Fees
We don't have fee or funding details for this nursery. Contact them directly.
Contact Blue Windmill Nursery to get a personalised quote:
Review from J H (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Great nursery, always meet our needs when we need an extra day at short notice and my daughter loves it here. She has lots of friends, her key worker is great and informs me how my daughter's day has been and what she’s eaten. I’m very satisfied with the care my daughter gets at nursery.
Great nursery, always meet our needs when we need an extra day at short notice and my daughter loves it here. She has lots of friends, her key worker is great and informs me how my daughter's day has been and what she’s eaten. I’m very satisfied with the care my daughter gets at nursery.
↩Reply from Gill Smith, Owner at Blue Windmill Nursery
We feel it's really important for children to have a good relationship with their key person and that important information is shared effectively.
Thank you for a lovely review.
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Review from M K (Father of Child) published on 7 August 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
You can not give your own opinion it's straight away deleted.
Due to a few weeks' closure because a pipe burst, then a few days closure due to staff sickness now we need to have 10% increase, then incorrect hours counting during a year need to pay on top its a joke. Sure if I will find a...
You can not give your own opinion it's straight away deleted. Due to a few weeks' closure because a pipe burst, then a few days closure due to staff sickness now we need to have 10% increase, then incorrect hours counting during a year need to pay on top its a joke. Sure if I will find a different nursery I will take my child away from this messy place. I just use it because its close to me and they had an available place.
To other parents, avoid this place not the point. Like you see even the presentation of this place is not well. Sad but this is true.
↩Reply from Gill Smith, Owner at Blue Windmill Nursery
Very disappointed with this review, and it is frustrating that in our recent meeting you were unable to give examples of any areas that justified the ratings you have given. It was evident in our meeting that you had little understanding of your own review, which means it is very difficult to respond to your issues in detail.
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Review from Santa M (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter loves to go to Blue Windmill Nursery! Already from the beginning, she loved that place. She has always been happy to go to nursery - even when it is a little earlier than we used to get up in the mornings before! The staff is great. We as parents want to say the biggest thank you to our...
My daughter loves to go to Blue Windmill Nursery! Already from the beginning, she loved that place. She has always been happy to go to nursery - even when it is a little earlier than we used to get up in the mornings before! The staff is great. We as parents want to say the biggest thank you to our daughter's key teacher. Also, the biggest thank you to other teachers, the way you meet her at the door in the morning is brilliant.
Also want to say a big, big thank you to the rest of the staff that has been involved in my daughter's nursery time there. You all are the best! Meet and play with kids also is well planned and we always had much fun. We are highly recommending this nursery. For my daughter, this place was like a second home full of her new friends - and that all is thanks to the staff, management, and all the other kids that were a part of her education!
↩Reply from Gill Smith, Owner at Blue Windmill Nursery
Thank you for these comments. Our staff enjoy providing exciting activities to enable the children to become confident and prepared to start school.
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Review from Hayley M (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I can’t rate this nursery high enough, they’ve been fantastic with both my sons over the years, my youngest son is about to leave to start school and the staff have been absolutely amazing and so helpful on his pre-school journey. He’s blossomed from a more shy and very quiet boy in the being 2...
I can’t rate this nursery high enough, they’ve been fantastic with both my sons over the years, my youngest son is about to leave to start school and the staff have been absolutely amazing and so helpful on his pre-school journey. He’s blossomed from a more shy and very quiet boy in the being 2 room, who has been under speech and language, to a very loud, talkative and confident boy, ready to start school. I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done to help him grow. Absolutely incredible.
↩Reply from Gill Smith, Owner at Blue Windmill Nursery
It has been a pleasure to be a part of their foundation years and to set them up as confident learners. Thank you.
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Review from Eduardo P (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Nursery and staff very caring of the children and great contact with myself as a parent while my 3 year old is at nursery but also during days off if there are things we need to be aware of. They take all of our child's needs into consideration thanks very much everyone.
