West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester)

Romsey Road, Winchester SO22 5HT
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9.8 108 Reviews
  • West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester), Winchester
A purpose built day nursery, specified by Childbase to the highest quality standard. Friendly and well-established, West Downs provides a happy, sociable environment where every child is treated as an individual.

The nursery has four main bright and colourful playrooms for individual age groups with additional sleeping areas. Outside is a secure, fully enclosed garden with a well-equipped soft tarmac playground and a lawned area which includes a digging and planting area and a sensory path for exploration.

The nursery also organises regular outings as a means of extending the children's vocabulary and understanding.

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Care Provided by West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester)

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Ren Norman-Greer (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 26
  • Total Places for Children
  • 68
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Inset Days
  • Parking

  • Drop off bay directly outside of the nursery.


West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) Reviews (108)

Total of 108, showing 81-100
9.8

West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.801) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) has 108 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 102
  • 4
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Date Published

108
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Review from Gabriella D (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is attending the Butterflies room and she only recently turned 3. All the girls have been very helpful in making the transition to this room as smooth as possible. My daughter was not speaking any English when she started to attend the nursery and I am impressed on how in only 4 months she
can now speak and understand English as well as Italian and German (languages that we regularly speak at home).
They are preparing delicious food for the kids with a 4 weekly rotation in the menu.
I find the girls very nice and supportive. Each of them is showing genuine affection to my daughter and is very dedicated to helping her in developing her skills/personality.
The nurse gives you the possibility of swapping 3 sessions in a year without any charge, but only recently we found that out.
Also, they are using the Parentzone app where they are posting few photos and assessment of the child.

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Review from Sarah B (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

West Downs is a really lovely nursery and my daughter loves going there - she has so much fun. It's also made her more independent and she's made a lot of friends. The excellent staff do lots of activities and post up assessments and pictures for parents to see during their day. The hours are also great
for me when I'm travelling long distances with work, and the fact you can book half days and days often at late notice is also really convenient. A great nursery!

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Review from Susannah L (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used West Downs for two years for our son and nearly one year for our daughter. We are very impressed with this nursery and the care they have given both children. The staff are attentive, caring and kind who show genuine love and interest in our children and their development. In both the Butterflies
(pre-school) room and Caterpillar (babies) room there have been the same staff for many years and the consistency this gives to the children is wonderful. It also shows how much they enjoy working with the children and the Childbase company. We are kept up to date on the children's activities and progress promptly and any suggestions or queries we have are dealt with quickly and competently. Any issues we have had, no matter how small, are dealt with sensitively and seriously. The management team are equally as excellent and their door is always open. It is a happy and caring environment and the food, facilities and service we get we are delighted with.

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Review from Hayley W (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love the nursery my son is always happy to go in and sad to leave.. he loves all the ladies and men that he sees and they all make him feel welcome. They are a very friendly bunch and are like an extended family to us.

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Review from Vanessa (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak more positively about this nursery. My daughter has been attending the nursery for a couple of months and it's been lovely to see how happy she is when I collect her that I know she is well looked after and learning each day. My daughter has come on incredibly well since starting and
we are very pleased to see her developing her skills, language and creativity through the many activities. The staff are vey approachable, friendly and enthusiastic about what they do. They are always happy to help and inform you of your child's progress.


I believe the fantastic manager and team of staff make this nursery so special.


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Review from Emma P (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Just wanted to say how impressed myself and my Mum are with the staff of West Downs Day Nursery.
We were waiting in the foyer to be picked up, and a man called the buzzer. A member of staff obviously didn’t recognise him, came to the door and let him in but asked for ID and checked with the room before
letting him get his Daughter (it was just a case of he hadn’t picked her up before).
Whilst it’s within the nursery policies to safeguard children, and what we all expect of a nursery, it was actually really reassuring to see it in action.
Although I already feel content and happy leaving my Children at West Downs, this has proved even more so what a fantastic nursery I chose for my children.

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Review from Rachel W (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is always wonderful looking after my daughter. They've helped her to develop her confidence and encouraged her speech which has been a bit delayed. We've always had a positive experience with them in terms of communication of issues and concerns, and they've been great at supporting her
ongoing medical needs.
The range of activities they offer for her to do, both outside in the garden and in her room are really good, and it gives us confidence that she's getting to experience a variety of things that we'd find difficult to do at home. It's always lovely to walk in and have the staff greet her by name, which makes us feel really special. Would highly recommend.

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Review from Emily B (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is fantastic, my son has learnt so much since being at the nursery. His speech has come on fantastically and is a very happy boy at nursery. The staff are lovely and he is always looked after.

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Review from Gabrielle B (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This Nursery goes above and beyond my expectations, every day when I drop off or collect my child the staff are kind, friendly and show a great deal of care and affection towards my son. The changes in his development from having been at this nursery are profound, and his social skills are thoroughly
improved by being surrounded by other happy children and staff.
The facilities are superb, with so many indoor and outdoor activities, a lot of one-to-one attention as well as smaller group tasks. The catering staff prepare wonderful foods and have just as great a connection with the children, as the nursery practitioners.


I have nothing bad to say about this nursery, its staff, space or their facilities.
I will miss West Downs Day Nursery and hope to be back again soon so that my son can continue his developmental journey here, with such wonderful staff and children alike.


Thank you for the wonderful care and support!


