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Willowdene Nursery School in Basingstoke

Ofsted: Good
(May 2021)
·
4.2(5 parent reviews) ·42 Reading Road, Chineham, BASINGSTOKE, RG24 8LT · Hampshire
Number of places
45 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
May 2021
Local authority
Hampshire

About this day nursery

Willowdene Nursery School, established in 1982, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children from birth through to school age. Located in a modern, purpose-built facility, the nursery focuses on a play-based learning approach to provide a strong foundation for children's education.

The nursery is thoughtfully divided into three key rooms: 'Little Willow' for infants aged 0-2 years, providing consistent care by following home routines; the Walkers & Talkers Room for 2-3 year olds; and the Pre-School Room for children aged 3-5 years. Each room is designed to offer a comfortable, calm, and homely atmosphere, promoting continuous provision through free-flow play.

Outdoor learning is an integral part of the daily curriculum, with children having ample access to garden areas equipped with age-appropriate and high-quality resources to inspire exploration and learning. The nursery strongly believes in a collaborative partnership with parents, offering activity ideas for home and practical advice on various developmental topics.

Parents can stay updated on their child's daily activities and progress through the Parentzone App. The nursery aims to deliver excellence in education, fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring every child feels welcome and included on their developmental journey.

Our ethos

Our vision is to work in partnership with parents to achieve excellence in education. Providing safe, stimulating, challenging and purposeful play, we aim to give your child the very best start in life.

What it's like

Children are settled and happy at the nursery, forming positive relationships with staff and other children. They engage in fun activities that encourage exploration and experimentation, developing independence and confidence, even in managing risks outdoors.

Play-based learningPurpose-built facilityParent partnershipOutdoor learning

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured as hourly rates based on age, with separate charges for meals. Younger age groups must book full days, while children over three can book hourly. A registration fee is payable upon confirmation of your booking.

Funding accepted

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

Good to know

  • Baby Room and Walkers and Talkers bookings are by full day only.
  • Hourly bookings are only available for children over 3 years old.
  • A registration fee is payable upon confirmation of booking.
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and tea) are charged separately.

Key facts

Opening hours

8:00 - 17:00, five days per week, 51 weeks per year (closed over Christmas and Bank Holidays)

Age range

0-5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Session types

hourly, full day

Established

1990

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Willowdene Nursery School

Last inspected 13 May 2021

Overall effectiveness
Good

What it's like to attend

Children are settled and happy at the nursery, forming positive relationships with staff and other children. They engage in fun activities that encourage exploration and experimentation, developing independence and confidence, even in managing risks outdoors.

Inspector highlights

  • Children develop the skills and knowledge they need for the future through a well-planned curriculum.
  • Staff understand the curriculum well and support children's progress, including those making less than expected progress by linking with parents and outside professionals.
  • Leaders have reflected well on the quality of the provision since the last inspection and supported staff development and well-being.
  • There are good partnerships and communication with parents, promoting effective sharing of information about children.

Areas to develop

  • 1build on the staff team work to ensure all children's individual needs are consistently identified and met
  • 2support staff to implement the expected behaviour management strategies, to help children learn to manage their own feelings, and continue developing good relationships with other children.
Inspection #10136027 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Where children may be making less than expected progress, staff take appropriate steps to link with parents and outside professionals to help children to catch up.

Outdoor space

Children develop good confidence, including being able to manage risks, such as when balancing on the crates outside.

Parent Reviews of Willowdene Nursery School

4.2
(5)
Michael Lord
7 months ago

My son has just finished here and my daughter has been attending since February. It's a beautiful nursery, set in a large modified home that I believe one of the staff members grew up in as it was her family home. I was very sad when my son finished and will be equally sad when my daughter's time comes to an end there. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for the nursery that co-raised my children with us. Before finding this place our son went to St Peters day nursery, where we wouldn't recommend. Glad Willowdene came to the rescue by offering a space. Wish I could visit more or they included parents in more events. Christmas nativity is the only thing I can recall.

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Sydney Gayles
2 years ago

My son enjoys his time. However they don’t keep parents informed. Have favourites amongst children who attend and parents. Been let down by staff and the nurseries competence multiple times. Staff don’t care and do nothing to rectify situations. Very unprofessional.

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Doug Morrison
10 years ago

Really great nursery. Our daughter loves it there. Friendly and professional staff. High Recommend.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Willowdene Nursery School. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history
Improved from Inadequate → Good in 2021

Date: January 2012

  • May 2021Good
  • December 2019Inadequate
  • January 2015Outstanding
  • January 2012Good

Frequently asked about Willowdene Nursery School

About the setting

Willowdene Nursery School registered in 1990. It is located in the Chineham area of Basingstoke, Hampshire. The nursery is open each weekday from 8am to 5pm for 51 weeks of the year. It accepts funding for free early education for children aged three and four years. The nursery employs 13 members of staff, 12 of whom hold early years qualifications at level 2 and above, including one with qualified teacher status.

URN
507837
Registered person
Hargraves, Marilyn
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