---
title: "Hobby Horse Children's Centre — Rated Good by Ofsted"
description: "Hobby Horse Children's Centre, a nursery in Banbury — Ofsted-rated Good. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice."
lang: en-GB
json-ld: |
  [
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "WebSite",
      "name": "Nursery Advice",
      "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk",
      "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.",
      "inLanguage": "en-GB",
      "potentialAction": {
        "@type": "SearchAction",
        "target": {
          "@type": "EntryPoint",
          "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}"
        },
        "query-input": "required name=search_term_string"
      }
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "Nursery Advice",
      "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk",
      "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.",
      "logo": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/__l5e/assets-v1/18ee05cb-93ee-4d8a-b535-85644088f16f/nursery-advice-social-share.png",
      "sameAs": [
        "https://twitter.com/nurseryadvice"
      ],
      "contactPoint": {
        "@type": "ContactPoint",
        "contactType": "customer support",
        "email": "hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk",
        "areaServed": "GB",
        "availableLanguage": [
          "English"
        ]
      }
    },
    {
      "@context": "https://schema.org",
      "@graph": [
        {
          "@type": "WebPage",
          "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593#webpage",
          "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593",
          "name": "Hobby Horse Children's Centre — Rated Good by Ofsted",
          "description": "Hobby Horse Children's Centre, a nursery in Banbury — Ofsted-rated Good. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.",
          "isPartOf": {
            "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website"
          },
          "about": {
            "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593#nursery"
          },
          "breadcrumb": {
            "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593#breadcrumb"
          },
          "speakable": {
            "@type": "SpeakableSpecification",
            "cssSelector": [
              "h1",
              "[data-speakable]"
            ]
          }
        },
        {
          "@type": "ChildCare",
          "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593#nursery",
          "name": "Hobby Horse Children's Centre",
          "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593",
          "address": {
            "@type": "PostalAddress",
            "addressCountry": "GB",
            "streetAddress": "Oxford and Cherwell College",
            "addressLocality": "(Banbury Campus)",
            "postalCode": "OX16 9PA"
          },
          "mainEntityOfPage": {
            "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593#webpage"
          },
          "telephone": "07823 367714",
          "email": "hobbyhorse@activatelearning.ac.uk",
          "sameAs": [
            "https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk/open-to-the-public/hobby-horse-children-s-centre"
          ],
          "geo": {
            "@type": "GeoCoordinates",
            "latitude": 52.057782,
            "longitude": -1.349013
          },
          "areaServed": [
            {
              "@type": "City",
              "name": "Banbury"
            }
          ],
          "audience": {
            "@type": "PeopleAudience",
            "suggestedMinAge": 0,
            "suggestedMaxAge": 5
          },
          "award": "Ofsted: Good",
          "aggregateRating": {
            "@type": "AggregateRating",
            "ratingValue": 5,
            "reviewCount": 1,
            "bestRating": 5,
            "worstRating": 1
          },
          "review": [
            {
              "@type": "Review",
              "reviewRating": {
                "@type": "Rating",
                "ratingValue": 5,
                "bestRating": 5,
                "worstRating": 1
              },
              "author": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Samuel Paul Stephenson Grech"
              },
              "datePublished": "2024-01-13T13:33:02.705326Z",
              "inLanguage": "en"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
          "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593#breadcrumb",
          "itemListElement": [
            {
              "@type": "ListItem",
              "position": 1,
              "name": "Home",
              "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/"
            },
            {
              "@type": "ListItem",
              "position": 2,
              "name": "Nurseries",
              "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries"
            },
            {
              "@type": "ListItem",
              "position": 3,
              "name": "South East",
              "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=South%20East"
            },
            {
              "@type": "ListItem",
              "position": 4,
              "name": "Hobby Horse Children's Centre",
              "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "@type": "FAQPage",
          "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593#faq",
          "mainEntity": [
            {
              "@type": "Question",
              "name": "What is Hobby Horse Children's Centre's Ofsted rating?",
              "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Hobby Horse Children's Centre received a 'Good' rating in every area during its last Ofsted inspection on November 11, 2021. The report highlighted the positive and happy atmosphere, effective support for children with SEND, and a curriculum focused on developing speaking and listening skills."
              }
            },
            {
              "@type": "Question",
              "name": "Where can I find fees for Hobby Horse Children's Centre?",
              "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Hobby Horse Children's Centre's fees are available on request. You'll need to contact them directly to get detailed pricing information for their childcare services."
              }
            },
            {
              "@type": "Question",
              "name": "What funded hours are accepted at Hobby Horse Children's Centre?",
              "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Hobby Horse Children's Centre accepts several funded hour schemes, including 15 hours for disadvantaged 2-year-olds, 15 hours universal for 3-4-year-olds, and 30 hours for working 3-4-year-olds. They also accept Tax-Free Childcare."
              }
            },
            {
              "@type": "Question",
              "name": "What are the opening hours for Hobby Horse Children's Centre?",
              "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Hobby Horse Children's Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 8 am until 6 pm. It operates year-round, closing for only one week a year, providing consistent childcare for families in Banbury."
              }
            },
            {
              "@type": "Question",
              "name": "Does Hobby Horse Children's Centre support children with special educational needs?",
              "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Yes, Hobby Horse Children's Centre provides good levels of support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The manager ensures that additional funding is used effectively to provide targeted support, helping children reach their full potential."
              }
            },
            {
              "@type": "Question",
              "name": "How long has Hobby Horse Children's Centre been providing childcare?",
              "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Hobby Horse Children's Centre is an established nursery with a long history in childcare, \"over 30 years of experience\" according to their website. This demonstrates their sustained commitment to providing quality care since their founding."
              }
            },
            {
              "@type": "Question",
              "name": "Does Hobby Horse Children's Centre provide outdoor play opportunities?",
              "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Yes, leaders at Hobby Horse Children's Centre have thoughtfully considered how to \"make use of the outdoor space to encourage children to be more physically active.\" Staff actively engage children in energetic games outside."
              }
            },
            {
              "@type": "Question",
              "name": "How can I contact Hobby Horse Children's Centre?",
              "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "You can contact Hobby Horse Children's Centre by phone at 07823 367714 or via email at hobbyhorse@activatelearning.ac.uk. They also have a website with more information to help prospective families."
              }
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
---