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Review from J M (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children who attend West Downs nursery. My one-year-old is very happy with the staff in his room and they show him plenty of affection and care. A range of interesting activities are on offer each day and there appears to be a good balance of indoor/outdoor time. My pre-schooler has formed
close bonds with her key worker and a few other staff members (although these members do rotate among the rooms so she does not see them every day). What I have welcomed most about the setting, is the staff openness to queries and suggestions. If there is anything I am unfamiliar with or concerned about, the staff open door policy means that I get to address these right away. The staff have always responded quickly and with effect. They are genuinely concerned with the children's well-being - and importantly - their happiness. For me, this is much more important than assessing whether my children meet the EYFS learning goals. We look forward to continuing this journey with West Downs.

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Review from Ellen S (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attended from 12 months to his recent graduation. I have been extremely happy with the care both he and his younger sister have received. Staff work very hard to ensure children have a happy nursery experience. Neither child wants to come home, and they always say what fun they've had.


Although

only part time, developments I have seen in both children in their learning and self-care have been so pleasing. Staff put much thought and time into planning activities and themed areas. They are always ready to talk about the children's learning and are interested in their lives.


The equipment and range of toys are excellent. I love the outdoor space, which has recently been expanded to incorporate a small woodland area.


The facility itself is light, bright, clean. Rooms are laid out and decorated well. The kitchen team do a great job. Managerial staff are approachable and always ready to talk. The nursery puts on many events during the year. I would recommend it to any parent.


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Review from Ruth J (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy and impressed with all of the staff at West Downs, our daughter has settled in beautifully and we feel safe knowing how well cared for she is during her days here.
Her dietary requirements are well managed and we are never made to feel an issue and she comes home happy and content
each day.

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Review from Clare D (Mother of Child) published on 16 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have our 3rd daughter currently at West Downs Day Nursery. As with the older two, we have been extremely pleased with how she has been cared for, developed and nurtured. She is very happy and has excellent relationships with her key workers and all the staff in 'bumblebees'. Communication between
us and staff is always clear and concise. Our daughter enjoys all the activities and loves the food! I would highly recommend the nursery to other families.

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Review from Tehreem M (Mother of Child) published on 18 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our overall experience has been great. The staff are amazing and very caring. The kids have learnt so much to prepare them for school life. The cameras being present allows safety and security. Admin and Accounts are great, and Management is excellent with the handling of things. I have always
been satisfied knowing that my children are in a safe environment and looked after well. They are fed and cleaned and enjoy their time here.


Thank you for such a great nursery.


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Review from Amanda B (Mother of Child) published on 9 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that the staff have given my two boys, couldn't be any more amazing. They go above and beyond to provide the best are they can. The nursery is always calm and friendly.
The activities are always fun and interesting and the staff interactions are always on point.
Couldn't ask for better staff
to look after my boys.

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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

West Downs was my daughter's first experience of nursery childcare and was initially happy in the baby room. Progression through the rooms only happened when a space became available and led to our daughter remaining in a room unhappy, and not stimulated. During our time here, the manager changed and
we had 3 changes of key person. Some days we did not recognise a single person in our daughter's room and often the person welcoming her did not know her name. Observations which we regularly received in the baby room were nowhere to be seen and our daughter became increasingly unhappy about attending. Clearly overwhelmed by a chaotic and cramped environment where she was not stimulated and never came home with items she had made. I write this now because my daughter has had a year at a nursery where the staff remain consistent, they know us as a family. My daughter skips in each day and leaves every day happy and items to show us. In an exit meeting, the manager listened but only offered us a reduced rate!

Reply from Sarah Gibson, Nursery Manager at West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester)

Thank you for your feedback on using our nursery last year. I am sorry that you did not have the positive experience which the majority of our families enjoy and we were unaware of these problems at the time. I am pleased to hear that both you, and your daughter, are happy in your current setting.


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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at West Downs Day Nursery since he was one, he has really enjoyed nursery and the staff are lovely and he has made loads of friends. The facilities are great and the garden is fantastic. The food is always good too. My youngest will be joining the baby room soon.

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Review from Emily P (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have settled really well and have built great bonds with the nursery team. All members of staff are very friendly and give good feedback on pick up.

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Review from Frances L (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A really wonderful nursery. All the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable - it sometimes feels like they only looked after my little boy, they seem to know him so well. My son is very happy. He's always busy with an activity and there is a huge variety of things to do with a fun, safe, outdoor area
and lots of exciting seasonal fairs and special days. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

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Review from Hayley D (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ease back into my son going into childcare couldn't have been any better. I can not thank the management, deputy manager and business administrator for how understanding they have been and how simple a smiley face can be in this big transition for us as parents.
The girls who have cared for my son
in The Butterfly Room are amazing. They all seem extremely knowledgeable and aware. My son is always talking about them at home! Most of all they are thoroughly caring and I feel more than happy leaving my son in their care.
Big thank you to his keyworker who is an amazing practitioner and a delight. The parent partnership is very important; his key worker has taken a lot of time to develop a strong relationship with me in this short time; I can not thank her enough.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.801)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.801) out of 10 for West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.801 for West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) is calculated as follows: ( (175 Excellents x 5) + (39 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 216 Ratings = 4.801

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for West Downs Day Nursery (Winchester) is based on 18 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 68 number of registered child places is 13.6, which has been reached with 18 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

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Meet the Team (1)

Ren

Ren Norman-Greer

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2016

Ren is the Manager of West Downs Day Nursery in Winchester and has a wealth of experience, having worked in Early Years since 2012, starting as an apprentice and progressing through to Nursery Manager. Ren holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, a Level 3 in SEND, and is also a Mental Health First Aider.


What is your favourite feature of your nursery?
My favourite feature of the nursery is our wooded area. It lends itself to endless amounts of imaginative play and creativity.


What are you most proud of about your team?
I am most proud of my team because they are the most kind and supportive people that always go above and beyond for anyone who needs it.


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