Opening hours
each weekday, between 7.30am and 6.30pm
Western Elms Nursery
Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2023)
Number of places
48 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Reading
About this day nursery
What it's like
Children are happy and secure at this welcoming, home-from-home nursery. They have very strong relationships with staff, who spend time getting to know them well. Children benefit from stimulating play spaces and eagerly explore the enticing learning experiences alongside their friends.
Pricing & funding
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 →Key facts
Term time / All Year
All Year
Established
1962
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Western Elms Nursery
Last inspected 21 February 2023 · Jane Franks
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 and secure at this welcoming, home-from-home nursery. They have very strong relationships with staff, who spend time getting to know them well. Children benefit from stimulating play spaces and eagerly explore the enticing learning experiences alongside their friends.
Inspector highlights
- The management team is passionate about ensuring that staff are empowered to take responsibility for their key roles.
- Staff regularly assess children and plan a well-organised curriculum that builds on children's ongoing learning.
- All children have plenty of opportunities to practise their literacy skills.
- Children of all ages delight in fresh air and physical exercise throughout the day.
- Staff embed children's backgrounds and ways of life into the setting.
Areas to develop
- 1support older children to develop their thinking and problem-solving skills to the highest level
- 2build on relationships with parents even further to offer them ideas and suggestions on how they can promote their children's learning at home.
Inspection #10244356 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents speak positively about the nurturing staff team. They say staff genuinely care about their children and work closely alongside them to ensure continuity in their child's care and well-being.
Parents report that, since starting at the setting, their children are eating a wider variety of healthy food at home.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The special educational needs coordinator works closely with staff and other professionals to ensure that any gaps in children's development are closed swiftly. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress from their starting points.
Outdoor space
Toddlers look for bugs in the garden, peering through magnifying glasses with anticipation and excitedly discussing what they see. Children of all ages delight in fresh air and physical exercise throughout the day; older children confidently balance across beams and learn to take safe risks on climbing equipment.
Parent Reviews of Western Elms Nursery
4.2
(5)
Parvathy Neelakandhan
3 years ago
As a mother sending my child first time to a day care was difficult and it was much more difficult as we were all coming out of pandemic and my child was new to this place, culture and language. The staff at Western Elms made it look at easy for my child to settle in and become independent. The garden space maybe less but the children learn gardening and know how to make use of the space. I am happy that I chose this nursery for my child.
Read on Google
Joanna Walker
7 years ago
Amazing nursery with caring staff that really develops a great relationship with the kids. All the rooms are full of educational toys and seasonal decorations, often made by the kids themselves. Great garden with a separate area for the babies. My son loves all the activities and often has seconds of the lovely meals (cooked at the nursery).
Read on Google
Sarah Bolger
9 years ago
Western Elms is a lovely nursery and has amazing staff. I wouldn't hesitate recommending this nursery to anyone considering their childcare options. Not only is our child incredibly happy and supported here he is well fed and gets to experience a wide range of activities each day.
Read on Google
AC F311
4 years ago
I called the nursery to enquire about a space for my daughter in September. The woman on the phone was quite short and dismissive and told me I had to send an email. It didn't give me the best of impressions but at this point I was just enquiring. I emailed as requested enquiring about a space and fees, and I was then told I needed to complete a form. This felt a little extreme considering I was still only enquiring and the information on this form was as if I was applying for a place. Anyway, I completed the form and submitted with the days I potentially wanted and other information about my daughter. The response I got was 'unfortunately we cannot accommodate your request' with no explanation offered as to why. After spending time completing a form that's the least that could have been offered. This has just allowed me to draw my own conclusions which aren't positive! With the lack of warmth and professionalism they showed me in those brief encounters, I would never feel comfortable leaving them with my child. Would not recommend.
Read on Google
Mahesan Vasudevan
3 years ago
Reviews from Google for Western Elms Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Improved from Requires improvement → Good in 2023
Date: December 2008
- February 2023Good
- April 2022Requires improvement
- January 2017Outstanding
- July 2013Good
- December 2008Good
Frequently asked about Western Elms Nursery
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