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Babraham Nursery

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Feb 2022)
·17-18 The Close, Babraham, Cambridge, CB22 3AQ · Cambridgeshire
Number of places
90 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2022
Local authority
Cambridgeshire

About this day nursery

Babraham Nursery, situated on the periphery of Cambridge within the Babraham Institute grounds, offers an OFSTED-outstanding rated childcare setting for children ranging from six weeks to five years old. The nursery is accessible to both Institute employees and the wider community, providing a nurturing and secure environment where children can engage in learning, play, and personal development.

A distinguishing feature is its dedicated and highly qualified staff, setting it apart by not relying on agency workers. This ensures a consistent and familiar care experience for children.

The nursery maintains a higher staff-to-child ratio for two-year-olds (1:4) than the government-mandated 1:5, only adjusting for lunch breaks or in unavoidable circumstances. The facility is divided into age-specific rooms: Ducklings for infants (6 weeks to 15 months), Caterpillars for toddlers (15-24 months), Butterflies (22 months to preschool) for exploration, and Explorers for preschoolers transitioning to primary school.

With a capacity for up to 90 children, the nursery emphasises outdoor play, featuring a large garden with unique elements like a polytunnel, sandpit, playhouse, and a secure wooded area. Learning is promoted through play, preparing children for school readiness.

They offer year-round care with options for full-week or full-day attendance, and accommodate Early Years Funding for eligible children.

What it's like

Children are highly motivated and eager learners, demonstrating very good language skills. They behave exceptionally well, resolving differences amicably, and thrive in practitioners' nurturing care, forming strong attachments.

OFSTED-outstanding ratedNo agency staffHigher staff-to-child ratio for 2-year-oldsEmphasis on outdoor learningAccepts Early Years Funding

Pricing & funding

Fees are invoiced monthly in arrears by the Babraham Institute. Full fees are charged for bank holidays, sickness, and family holidays, but no fees are billed during the Christmas closure period. The nursery accepts Early Years funding, Tax-Free Childcare, and childcare vouchers.

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)
  • Waiting list fee£50
  • Late pickup fee (first 10 minutes)£5
  • Late pickup fee (every subsequent 5 minutes)£10

Good to know

  • Fees are invoiced monthly in arrears.
  • A £50 waiting list fee applies, which is waived if only accessing funded hours.
  • A deposit equivalent to four weeks of fees is required for non-Babraham Institute families.
  • Full fees are charged for sickness, family holidays, and bank holidays.
  • No fees are charged for the closure period between 25 December and 31 December.
  • Late collection fees apply starting at £5 for the first 10 minutes and £10 per 5 minutes thereafter.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday: 8:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Friday: 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Session types

Full-week, Full-day, Morning session (with EYE funding), Afternoon session (with EYE funding)

Food

All meals prepared and cooked on premises by a cook

Age range

6 weeks to 5 years

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Babraham Nursery

Last inspected 17 February 2022

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children are highly motivated and eager learners, demonstrating very good language skills. They behave exceptionally well, resolving differences amicably, and thrive in practitioners' nurturing care, forming strong attachments.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are highly motivated and eager learners with very good language skills.
  • Children behave exceptionally well, resolving differences amicably.
  • Strong bonds with practitioners support children's well-being and learning.
  • Children thoroughly enjoy spending time outdoors, with babies sleeping peacefully outside.
  • Partnerships with parents are very well established, with parents reporting exceptional communication.
Inspection #10113101 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

They say that practitioners 'go above and beyond' to ensure that their child's welfare is secured.

Parents say this reflects how they care deeply for the children and how well looked after they are.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, thrive in all aspects of their development. Practitioners liaise very closely with parents and other professionals to ensure that each child receives the support they need. Leaders use additional funding to target specific areas of development for children and reduce any differences in their learning.

Outdoor space

Children thoroughly enjoy spending time outdoors. They explore the forest area, experiment with mud, play tunes on the musical wall or push themselves along on scooters to see how fast they can go. Babies sleep peacefully outdoors under a wooden gazebo, where they are protected from the elements.

Inspection history

Date: July 2004

  • March 2022Outstanding
  • February 2022Outstanding
  • May 2016Outstanding
  • April 2016Outstanding
  • April 2011Outstanding
  • April 2011Outstanding
  • July 2007Outstanding
  • July 2004Good

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more