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University Nursery in Coventry

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2021)
·
4.3(11 parent reviews) ·University of Warwick, Scarman Road, COVENTRY, CV4 7AL · Coventry
Number of places
78 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2021
Local authority
Coventry

About this day nursery

The University of Warwick Nursery provides comprehensive childcare services for children aged 3 months to 5 years, catering specifically to university staff and students. Situated on the main campus at Lakeside, the nursery benefits from a purpose-built environment and access to various university facilities, including the Warwick Arts Centre and the indoor Tennis Centre.

The nursery prides itself on offering a safe, stimulating, and nurturing space that encourages diversity and potential in every child. With a strong focus on high-quality care and education, the dedicated staff team places children at the heart of their practice, fostering confidence, curiosity, and independent learning.

The nursery has consistently been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, a testament to its commitment to excellence. Emphasising a play-based approach, the curriculum is guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, promoting positive relationships, enabling environments, and comprehensive learning and development.

Our ethos

The University nursery focuses on creating a safe, happy, nurturing and inclusive environment where babies and young children develop as confident, curious and independent learners. We promote resilience, creativity and a love for learning through play-based experiences and enabling environments. The nursery works closely with the wider community to build a foundation for future success.

What it's like

Children arrive at this nursery full of exuberance and are keen to access the inspiring range of activities that the staff provide. They have a highly positive attitude to their learning and their behaviour is outstanding. Babies are extremely well settled and confidently explore their immediate environment while older children immerse themselves in learning, frequently making choices about how they spend their time.

University-affiliatedOfsted OutstandingPlay-based learningEYFS curriculum

Pricing & funding

The nursery charges separately for meals, which are not included in the standard fee rates. Parents have the option to purchase nursery-provided meals or supply their own food.

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Meals are not included in standard fees and must be paid for separately.
  • Parents may alternatively provide their own food.

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Thursday from 8.15am to 5.45pm and Fridays from 8.15am to 5.15pm. A playscheme operates for older children during school Easter, half-term breaks and the summer holidays, with sessions Monday to Friday from 8.15am to 6pm.

Food

Hot two-course lunch and light tea provided, or parents can provide their own food.

Age range

3 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for University Nursery

Last inspected 16 July 2021 · Hayley Lapworth

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children arrive at this nursery full of exuberance and are keen to access the inspiring range of activities that the staff provide. They have a highly positive attitude to their learning and their behaviour is outstanding. Babies are extremely well settled and confidently explore their immediate environment while older children immerse themselves in learning, frequently making choices about how they spend their time.

Inspector highlights

  • The manager has extremely high expectations of her staff and accurately identifies and utilises her strongest staff's individual qualities and abilities.
  • Recruitment and selection processes are extremely thorough, ensuring the best possible staff are employed and supported.
  • The assistant manager creates innovative ways to introduce new initiatives, such as becoming a fully eco-friendly nursery.
  • The staff team work cohesively to provide high-quality care and education, placing children at the heart of their practice.
  • The well thought out curriculum and intent for children's learning superbly supports them in making excellent progress across all areas of their development.
Inspection #10116418 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Many parents express that they could not be happier with the quality of care and education their children receive.

They especially appreciate how staff introduce early science to their children, through activities about the solar system.

Parents also share they really welcomed videos provided by the team during lockdown about changes to the nursery as a result of COVID-19.

They say this was exceptionally effective in helping their children to understand, for example why soft toys and rugs were not being used.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Older children are able to move freely between the outside and indoor areas. The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.

Parent Reviews of University Nursery

4.3
(11)
Nathan Judd
a year ago

Incident: left my 18 month old thirsty without milk because of 'a mistake' when registering. They'd put him down as on formula and didn't mention it for weeks despite myself never bringing in formula. I spotted his name on a board under formula and raised the issue. Legalistic denial ensued from the head despite the worker verbally admitting the contrary to me. I wasn't interested in arguing. I was told indirectly that they have plenty on the waiting list (yes, no doubt, with thousands of postgraduate students from countries without a childcare needs, they will need this nursery last minute, but those that find the time to look in advance should perhaps think twice). Overall: nice building and the key workers are good, but the other's can be disinterested or not particularly caring, I even saw one worker get frustrated with a 12-18 month old, to the point I felt bad for the worker, as if it wasn't the job for them. In the older rooms I saw the TV/laptop used a bit too frequently. Verdict: Children don't see the expensive setup, they need the basics right - to be fed, cleaned and loved.

Read on Google
Anna Intelehator
5 years ago

The nursery is lovely. Both of my kids are going there now and are very happy with it.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for University Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: February 2011

  • July 2021Outstanding
  • February 2016Outstanding
  • February 2011Outstanding

Frequently asked about University Nursery

About the setting

University Nursery was registered in 1993. The nursery employs 33 members of childcare staff, with 28 holding appropriate early years qualifications ranging from level 2 to level 7, and two staff members holding early years professional status. The nursery opens all year round, except for bank holidays and the days between Christmas and New Year. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

URN
507728
Registered person
University of Warwick
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary 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