[![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice")

[Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries)

[Claim Your Nursery](/claim)

1.  [Home](/)
2.  [Nurseries](/nurseries)
3.  [South East](/search?region=South+East)
4.  Hobby Horse Children's Centre

# Hobby Horse Children's Centre

Compare Contact Nursery 

Ofsted: Good

(Nov 2021) 

· 5.0 (1 parent reviews)  · Oxford and Cherwell College, (Banbury Campus), Banbury, OX16 9PA · Oxfordshire 

Number of places

62 places

Age range

0–5 yrs

Last inspected

Nov 2021

Local authority

Oxfordshire

About 

-   About 
-   Pricing 
-   Ofsted 
-   Inclusion 
-   Reviews 
-   FAQ 

-   [About](#about)
-   [Pricing](#pricing)
-   [Ofsted](#ofsted)
-   [Inclusion](#inclusion)
-   [Reviews](#reviews)
-   [FAQ](#faq)

Email Nursery

## About this day nursery

Hobby Horse Children's Centre, located in Banbury, OX16 9PA, is an established nursery with over 30 years of experience, offering childcare for up to 62 children daily, aged three months to five years. The centre operates 51 weeks a year, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

It caters to both children of college staff and students, as well as the wider community. The nursery prides itself on an environment where each child is valued, promoting learning through play to foster all aspects of development.

Staffed by fully qualified and experienced Early Years Practitioners, all of whom are Paediatric First Aid trained, the centre aims to create a fun, loving, and homely atmosphere. Ofsted rated the children's centre as 'good' in every area in its November 2021 inspection, particularly highlighting the positive and happy atmosphere, effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and a curriculum focused on developing speaking and listening skills.

The nursery emphasises working with parents as partners, aiming to build strong bonds between children and their keyworkers, and encourages prospective families to visit frequently to ensure comfort and confidence in their choice.

Our ethos

We work with parents as partners, and provide an environment where each child is valued and feels secure and happy. We provide an environment where children will be encouraged to learn through play, promoting all aspects of their development. We will work with you, offering a fun and loving atmosphere for your little ones to develop into confident and independent individuals.

What it's like

Children show that they thoroughly enjoy going to nursery. They thrive in the positive, happy and homely atmosphere, created by the attentive staff. Children show great delight when they see familiar staff, greeting them with smiles, hugs and cuddles.

