Explorers Nursery at QE

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, Thorpe Green Lane, Thorpe Underwood, York YO26 9SS
Review Us
Top 20 award
10 40 Reviews
  • Explorers Nursery at QE, York
Explorers Nursery at QE is the Outstanding Early Years provision (ISI February 2019) at the Excellent rated independent school, Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate.

Situated on the beautiful Thorpe Underwood Estate, Explorers Nursery at QE is a friendly setting where children receive the best possible support and care.

The experienced team of staff there take pride in ensuring a warm, family atmosphere in which the children can learn. They focus on the Prime curriculum areas crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and building on their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.

A creative refurbishment of the setting in 2017 means that children benefit from a specially designed flexible indoor space and interactive outdoor learning area. They also have access to a standalone library and a dedicated Early Years dining area, so that they can enjoy meal times together in a homely atmosphere. Meals are prepared by a dedicated Early Years chef, who caters for all nutritional requirements.

Children grow and develop through three main rooms:

Squirrel Nutkin Room

The 3-month to early walkers’ room. Staff create a lovely, friendly and soothing first room for the children who have their own, unique routine. There are a range of activities and toys for the child to investigate, and the children often get rather messy when they do their first masterpieces of art!

Jemima Puddle-Duck Room

For early walkers to 2 years. Staff begin to encourage independence. The team organise activities that move the children on to their next steps, along with lots of opportunity for messy/tactile play!

Peter Rabbit Room

For children aged 2-3 years. Staff create an energetic and very independent room. Children have more activities to choose from and are big on outside play. Children at this age are starting to form friendships and staff facilitate this with more group activities.
Show Explorers Nursery at QE on the Map

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Karen Kilkenny (Head of Chapter House and Queen's Kindergarten)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 10

Total Places for Children

  • 36

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Days per Week - Weekly Cost:
    5 days - £323.00
    4.5 days - £306.00
    4 days - £285.00
    3.5 days - £255.00
    3 days - £223.00
    2.5 days - £184.00
    2 days - £151.00
    1.5 days - £118.00
    1 day - £80.00
    0.5 days - £49.00

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Explorers Nursery at QE Reviews (40)