Nursery and staff very caring of the children and great contact with myself as a parent while my 3 year old is at nursery but also during days off if there are things we need to be aware of. They take all of our child's needs into consideration thanks very much everyone.
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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I highly recommend The Blue Windmill Nursery as a safe place to keep your child. My child is there from September 2022 and no issues with him or with staff. I'm always received and being informed of my son's development through the app and face to face, how was his day, what he has eaten, if he...
I highly recommend The Blue Windmill Nursery as a safe place to keep your child. My child is there from September 2022 and no issues with him or with staff. I'm always received and being informed of my son's development through the app and face to face, how was his day, what he has eaten, if he settled after drop off in the morning and so on. My communication with the owner was outstanding, she supported me and guided me from the beginning with the childcare-funded hours and student childcare support so I am really happy with how this is going. I feel that my son is happy there and I always find him in the afternoon happy and with a smile on his face and I feel that he had a good day there.
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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I can’t fault the care my son has received here. We came from a previous nursery and the difference in care is huge- all staff make a huge effort to connect with each child and the variety of activities and learning they do with them each day is brilliant. They follow all policies and procedures....
I can’t fault the care my son has received here. We came from a previous nursery and the difference in care is huge- all staff make a huge effort to connect with each child and the variety of activities and learning they do with them each day is brilliant. They follow all policies and procedures.
Our son requires extra support and this is where Blue Windmill have outdone themselves. Led by the brilliant preschool room leader, all staff, including the management team have tried different ways to support him and to work out how he can get the most from nursery. They sought advice from an external source which shows me they understand that if they don’t always have all the answers, they will search to get them. As a result of their efforts and love and by working in partnership with them, he is now thriving and we are so grateful for that.
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Review from Samantha B (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Our daughter has loved Blue Windmill! Staff are lovely and our daughter has taken to all of them. She settles instantly and will run in to greet staff and her friends. Transition from the being two room to the pre-school was brilliant and any worries our daughter had was met with kindness.
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Our daughter has loved Blue Windmill! Staff are lovely and our daughter has taken to all of them. She settles instantly and will run in to greet staff and her friends. Transition from the being two room to the pre-school was brilliant and any worries our daughter had was met with kindness.
Food provided is great, facilities are good and they even go above and beyond with stay n plays and communication with parents. Couldn't recommend more!
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Review from Zoe B (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Absolutely impressed with this nursery. My 2 year old had never been with a childminder of any sort so you can imagine how nervous it was on her first day! From that first day to every day - I can't believe how much she loves it, this in turn gives me comfort to leave her in obviously capable...
Absolutely impressed with this nursery. My 2 year old had never been with a childminder of any sort so you can imagine how nervous it was on her first day! From that first day to every day - I can't believe how much she loves it, this in turn gives me comfort to leave her in obviously capable hands! I get daily feedback on her progress and activities. All the staff are fantastic in giving details of my daughter's day upon collecting her. Being lucky - my child can vocalise her feelings/experiences and it's always positive feedback from her! She has been introduced to new foods and actually it's expanding her menu at home too. Outdoor play is amazing as any visit can confirm. Children are changed and dressed suitably for activities. She sings new rhymes and is definitely enjoying the guided socialising! She is comfortable there and loves it, that is what makes this place a safe comfortable home from home.
Thank you to all the staff!
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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My child has been in a childcare setting since he was 10 months though the last 11 months it has been at Blue Windmill Nursery. I chose this nursery from one other and the only differential was the outside space which provides access to growing their own vegetables, messy and muddy play. Blue...
My child has been in a childcare setting since he was 10 months though the last 11 months it has been at Blue Windmill Nursery. I chose this nursery from one other and the only differential was the outside space which provides access to growing their own vegetables, messy and muddy play. Blue Windmill offers child-focus care rather than the staff being stuck on tablets and interaction between the different groups but they are vocal in any issues both negative and positive that manifest in terms of behaviour that my child can, and does have.