Established nursery Learning through play Experienced staff Ofsted "Good" rating Parent partnership 

## Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) Tax-Free Childcare 

Pricing on request 

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

[Request pricing →](https://banbury.activatelearning.ac.uk/college-life/supporting-you/cost-of-living-managing-your-finances-while-attending-college/)

## Key facts

Staff

Staff qualifications exceed the minimum standards set by the Government. All staff members are Paediatric First Aid trained.

Food

Breakfast Club is offered for college students, providing options like tea/coffee with toast or cereal.

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Age range

three months and five years

Term time / All Year

All Year

### Official Ofsted Report

Independent inspection of Hobby Horse Children's Centre

Inspection date

Nov 2021

Inspection no.

10210759

Safeguarding arrangements are effective

[Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50174318)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/133593)

Visit or enquire

### Book a show-around

Most settings reply within 48 hours.

Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist

Get in touch

### Contact

Reveal phone number 

Contact Nursery [

Visit website ](https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk/open-to-the-public/hobby-horse-children-s-centre)

Oxford and Cherwell College, (Banbury Campus), Banbury, OX16 9PA 

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm.

[© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-1.34901/52.05778/14)

[](https://www.mapbox.com/)

## Explore day nurseries near Banbury

-   [Day nurseries in Banbury](/search?q=Banbury)
-   [Day nurseries in South East](/search?q=South+East)

Is this your nursery?

Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries.

[Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593)

Ofsted Inspection

## Ofsted rating for Hobby Horse Children's Centre

Last inspected 11 November 2021

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 show that they thoroughly enjoy going to nursery. They thrive in the positive, happy and homely atmosphere, created by the attentive staff. Children show great delight when they see familiar staff, greeting them with smiles, hugs and cuddles.

Inspector highlights

-   Children show great delight when they see familiar staff. 
-   Children behave very well. 
-   Children benefit from a curriculum with a strong emphasis on developing their speaking and listening skills. 
-   Staff plan well how they will deliver teaching so that children remember what they have learned. 
-   Staff provide good levels of support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. 

Areas to develop

-   1 support staff to make the best use of opportunities to encourage children to share their thoughts and ideas, to extend further children's thinking skills 
-   2 incorporate teaching about the safe use of technology into the curriculum in an age-appropriate way. 

Inspection #10210759 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50174318)

Inclusion & environment

## How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff provide good levels of support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The manager ensures that additional funding is used effectively to provide the targeted support that some children need to reach their full potential.

Outdoor space

Leaders have reflected on how best to make use of the outdoor space to encourage children to be more physically active. Outside, staff focus on playing energetic games with children.

## Parent Reviews of Hobby Horse Children's Centre

5.0 

(1) 

![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVQ9HJm6ZoTF26rMiQQR18bDgajn3YMEEPW2TvWAqSaup34wg0=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba2)

Samuel Paul Stephenson Grech

2 years ago

[Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNOaXV5TVR3EAE!2m1!1s0x4877262d2582f4db:0xd7ee376d7710555e)

Reviews from Google for Hobby Horse Children's Centre. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=15559434705900164446&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA)

Inspection history

Date: April 2012

-   November 2021 Good 
-   November 2016 Good 
-   October 2013 Good 
-   April 2012 Good 

## Frequently asked about Hobby Horse Children's Centre

### What is Hobby Horse Children's Centre's Ofsted rating?

### Where can I find fees for Hobby Horse Children's Centre?

### What funded hours are accepted at Hobby Horse Children's Centre?

### What are the opening hours for Hobby Horse Children's Centre?

### Does Hobby Horse Children's Centre support children with special educational needs?

### How long has Hobby Horse Children's Centre been providing childcare?

### Does Hobby Horse Children's Centre provide outdoor play opportunities?

### How can I contact Hobby Horse Children's Centre?

## About the setting

Hobby Horse Children's Centre registered in 1992 and operates in Banbury, Oxfordshire. It is open Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm, all year round, except for bank holidays. The provider employs 16 members of staff, all holding relevant qualifications at level 3 or level 4, and receives funding to provide free early education to children aged two, three and four years.

URN

133593

Registered person

Oxford & Cherwell College Committee

Day care type

Full day care

Register

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register

Establishment type

Childcare on non-domestic premises

Previous rating

Good

## Nearby day nurseries in Banbury

Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Hobby Horse Children's Centre.

