Opening hours
All Stars Breakfast Club: 7:30am – 9am; Nursery Morning Session: 9am – 12pm; Nursery Afternoon Session: 12pm – 3pm; All Stars After School Club: Mon – Fri: 3:15pm – 5:30pm (Term-time only)
Horspath Nursery
Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2022)
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2022
Local authority
Oxfordshire
About this day nursery
Horspath Nursery, located within the Horspath Primary School grounds, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2 to 5 years. Established in 1977, this charity-run nursery is deeply integrated into its community, providing high-quality childcare and education.
The dedicated team focuses on creating a homely and welcoming atmosphere where children can thrive through positive, respectful, and relaxed interactions. They prioritise age-appropriate support and learning opportunities, actively partnering with parents to enhance each child's development.
The nursery boasts its own well-equipped outdoor play area and nature reserve, complemented by access to the primary school's facilities. Emphasis is placed on outdoor activities and healthy living, with children regularly engaging with the wildlife area, school playground, and nursery gardens.
The nursery also offers "All Stars" Breakfast and After School Clubs, catering to a wider age range. As a parent committee-led charity, Horspath Nursery relies on community involvement and fundraising to maintain affordable childcare costs and acquire essential resources.
What it's like
Children are happy, settled, and secure in a calm and friendly nursery where they develop positive relationships with staff. They are keen and curious learners, demonstrating high levels of energy and motivation. Children concentrate well, persevere at tasks, and are eager to learn about nature.
Charity-runOutdoor learningCommunity-focusedLocated within primary school
Pricing & funding
Fees are charged at an hourly rate, with different pricing tiers depending on the child's age. The nursery has distinct rates for children aged one to two years and those aged three to four years. Funding options may also be available.
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)
Good to know
- Funding may be available.
Key facts
Session types
Morning session, Afternoon session, Breakfast club, After school club
Age range
2-5 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Established
1993
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Horspath Nursery
Last inspected 7 April 2022 · Melissa Cox
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 are happy, settled, and secure in a calm and friendly nursery where they develop positive relationships with staff. They are keen and curious learners, demonstrating high levels of energy and motivation. Children concentrate well, persevere at tasks, and are eager to learn about nature.
Inspector highlights
- The dedicated manager provides strong leadership and ensures ongoing professional development for staff.
- Children benefit from good levels of staff interaction and support, with a creatively designed curriculum.
- Staff successfully use training to support children's development, such as in phonics and letter formation.
- Staff place a strong focus on developing children's literacy skills and love of books.
- Children's good health is promoted effectively through excellent outdoor play challenges.
Areas to develop
- 1Support for children during activities is not always precise enough to ensure that they are challenged to the highest level.
Inspection #10207385 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents speak highly of the nursery and the support for their children.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
All children, including those in receipt of additional funding and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress overall. Staff effectively work with other professionals to provide swift intervention and precise support when children need them.
Outdoor space
Children benefit immensely from the excellent challenges offered to them as they play outside. The well-planned range of outdoor play experiences captures the interest of groups of children effectively, such as older boys, who sustain their concentration well.
Parent Reviews of Horspath Nursery
5.0
(5)
Melanie Burden
3 years ago
My daughter has loved attending Horspath Nursery, she has also attended sessions at the after school club and met so many new friends whilst learning and having lots of fun. Jo the Nursery manager has been amazing in terms of special requirements she and the nursery staff have needed to follow to care for my daughter and my daughter has absolutely loved attending the nursery. She says nursery is so much fun and she loves all the toys especially the sand and water play sessions, playing with paw patrol, story time, singing and learning sessions on the carpet like smelling and guessing what the different things are eg. vanilla essence or mint from the nursery garden. Overall the nursery and the team have been amazing and I highly recommend the nursery.
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Emily Ashworth
3 years ago
The teachers at Horspath Nursery have been absolutely outstanding. They have gone over and above what is required of them to help my son (who suffers from additional needs) and to support my husband and I. Nothing has ever been to much trouble. My son loves going to nursery, he always looks forward to his sessions and comes out again happy and excellently cared for. The nursery is clean and tidy and in keeping with educational setting health and safety protocols. I cannot sing the praises of this nursery high enough!! Thank you so much Horspath Nursery, for everything!
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Lucy Brooks
3 years ago
Three of my children have attended Horpsath nursery. They have all loved it. Jo is wonderful with the children. It’s a smaller nursery with a homely feel. Highly recommend. My youngest will start next year and I have no worries at all.
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Steven Boyce
3 years ago
We are so lucky to have this nursery in our village. Our daughter loves going, the staff are so friendly and are always thinking of lots of new fun activities for the children to enjoy.
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Maibe Serrano
3 years ago
Reviews from Google for Horspath Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: November 2011
- April 2022Good
- June 2017Good
- March 2015Good
- November 2011Good
Frequently asked about Horspath Nursery
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