10

Explorers Nursery at QE has a Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Explorers Nursery at QE has 40 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 40
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 40
  • 0
  • 4
  • 10
  • 30
Reviewer Connection to Explorers Nursery at QE
  • 37
  • 3
Total of 40, showing 1-20
Review from Sophie P (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have never hesitated to send my children to QE kindergarten for a number of reasons. The space itself is excellent and so are the facilities (playground etc). The staff are what really make it. Over the years my boys have developed such strong relationships with not just their key workers but all
of the staff. They are so invested in the children's development and work really hard to create fun and engaging activities for the children. They keep you informed and updated with daily activities which is always lovely to see when you're a working parent. There is no other place I would send my children and I feel strongly that I've given them the best possible start.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Hannah S (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant staff, facilities and atmosphere. My son has gained so much confidence, knowledge and development.
We travel 50 miles one way and wouldn't change, we started in January 2024 and had more then a positive experience.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Adam C (Father of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son is two and a half, and absolutely loves attending this nursery. The daily walks around the gardens and the opportunities to explore the forest school have really sparked his curiosity and sense of adventure. He looks forward to playing on the playground each day, and he can't stop talking about
how much he enjoys their breakfast options! The warm and caring staff also put us at ease, knowing he's in a safe, nurturing environment. We've seen him grow in confidence and independence, and we couldn't be happier with his experience here.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Vanessa W (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Queen Ethelburga's Kindergarten in September 2024.
Each morning, she eagerly enters with a bright smile, giving a quick wave goodbye. The staff at QE Kindergarten are truly exceptional and my daughter has formed a special bond with them. They are nurturing, kind, caring and
enthusiastic, creating a positive and supportive environment for her to thrive in. I enjoy looking through the online journal, which is consistently updated with photos and updates on the various engaging activities she participates in. I wholeheartedly recommend QE Kindergarten; my daughter not only has an amazing day, each day, but she has also made significant progress.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from B H (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been so delighted with the incredible facilities and nurturing environment that Queen's Kindergarten has given our little boy since he started going at 12 months old. The staff are without doubt the very heart of the nursery and could not have given him more reassurance and 1-1 support through
any transition whether that be settling to sleep or moving to a new room. The peace of mind we have knowing he gets that care is something you can't place any value on. We love seeing what exciting activities or adventures he goes on through the day - always with a creative spin and the resources are exceptional. We really are thrilled to have chosen Queen's Kindergarten and our newest addition will be joining next year.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ashlee L (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After being shown around a few nurseries in the area, it was clear that Queen's Kindergarten had the most welcoming and enriching environment and that is why we chose to send our child there. My son started in March when he was ten months old and to say I was apprehensive was an understatement! He's
my first baby and I was so nervous to leave him in the care of anybody but I was instantly put at ease by the caring staff. They updated me on how he had settled in and it was evident they had taken time to get to know what my child likes. He has been going for several months now and it's an absolute blessing to see him happy to go every week. We know he is in the very best care at QE and are very thankful for the care they provide and the educational enrichment they give him.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Bronte H (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy started nursery at Queen's Kindergarten at 4 months old, it wasn't what we'd planned but our work schedules pushed this! It's safe to say that we absolutely don't have any regrets about this decision. Our little boy absolutely loves his days at nursery and the full team at QE are kind,
friendly, attentive and we couldn't wish for a better set of people or a better setting for our little boy to spend his days when he's not with us.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Katie F (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Queen’s Kindergarten since she was 3 months old and absolutely loves it! She is now just over 2 years old and her development has been fantastic. The staff are amazing with the children and I couldn’t recommend anywhere better for your children to start (and continue) their
education.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from G C (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a lovely environment for little ones to learn and play.
The team who take care of them are so nice and welcoming, they keep you up to date on daily activities and picture updates.
It’s now my third child who is attending and they have all loved it from day one.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Suzanne Y (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended here for the last 12 months and has said after each day what a lovely day he has had. The staff are wonderful, engaging, fun and care for him like he’s one of their own. He has fabulous opportunities everyday from specific PE lessons to walks around the extensive grounds, playing
in the amazing playground to singing and dancing. He gets to be himself.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ben W (Father of Child) published on 3 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little girl has settled really well in the Kindergarten. She loves the members of staff and they always give lots of attention and cuddles. It's lovely seeing that she seeks comfort from them if she is tired or upset. There's always a variety of food and she gets to try different things. It's great
being able to see on tapestry during the day how she is getting on and what she has been up to. She has so much to tell us when she gets home and is always happy and chatty after a day in Kindergarten!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L T (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started nursery here at only three months old and we had looked at many other nurseries before finding somewhere we were happy for her to attend. We love the space, both indoors and outside and the team there are so caring and compassionate. Our daughter has really come on with her development
from attending nursery here and genuinely loves her days there with such an amazing variety of activities. I feel completely at ease leaving my daughter in their care and love the updates we receive throughout the day so we can see what she is getting up to. I couldn't recommend it highly enough!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S P (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fabulous nursery. Both my little girl and boy have progressed over the months of being there. The staff are the most kind, happy and caring team. The activities they do are so exciting and interactive, all age appropriate. The location and facilities are fabulous. I love how they can go for walks
around the facilities, to see all the nature in the area. The staff are all so attentive to my son and daughter's needs, it really makes going to work easier knowing your child is being cared for by such an amazing team. I couldn't recommend the kindergarten enough thank you.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R O (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has now been in Queen's Kindergarten for 3 months and we have found the experience here to be fantastic. My little girl was very upset to leave mummy and daddy each day, and the team have been fantastic at helping her settle in and give us lots of updates throughout the day to put our minds
at ease about how she’s doing. Also, end of day in person updates and even a detailed report updating us on how she is doing. If I was writing a report about my little girl it would have been almost word for word what they wrote so I am super confident in how well they have got to know her and her characteristics in such a short time, as she only attends a couple of days a week. Lovely setting, great team and seems a great place to develop and flourish at such an important stage of little one's lives! Highly recommend Queen's Kindergarten
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Bana R (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Queen's Kindergarten since he was just under a year- he absolutely loved it and the staff make it like a second home. He’s always happy and the updates during the day show just how much fun they get up to!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are thrilled with our experience at Queen's Kindergarten. The space is incredible, the facilities are beautiful, but it's the staff that make it so special. They are all so fantastic with my daughter and make her time fun, educational and varied. We are so happy with the care they provide.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Rachel D (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy started at Queen's Kindergarten when he was 11 months old. I searched high and low for somewhere that I was happy to send him and that looked like a happy, colourful environment for him and the minute I met the amazing ladies at Queen's, I was sold. He has come on leaps and bounds since
being there - he is so much more confident and loves going there two days per week. The staff are genuinely the most caring and compassionate ladies - I feel completely at ease leaving my son in their care and we receive lots of wonderful photos and updates throughout the day. I couldn't recommend it more highly.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Zoe P (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved our son to Queen's Kindergarten in January of this year. He settled quickly and is still super happy to go. The staff are amazing and we are kept up to date on his progress. The daily updates and photos are great. The outdoor and indoor space the children have is amazing. My son recently had
a stay in hospital and the staff have been nothing but accommodating and have gone out of their way to get him back to nursery and ensure the environment met his temporary needs. I was sceptical about nursery as a whole but Queen's Kindergarten has put any doubts I had to bed and I could not recommend them enough.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started at Queen's Kindergarten, at 8 months old and even though it was only for one day per week at first, we could immediately see a surge in his development. His general confidence and curiosity to explore in new surroundings improved and this is undoubtedly due to the care and stimulation
provided by the staff. Our regular updates (online and in person) are so reassuring and informative. I was so worried about him starting nursery at that young age, but he really loves it, in fact, he hasn't cried once when dropping him off! Very impressed and I'd certainly recommend.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 5 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Honestly, a fabulous nursery. My little girl has progressed unimaginably over the last nine months of being there. The staff are the most kind, happy and caring team. My little girl smiling and reaching out for them every morning, makes me so happy to drop her off. The activities they do are so exciting
and interactive, all age appropriate and I love how there are monthly themes to their learning, even from such a young age. The location and facilities are fabulous. I love how they can go for safe walks around the main school facilities, to see all the nature in the area and occasionally use the pool (an activity my daughter loved!) The lunches look so nutritious. The staff are all so attentive to my daughter's needs, it really makes going to work so much easier knowing your child is being cared for by such an amazing team. I couldn't recommend the kindergarten enough!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 10.0 (10.000)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10 for Explorers Nursery at QE is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 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 5.000 for Explorers Nursery at QE is calculated as follows: ( (119 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 119 Ratings = 5
  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 Explorers Nursery at QE is based on 10 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 36 number of registered child places is 7.2, which has been reached with 10 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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (12)