-   [
    
    Ofsted: Good
    
    0.4 mi 
    
    ### Child First Banbury Nursery
    
    Banbury · OX16 0AA
    
    4.6(20 reviews) 
    
    ](/nursery/child-first-banbury-nursery-ox16-0aa-2579605)
-   [
    
    Ofsted: Good
    
    0.4 mi 
    
    ### Smart Tots Day Nursery
    
    Banbury · OX16 0AE
    
    ](/nursery/smart-tots-day-nursery-ox16-0ae-ey375472)
-   [
    
    Ofsted: Good
    
    0.6 mi 
    
    ### The Close Day Nursery School
    
    Banbury · OX16 5HH
    
    ](/nursery/the-close-day-nursery-school-ox16-5hh-ey556105)
-   [
    
    Ofsted: Good
    
    0.6 mi 
    
    ### Nära Horton
    
    Banbury · OX16 9AL
    
    ](/nursery/n-ra-horton-ox16-9al-2699563)
-   [
    
    Ofsted: Good
    
    0.6 mi 
    
    ### Banbury School Day Nursery
    
    Banbury · OX16 9HY
    
    ](/nursery/banbury-school-day-nursery-ltd-ox16-9hy-ey417353)
-   [
    
    Provider closed
    
    0.6 mi 
    
    ### Just Camps Banbury
    
    Banbury · OX16 9HY
    
    5.0(21 reviews) 
    
    ](/nursery/just-camps-banbury-ox16-9hy-2544759)

[See all nurseries in Banbury →](/search?q=Banbury)

### Are you the owner of this nursery?  Claim this listing to manage photos, hours and contact details. 

[Claim listing](/claim?nursery=hobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593)

### Share this nursery

Send to a partner, friend or family member.

Copy link[](https://wa.me/?text=Hobby%20Horse%20Children's%20Centre%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice%20https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fhobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593 "Share on WhatsApp")[](https://www.facebook.com/dialog/send?link=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fhobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593&app_id=140586622674265&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fhobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593 "Share on Messenger")[](mailto:?subject=Hobby%20Horse%20Children's%20Centre&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20be%20interested%20in%20this%20nursery%3A%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fhobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593 "Share on Email")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fhobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593 "Share on Facebook")[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Hobby%20Horse%20Children's%20Centre%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fhobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593 "Share on X")[](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fhobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593 "Share on LinkedIn")[](https://www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fhobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593&title=Hobby%20Horse%20Children's%20Centre "Share on Reddit")[](https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhug-your-search.lovable.app%2Fnursery%2Fhobby-horse-children-s-centre-ox16-9pa-133593&text=Hobby%20Horse%20Children's%20Centre%20%E2%80%94%20on%20Nursery%20Advice "Share on Telegram")

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](/about-our-data)

Report an issue

[![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/)

The independent UK nursery directory. Built with Ofsted data, kept current weekly.

For parents

-   [Search nurseries](/search)
-   [Parent Hub](/parent-hub)
-   [Saved nurseries](/saved)
-   [Compare](/compare)

For nurseries

-   [Promote Your Nursery](/for-nurseries)
-   [Claim a listing](/claim)
-   [Nursery dashboard](/owner)
-   [Sign in](/auth)

Browse by location

-   [London](/nurseries/london)
-   [South East](/nurseries/south-east)
-   [North West](/nurseries/north-west)
-   [West Midlands](/nurseries/west-midlands)
-   [Yorkshire](/nurseries/yorkshire-and-the-humber)
-   [See all regions →](/nurseries)

About

-   [About us](/about-us)
-   [Editorial policy](/parent-hub/editorial-standards)
-   [Contact us](/contact)
-   [Blog](/blog)
-   Data sources: Ofsted MI, GIAS

[](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590427415951)[](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nurseryadvice-co-uk)[](https://uk.pinterest.com/NurseryAdvice/)

Ofsted data & reports

Inspection reports, ratings and provider details displayed on this site are sourced from [Ofsted](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/) and contain public sector information published under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). Nursery Advice is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ofsted or any government body.

© 2026 Better Search Limited (company no. 17209315), trading as Nursery Advice. All rights reserved. Contact: [hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk](mailto:hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk). 

[Terms of service](/terms)[Privacy policy](/privacy)Made for parents.