The Close Day Nursery School

Prospect Road, Banbury OX16 5HH
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10 56 Reviews
  • The Close Day Nursery School, Banbury
The Close Day Nursery, proud recipients of the Top 20 Day Nursery Awards in both 2023 and 2024, ranks as the nursery of choice in Banbury. The intake is capped at 55 children, allowing the team to forge deep, nurturing bonds with each young learner. With a rich history spanning over 60 years, this family-operated establishment sets a benchmark in childcare.

The exceptional team of dedicated Early Years Practitioners at The Close has fostered a welcoming, familial, "home away from home" ambiance that greets visitors from the moment they enter.

The Close upholds a commitment to high-quality care and education, ensuring that every child's voice is not only heard but also valued. With core values centred on respect, love, and steadfast attention to health and safety, the nursery cultivates an environment where children flourish.

Situated in the heart of Banbury, The Close's prime location offers convenient access to local transport links, and strong relationships with the area's top schools.

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Care Provided by The Close Day Nursery School

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Sutha Satkunarajah
  • Person in charge
  • Lorraine Wetherill (Head Teacher)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 16
  • Total Places for Children
  • 55
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 1 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, 2 weeks at Christmas & 1 week at Easter

Funding & Fees Guide for The Close Day Nursery School

  • We offer funded places utilising the Government Funding for both 15 and 30 hours. We are able to stretch this funding over 50 weeks a year rather than just term time.


    Please contact us for information regarding Government Funding and private fees.
    Please telephone or email for more information.
  • Parking

  • They have a car park situated at the rear of the nursery in Old Parr Close - OX16 5HY


The Close Day Nursery School Reviews (56)

Total of 56, showing 1-20
10

The Close Day Nursery School has a Review Score of 10 (9.964) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Close Day Nursery School has 56 reviews.

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Review from Laura G (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I found myself in a position where I had to find a placement for my daughter within a really short space of time and found this very stressful.
From the moment I spoke with this nursery my mind was put at ease. I have found them all to be professional, well organised, caring and child focused.
My
daughter is now in the third week of joining the nursery and she goes in so happily.
I can't thank you all enough for making it such a positive experience for my daughter and would highly recommend this setting to anyone.

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Review from Kristy L (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Close Day Nursery provides a safe, warm, and supportive environment for our daughter. As this was her first time in a nursery setting and being apart from us for more than two hours, the transition was challenging. However, the staff have been incredibly kind, confident, and attentive, tailoring activities
to help her settle and feel secure. They go the extra mile by sending picture updates and even creating a little book to help her get familiar with the nursery setting. They also inform us of the weekly theme of activities in advance, which is very thoughtful and helps me prepare for what will happen to our daughter. Over time, she has grown more comfortable and started to enjoy her time there, coming home excited to share stories, songs, and crafts. She was especially proud of making cookies! We are truly grateful for the care and dedication of the staff.

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Review from L J (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love the Close Day Nursery. The head teacher is the most attentive, caring and organised manager. Our little boy has been going since 2023 and we have had such a great experience. December, was his first time in the nativity and with him being on the shy side we wasn't sure how it would go. The whole
staff made so much effort, and it was lovely to see how they have formed bonds. So much reassurance seeing the care from them all.

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Review from Sophia M (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I don't know where to start with my praise for The close nursery. My extremely shy child refused to go to his previous nursery but I had to go back to work. I never believed he would settle in so quickly and so well and that is all thanks to the amazing staff. They are kind and caring and patient and
my son absolutely loves attending this nursery.
From the management through to the room staff everyone is so helpful and understanding of every child and parent's individual situation. I wish I knew about this nursery sooner and I will not hesitate to recommend them.

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Review from Szintia B (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Close Day Nursery has been a wonderful, supportive setting for our child. The staff are brilliant and the care they give is outstanding. We especially like how they plan varied, wide-reaching activities and rotate these frequently to fit in with real-life events. It is a happy, safe setting where
we have seen our child flourish.

