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NOA's Ark Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Apr 2022)
·
4.0(8 parent reviews) ·North Oxfordshire Academy, Drayton Road, Banbury, OX16 0UD · Oxfordshire
Number of places
53 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Apr 2022
Local authority
Oxfordshire

About this day nursery

NOA's Ark Nursery, situated in Banbury and rated 'Good' by Ofsted in December 2016, is a day nursery catering to children aged 0-5. The nursery is housed in a modern, eco-friendly building specifically designed for young children and boasts an expansive outdoor area.

Located securely within the North Oxfordshire Academy site, NOA's Ark emphasises a holistic, natural experience for all children, championing the benefits of outdoor play for improved health, happiness, and social skill development. They provide waterproof outdoor suits and aprons, encouraging children to freely explore their natural surroundings.

The fees are charged monthly as a twelfth of the annual cost, simplifying financial planning for parents. These fees, subject to annual review and potential increase each September, cover essentials like nappies, wipes, creams, and all meals except formula milk.

A non-refundable administration fee of £50 is required upon registration to secure a place. The nursery accommodates funded sessions for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds and offers flexible settling-in sessions to help children adjust to the new environment.

Parents are encouraged to utilise shorter sessions during the initial week if possible to ease the transition for their child.

Our ethos

At NOA’s Ark, we firmly believe in an all-round natural experience for all children. Research shows the children who spend significant amounts of time outdoors are healthier, happier and have well-developed social skills. Our outdoor space provides brilliant opportunities for your children to discover and experiment in a natural environment, and we provide waterproof outdoor suits and aprons so that they can explore to their heart’s content!

What it's like

Children thrive and enjoy their time at the nursery. They play happily and get fully involved in the exciting range of activities available to them. Children form strong bonds with the caring and nurturing staff and respond to the high expectations staff have for them.

Good Ofsted ratingEco-friendly buildingLarge outdoor spaceEmphasis on outdoor learning

Pricing & funding

Fees are calculated as 1/12 of the annual charge and billed monthly. The nursery offers full-week, full-day, and half-day sessions, with half-day sessions restricted to children over 18 months. Fees include nappies, wipes, creams, and all food except formula milk.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • A £50 administration charge is required alongside the registration form to secure a space.
  • Fees are billed on the 1st of every month as 1/12 of the annual charge.
  • An increase to fees should be expected each September.
  • Part-day sessions are only available to children over 18 months old in the Otters or Peacocks rooms.
  • Fees include nappies, wipes, creams, and all food except formula milk.
  • Hours booked over government funding entitlement are charged at standard rates.

Key facts

Session types

Full day, Morning session (for over 18 months), Afternoon session (for over 18 months)

Food

Meals, nappies, wipes, and creams included; formula milk is not included.

Opening hours

8am to 6pm

Age range

0-5

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2014

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for NOA's Ark Nursery

Last inspected 19 April 2022 · Alice M Roberts

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children thrive and enjoy their time at the nursery. They play happily and get fully involved in the exciting range of activities available to them. Children form strong bonds with the caring and nurturing staff and respond to the high expectations staff have for them.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders create a broad and well-sequenced curriculum that builds on what children know and can do.
  • The manager ensures additional funding is spent appropriately.
  • Staff actively encourage a love of reading.
  • Staff ensure children hear and learn to use a wide and varied vocabulary.
  • Staff support children to make healthy choices.

Areas to develop

  • 1strengthen staff support and help them to understand how to respond to children's questions and develop their thinking and understanding further.
Inspection #10228101 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

All children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress.

Outdoor space

When children plant sunflower seeds in the garden, they patiently wait for a turn to pour the water. Older children become immersed in their imaginary play as they pretend to go fishing, imagining their long sticks are rods and building platforms to fish over the garden fence.

Parent Reviews of NOA's Ark Nursery

4.0
(8)
Sandra Young
7 years ago

Both of my daughter's have attended NOA's ark over the past 3 and a half years. This is an amazing place. The staff are accommodating welcoming, and always go above and beyond. The facilities are first rate (clean and spacious). The nursery manager is brilliant (professional, knowledgeable, and incredible with the children and parents). An amazing place for children to thrive and develop.

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Laura “Wheeler” Smith
8 years ago

My daughter loves it!!! She enjoys seeing her teachers and friends!! Loves going and gets so excited to show me what she has made and telling me what she has done!! The staff are wonderful, caring friendly people that go out of their way in all they do with the children. I was so worried about leaving my daughter but they are so good!! They have have showed great response to my daughters needs and have adapted so well. I am so very great full and happy to have found this nursery and to get a space for my daughter! I would strongly recommend noa's ark nursery in banbury to any parent looking for a nursery!!

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Emily Hobson
8 years ago

My child attended NOA's for nearly two year before leaving to start school. This is an amazing setting - with incredible outdoor space. The staff are all amazing & always happy to help. My child learnt & developed so much with the staff there to help every step of the way! While I was at work - knowing that my child was having a fun day always put my mind at ease. Thank you!

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Rebecca Wyatt
8 years ago

My son has been here for almost a year and im really impressed. The staff are friendly and incredibly skilled, they have a really proactive approach to childcare but with a nurturing environment. The building is lovely and the outside space is incredible, when looking for childcare you really must view this setting!

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Eda
2 years ago

Contacted them regarding my two years old .They said they have space and will contact to me . They did not! Phoned them again another lady said she is going to call me never did. It is a JOKE !

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for NOA's Ark Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: August 2015

  • April 2022Good
  • December 2016Good
  • August 2015Inadequate

Frequently asked about NOA's Ark Nursery

About the setting

NOA's Ark Nursery registered in 2014. It is located on the site of the North Oxfordshire Academy in Banbury, Oxfordshire. It is open on weekdays, for 51 weeks of the year, from 8am until 6pm. The nursery is in receipt of funding for the provision of free early education for children aged two, three and four years. The nursery employs 14 members of staff, of whom nine hold relevant childcare qualifications and the manager holds early years teacher status.

URN
EY481578
Registered person
United Learning Trust
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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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