Emily

Emily

Job Title: Head of Early Years Joined: 2025

Emily is the Head of Early Years

Aimee

Aimee

Job Title: Assistant Manager of Queen's Kindergarten Joined: 2018

Aimee works in the Squirrel Nutkin room.

Hana

Hana

Job Title: Assistant Manager of Queen's Kindergarten Joined: 2016

Hana works in the Peter Rabbit room.

Tina

Tina

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2021

Tina works in the Squirrel Nutkin room.

Hannah

Hannah

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2020

Hannah works in the Jemima Puddle-Duck room.

Becky

Becky

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2022

Becky works in the Jemima Puddle-Duck room.

Amy

Amy

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2024

Amy works in the Jemima Puddle-Duck room.

Becky

Becky

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2024

Becky works in the Jemima Puddle-Duck room.

Tegan

Tegan

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2023

Tegan works in the Peter Rabbit room.

Emma

Emma

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2024

Emma works in the Peter rabbit room.

Emily

Emily

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2024

Emily works in the Peter Rabbit room alongside Tegan.

Caitlin

Caitlin

Job Title: Early Years Apprentice Joined: 2024

Caitlin works within all 3 rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Explorers Nursery at QE

What is the Age Range of Children that Explorers Nursery at QE accepts?

Explorers Nursery at QE accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 3 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Explorers Nursery at QE Open?

Explorers Nursery at QE is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Explorers Nursery at QE have capacity for?

Explorers Nursery at QE has capacity for a total of 36 Children.

How far is Explorers Nursery at QE to the centre of York?

9.8 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 Explorers Nursery at QE to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Explorers Nursery at QE has an Enhanced Service - more info.