We recognise that they can be overactive, more physical and requires stimulation but were not afraid to raise the issue of potential issues that may require an assessment though it was found that not needed and it was welcoming that they are looking for the signs. All the staff that we interact with have a variety of strengths, which can elicit particular responses though they rise to the challenge. Keep up the great work especially in Rainbows.
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Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Our Daughter joined Blue Windmill Nursery in December 2022 and we couldn't be happier with the nursery. Prior to joining we had a settling session where myself and partner were able to attend and see the nursery, my child instantly enjoyed playing with the staff and other children which made me...
Our Daughter joined Blue Windmill Nursery in December 2022 and we couldn't be happier with the nursery. Prior to joining we had a settling session where myself and partner were able to attend and see the nursery, my child instantly enjoyed playing with the staff and other children which made me feel at ease so much. The nursery have been brilliant at communicating about my daughter's progress and very understanding and helpful if we are having any issues. We receive seasonal artwork/cards eg for Mother's Day which was lovely. There is great outdoor play spaces and we often stop by the ducks in the morning. They started using an app which is perfect for tracking meals/naps and contacting the nursery staff with any questions. I've often had to request additional hours which they have supported. I fully trust the nursery with our child, the staff are so friendly. We have had many interactions with the baby room staff and the nursery manager, all have been very positive.
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Review from Charlotte H (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter has been with Blue Windmill Nursery since she was about a year old. The staff and management have been wonderful and my daughter has absolutely thrived in every way in their care. They have been completely transparent about any incidents where she has had a bump or tumble.
If I have...
My daughter has been with Blue Windmill Nursery since she was about a year old. The staff and management have been wonderful and my daughter has absolutely thrived in every way in their care. They have been completely transparent about any incidents where she has had a bump or tumble. If I have any concerns, they reassure and support us how they can. The nursery staff are brilliant at supporting my daughter to aid her development.
I highly recommend Blue Windmill Nursery to anyone looking
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Review from B F (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My daughter has been going here for over a year now and I cannot praise it enough. She has lots of additional health and educational needs and the nursery has been incredibly supportive, furthered her learning and communication a huge amount and are working with outside services (speech and...
My daughter has been going here for over a year now and I cannot praise it enough. She has lots of additional health and educational needs and the nursery has been incredibly supportive, furthered her learning and communication a huge amount and are working with outside services (speech and language and IDS) to get her ready for school and make sure she has the support she needs along the way. She loves going here, is always excited to arrive and is a struggle to get out the gate at home time! It's clear to me that all the staff care deeply about my child and the other children they look after, watching their interactions at pick up and drop off is lovely to see. The meals are healthy and varied and she has extended her diet massively since joining.
I have found the staff, management and SENCO all really easy to approach and eager to help make my daughter's time there happy, educational and safe. They are always available to chat and resolve any issues. Would highly recommend
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Review from Lee M (Father of Child) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
Fantastic nursery. All 3 of our children have attended Blue Windmill Nursery and have loved it. Our eldest is 15, and our youngest that still attends is only 2. She loves going and even asked if she can sleep there one day. Always happy and love all the things she does at nursery...she is a very...
Fantastic nursery. All 3 of our children have attended Blue Windmill Nursery and have loved it. Our eldest is 15, and our youngest that still attends is only 2. She loves going and even asked if she can sleep there one day. Always happy and love all the things she does at nursery...she is a very active 2 year old so loves being busy. Many staff are still at the nursery from when our 15 year old attended. More recently, management have really helped by fitting our daughter in for extra sessions when a family member was poorly.
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Review from Heather B (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son absolutely loves going to Blue Windmill Nursery and doesn't look back when I drop him off. The staff are so welcoming and he often talks about them at home! I love their approach to healthy eating and my son eats things there that I can never get him to eat at home.
The team are friendly...