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Review from Ellie D (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been going here since he was 1. He is very happy here and we absolutely love it - it feels like a big family. The staff all seem to really care about the children and the parents. They always have time to talk to us and tell us how our son's day has been. Their communication is brilliant,
always letting us know how our son is getting on if he's been a bit off at drop off or a bit more reluctant than usual, sending photos of how he's doing. They send out regular newsletters and weekly updates on activities planned. They also encourage us to send in pictures of activities our son has done outside of nursery and will print them out to share and talk about. Our son is really, really happy and loves all the staff and his key worker. He comes out at the end of the day very chatty and telling us about his day and his friends. We always feel completely happy leaving him here and it's been brilliant for his development. Would highly recommend.

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Review from Laura-Alexandra Z (Mother of Child) published on 19 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are incredibly caring, and professional, and always go above and beyond to make sure our child feels safe, happy, and engaged.
My child learns new things every day at The Close Day Nursery, and their programs are absolutely amazing! I was astonished to see how a 4-year-old can learn to pronounce
words and sing songs in both French and English. It's incredible to see how much they develop in such a well-structured, educational environment.
The facilities are excellent, always clean, well-organized, and stocked with educational resources that captivate the children's interest.
What stands out most is the genuine connection the staff build with each child. They show incredible dedication.
Communication with parents is also outstanding.
Thanks to The Close Day Nursery, our child has developed new skills, confidence, and strong friendships. We feel truly grateful and lucky to have found such a wonderful place, and we can't recommend it enough.

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Review from G T (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has adored his time at The Close. The homely and family environment has meant my son has always felt it as an extension of home. This is exactly what you wish for. He has always been excited to go and get stuck in, activities are all thoughtfully planned out and based on the theme for the week.
He has been inspired and encouraged to develop his curiosities and imagination. He has made solid friendships with children and adults alike. It has been a delight to see his confidence grow over the years and it is clear he is very comfortable here. Recently he told me the life cycle of a frog in so much detail and loves to practise his counting at home too. I love how animated the staff will be explaining what he has been up to all day. The enthusiasm and care at The Close is clear, we couldn't ask for more. To the wonderful manager managing her amazing crew to the lovely staff member, my son's key worker and to every amazing member of staff at The Close - thank you so much! We love you!

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Review from Feba P (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am really blessed to have a place for my daughter at The Close Day Nursery. We have moved her from another nursery as she was not happy. We could feel her happy face every day and she was ready to go in the morning without any trouble. The staff are very approachable and reassuring. They go above
and beyond for the complete development of the kids and the manager is a very approachable and lovely lady with whom we can share everything about our daughter. A big thanks to all the big room staff you all are doing a marvellous job and god bless.

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Review from Philippe G (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Close Day Nursery School is not the usual nursery. The entirety of the staff makes every effort to extract the best out of every child. They are caring, kind and fair. They are very creative in defining weekly themes to teach the children valuable skills and understanding of their environment. These
are communicated in weekly updates to parents by email. Within only a few weeks, I have seen the change in my child who is just over 2 years old. He's happier, more playful and his speech is improving day by day. While I was happy with his previous settings, the change in him since he has started at The Close is simply amazing. While he used to cry at drop-off, he recently complained because he was poorly and couldn't go to nursery! He kept arguing with me saying the name of his main carer so I would take him. Communication and feedback with the parents are great too. Responses to email are always prompt, phone is always quickly picked up. I couldn't recommend The Close enough. It's a wonderful nursery.

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Review from Meenu A (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent experience from Close Day Nursery School. All the teachers are good and excellent and brilliant so is the Head Teacher. My son is very happy. I like more hours for my son to stay there.

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Review from Sam B (Father of Child) published on 27 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Close Day is brilliant. We moved our boy from a nursery where he wasn't settling and very quickly he responded to the warm and nurturing Close Day environment. He has been at the nursery now for well over a year and loves it - he has developed so much, his vocabulary, social skills and a real enjoyment
of crafts. His younger sister joined and she also loves Close Day. The room leaders and staff are warm and caring and know the children so well, proven by detailed handovers on pickup. There is regular reporting on their progress - successes are celebrated and development areas are thoughtfully identified.
The nursery manager embodies the warm, caring and highly professional approach that makes Close Day such a great place. She communicates brilliantly, listens carefully, is kind and always helps whenever she can.
When we know drop them off each day that they are cared for and are with talented professionals who are passionate about their development. Thank you Close Day.

