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Courtyard Preschool

Ofsted: Good
(May 2022)
·
4.8(6 parent reviews) ·Courtyard Youth Centre, Launton Road, BICESTER, OX26 6DJ · Oxfordshire
Number of places
22 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2022
Local authority
Oxfordshire

About this day nursery

Courtyard Preschool, established over five decades ago, offers a nurturing environment for young children in Bicester and its neighbouring communities. The preschool follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, a comprehensive guide for the development, learning, and care of children from birth to five years old.

The dedicated team, led by owner and manager Sarah Boucher, boasts extensive experience in early years childcare, with staff members holding Level 3 qualifications and training in safeguarding and first aid. They are committed to providing a stimulating and safe space for children to thrive.

The preschool is currently accepting registrations for September, with some spaces available for immediate start and further openings for September 2025. Parents can choose from morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions.

Our ethos

Courtyard Preschool follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to guide the development, learning, and care of children from birth to five years old. They are committed to providing a stimulating and safe space for children to thrive.

What it's like

Children enjoy their time at the pre-school and are lovingly cared for by the friendly and nurturing staff who know them well. They spend lots of time outside getting plenty of fresh air and exercise, laughing and shrieking with excitement during games.

Established 51 yearsEYFS CurriculumExperienced Staff

Pricing & funding

The nursery offers morning, afternoon, and full-day sessions. Funding is accepted for eligible two, three, and four-year-olds, including the 15 and 30-hour schemes. Additional top-up hours can be purchased to supplement the free entitlement.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
  • Morning session fees£15.00 / session
  • Afternoon session fees£12.50 / session
  • All day session fees£28.75 / session
  • Top-up hours added onto the 15 hour free entitlement£5.00 / hour

Good to know

  • Offers 15 hours of free education for eligible children from the term after their third birthday.
  • Accepts government funding schemes for eligible two-year-olds and working parents of two to four-year-olds.
  • Offers the 30-hour funding scheme for three to four-year-olds from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
  • Top-up hours added onto the 15-hour free entitlement are charged at an hourly rate.

Key facts

Waitlist

AT PRESENT WE HAVE SPACES AVAILABLE FROM SEPTEMBER 2025

Opening hours

weekdays from 9am to 3pm

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Courtyard Preschool

Last inspected 18 May 2022 · Alice M Roberts

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

What it's like to attend

Children enjoy their time at the pre-school and are lovingly cared for by the friendly and nurturing staff who know them well. They spend lots of time outside getting plenty of fresh air and exercise, laughing and shrieking with excitement during games.

Inspector highlights

  • Children enjoy their time at the pre-school.
  • Children spend lots of time outside getting plenty of fresh air and exercise.
  • Leaders have worked hard to enhance their curriculum and the teaching of mathematics.
  • Children develop a love for books and reading.
  • Staff provide children plenty of opportunities to practise their physical skills.

Areas to develop

  • 1n encourage staff to strengthen their conversations and interactions with children to deepen children's knowledge and stretch their learning to a even higher level.
  • 2n enhance support for staff, so that they all clearly understand and focus sharply on what they want children to learn from the activities they provide.
Inspection #10228565 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Leaders ensure any additional funding is used appropriately to best support children's needs. For example, they use funding to enable children to attend additional sessions at the pre-school. This enables children to spend more time developing their social skills with others and benefit from the experiences the pre-school offers.

Outdoor space

Children spend lots of time outside getting plenty of fresh air and exercise. They laugh and shriek with excitement as they join in playing a game of 'What's the time Mr Wolf.' Children become immersed in the make-believe roles of being the 'scary' wolf and pretending to be 'frightened' as they run away.

Parent Reviews of Courtyard Preschool

4.8
(6)
Annalise Harrison
10 months ago

100000% will always recommend the courtyard, Sarah and the girls are amazing there, so welcoming, friendly have time for all Of the kids that go there. My son has come on heaps and bounds since joining last September, my youngest will be going there also. All of the girls really are so amazing at what they do, I can’t thank them enough for all help and support myself and my son has received this year. Forever grateful for the courtyard, has a special place in our hearts ❤️

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whitney kenny
10 months ago

My son has just graduated from courtyard pre school ! My son has high additional needs and Sarah and her team have gone above and beyond to attend and insure all his needs are met when in their care to the best of their ability , their setting is a fun , free flo home from home environment, and all the staff have amazing bonds with the children my youngest 2 has just finished her first term and is absolutely loving it ! I would recommend for anyone looking for a nursery , can not thank them enough for all they have done and continue to do for my little ones !.

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Andy B
10 months ago

All three of my Grandkids went to this preschool and loved it !! Sarah and her team are amazing and because the capacity is only around 20 children there is more focus and interaction with the kids which makes it quite niche! I thoroughly recommend this preschool.

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Jessica Emily
10 months ago

The courtyard preschool bicester have done so much for my daughter over the past 2 years I can’t thank the staff enough for all there hard work. The manger is always happy to talk and help when needed. Thankyou so much ladies, me and my daughter will miss you all loads. X

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Sandra Vetkasova
6 months ago

Fantastic nursery, I'm glad my daughter stay there for two years. The teacher are so lovely and understanding. Our family very appreciated. Thank you very much to help our daughter grow and learn.

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Reviews from Google for Courtyard Preschool. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: November 2014

  • May 2022Good
  • January 2017Good
  • February 2016Good
  • September 2015Inadequate
  • November 2014Requires improvement

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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