My son absolutely loves going to Blue Windmill Nursery and doesn't look back when I drop him off. The staff are so welcoming and he often talks about them at home! I love their approach to healthy eating and my son eats things there that I can never get him to eat at home. The team are friendly and caring and have been particularly supportive with issues we have had around toilet training. They have given us advice and tips that we can try at home and communicated with us regularly so that they can best meet his needs. He has become so much more independent since joining and they are great at helping him to explore his interests. They also have ducks which my son loves to feed and the outdoor space is fantastic. My son is starting school in September and the work they have done to prepare him is very noticeable - I'm much less anxious about the transition now.
They have always been very open and transparent and we feel confident that our son is happy and cared for.
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Review from Alina V (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
My son has been attending nursery since he was 13 months old. He was always very shy especially around new people and places, but has fitted in very well in here. All the staff are welcoming and friendly, give daily and regular updates on what sort of activities they do, and I love the fact that...
My son has been attending nursery since he was 13 months old. He was always very shy especially around new people and places, but has fitted in very well in here. All the staff are welcoming and friendly, give daily and regular updates on what sort of activities they do, and I love the fact that us, the parents, are getting more involved by participating in different events throughout the year and Stay and Play sessions.
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Review from Kelly B (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
From a very anxious mother who had never left her child to transitioning into nursery it couldn’t have gone any more positive. The staff from the start made me feel very welcome and reassured me at every point that my child was settled and happy and content through verbal communication and photos....
From a very anxious mother who had never left her child to transitioning into nursery it couldn’t have gone any more positive. The staff from the start made me feel very welcome and reassured me at every point that my child was settled and happy and content through verbal communication and photos. My child happily goes over to staff and often greets them with a smile and a cuddle! We get regular feedback using the app and also daily detailed handovers. My child is treated as one of the family and is given the care, attention and love that any mother would give. Staff couldn’t be more forthcoming with information and putting my mind at ease when worried about leaving my child and have made the return to work so much easier for myself knowing he is so loved and cared for. From an anxious mother to a now more content and confident mother I couldn’t be happier with the care my child receives! Management have been so supportive.
Thank you as always to the team!
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Review from N M (Mother of Child) published on 12 June 2023 Submitted via Website•
Overall Experience
I do not recommend this nursery. There is no senior management above the owner and director. This puts them in quite a position of power.
The main issue I have with the nursery is the lack of trust and transparency. They will tell you that your child is happy and content to keep their numbers up...
I do not recommend this nursery. There is no senior management above the owner and director. This puts them in quite a position of power. The main issue I have with the nursery is the lack of trust and transparency. They will tell you that your child is happy and content to keep their numbers up and money coming in. My son was fine until he moved to the preschool room. From then he was unsettled at every drop-off. I was reassured, consistently, that once I had left he was happy. A few months later he accused one of the workers of hitting him. Instead of investigating calmly and following safeguarding protocol, I was intimidated into retracting the allegation. Then the narrative became about how difficult my son was, suggesting the need for a psychologist to deal with his disruptive behaviour.
I moved him to a new nursery and he is happy and settled with no issues at drop off, or reported during the day. He has been at his new nursery for 3 months now and all is going great.
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Child Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Windmill Nursery
What is the Age Range of Children that Blue Windmill Nursery accepts?
Blue Windmill Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 1 month to 5 years 0 months.
What Days & Hours is Blue Windmill Nursery Open?
Blue Windmill Nursery is open: Monday 07:45-18:00, Tuesday 07:45-18:00, Wednesday 07:45-18:00, Thursday 07:45-18:00, Friday 07:45-18:00.
How many Children does Blue Windmill Nursery have capacity for?
Blue Windmill Nursery has capacity for a total of 81 Children.
How far is Blue Windmill Nursery to the centre of Rugby?
1.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Blue Windmill Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Blue Windmill Nursery has an Enhanced Service -what an Enhanced Service includes.