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Review from Rebecca W (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this nursery enough! My eldest son (who is now at Primary School) absolutely thrived here and my daughter is thriving. Such caring and friendly staff who are extremely supportive of both parents and children. Home from home in my opinion. The best in the area!

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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been blown away by the kindness that all members of The Close Day Nursery have shown our son since he joined. The pride they take in their work is very evident, from the daily notes we are given, to the hugs they give him at drop off to make it go smoothly, and the reassurance they give me as
a mother that he is in the greatest care. They remember his birthday, check in on him on his days off if he has been ill, and ensure he sleeps well according to his schedule. So grateful to them all! They even baked banana bread!

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Review from F L (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at The Close Day Nursery at 13 months, and it's been a wonderful experience. The staff are so warm and caring, and nothing ever seems to be too much trouble. They will always let us know how he's getting on and if he ever needs some extra cuddles or support they will make sure he gets
it.
Since starting nursery he has become so much more confident and outgoing. They do such a variety of activities with the children, and I always feel like I'm kept in the loop about everything. The baby room always seems to be the right balance of fun and calm, and I have every confidence that my son will have a wonderful time when he moves up to the middle room.
I was quite uncertain about sending my baby to nursery, but I'm so glad we chose The Close. The head teacher and all the other staff are absolutely brilliant and we couldn't be happier.

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Review from Kayleigh G (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter started in January and she has come on so much since being here. The staff are so helpful and nothing is too much, also keeping you in the loop with everything going on each week, what’s happened that day and being so supportive has been excellent.

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Review from C P (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery provides a home away from home for the children, giving them the emotional and educational support they need. We also love the outdoor space and the activities that are planned each week. We couldn't be happier!

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Review from David R (Grandfather of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Close Day Nursery currently is and has been (over the last two years) an excellent experience for our grandchild. The school has enabled our grandson to grow his confidence, accelerate his learning skills, develop his speech, his social skills and so many more positive things. The fact that our
grandson loves going to the nursery speaks volumes for us, dedicated and professional (also fun) staff led by excellent management altogether creates a fantastic team of staff who simply adore the children they care for and nurture. We are so happy to have chosen this outstanding nursery and will be truly sorry to leave it when our grandson moves on to his bigger school later this year. I cannot recommend this nursery enough and I would like to say a huge thank you to every member of staff for their commitment and support to our grandson.

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Review from Fozia K (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It’s a very great nursery that care about the children and focus on supporting your child to develop. Always provide feedback on areas to improve your child's development. My child's confidence levels have been greatly achieved with support from the nursery.

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Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

You guys deserve all the credit for the amazing work you do! Thank you for making my daughter feel right at home and allowing her to flourish. She has the best time there and it’s evident by how excited she is to go to nursery. Thank you for being her second family and working so hard to help her with
her words/sounds, we have started seeing a big improvement in her attempts at copying words.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.964)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.964) out of 10 for The Close Day Nursery School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 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 4.964 for The Close Day Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (353 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 366 Ratings = 4.964

  • 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 The Close Day Nursery School is based on 31 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 55 number of registered child places is 11, which has been reached with 31 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.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for The Close Day Nursery School

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Meet the Team (1)

Lorraine

Lorraine Wetherill

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2006

Lorraine has 16 years of experience in the childcare field and has been at Close Day Nursery since 2006. Whilst being responsible for maintaining the high standards of the nursery, Lorraine also ensures that each member of staff adheres to the policies and procedures creating a safe, stimulating environment for all the children who attend.


Lorraine supervises the nursery curriculum and implementation of the EYFS, providing support and training to staff. She encourages close partnerships between staff and parents, striving for The Close Day Nursery to be the best nursery in Oxfordshire!
Lorraine is our Lead Safeguarding officer. In addition, she delivers talks around the county on best practices in Nursery Management.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Close Day Nursery School

What is the Age Range of Children that The Close Day Nursery School accepts?

The Close Day Nursery School accepts Children aged from 0 years 1 month to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Close Day Nursery School Open?

The Close Day Nursery School is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does The Close Day Nursery School have capacity for?

The Close Day Nursery School has capacity for a total of 55 Children.

How far is The Close Day Nursery School to the centre of Banbury?

0.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact The Close Day Nursery School to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Close Day Nursery School has an Enhanced Service – more info.