Hobby Horse Children's Centre

Banbury and Bicester College, Broughton Road, Banbury OX16 9QA
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8.1 23 Reviews
  • Hobby Horse Children's Centre, Banbury
Hobby Horse Children’s Centre is owned and managed by Banbury and Bicester College which is part of the Activate Learning Group and offers a safe and stimulating environment for your child.

It provides childcare for children from three months up to 10 years 11 months.

Staff work with parents offering a fun and loving atmosphere for your little ones to develop into confident and independent individuals.

The centre is staffed by fully qualified and experienced early year’s practitioners.

Places at the centre are offered to students and staff at the college and then to the wider community. The centre is open from 8:30 to 5:30 each day, 8:00 starts and 6:00 finishes can be booked in advance if required.

Ofsted rated the centre ‘good’ in all areas in its inspection (November 2016).

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Care Provided by Hobby Horse Children's Centre

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Activate Learning (Banbury and Bicester College)
  • Person in charge
  • Helen Collins (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 15
  • Total Places for Children
  • 62
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 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 & Christmas
  • Parking

  • Parking is available at the front of the nursery


Hobby Horse Children's Centre Reviews (23)

Total of 23, showing 1-20
8.1

Hobby Horse Children's Centre has a Review Score of 8.1 (8.119) out of 10, based on 2 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Hobby Horse Children's Centre has 23 reviews.

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Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a lovely nursery. A proper family feel and vibe. Everyone we’ve encountered has been so supportive, friendly and helpful. As first-time parents, the team made us feel so reassured, and the transition for our little one to nursery was so easy.

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Review from Kat A (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is absolutely the best nursery in Banbury! Every single employee is absolutely incredible - always smiling, cheerful and supportive - they all seem to genuinely love their job, with many of them working there for a really long time. They treat every child like they are part of a big family, rather
than just a number, and they have shown me many times that they are committed to working in partnership with parents to ensure that your child is happy, cared for and given compassion and respect at all times. Every employee is competent, efficient and professional yet extremely nurturing and caring. My son has learnt an amazing amount since starting here, I am always amazed at what he has learnt every day. The indoor space is fantastic, full of bright and engaging learning material, with a lovely, peaceful and secure outdoor facility. The nursery is always clean, tidy and organised and from day one, I have always felt that my son is at the safest and most fun place.

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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 24 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My initial response when visiting this nursery; it was bright, colourful, engaging and the staff were super friendly!
My daughter started in September, part time. She instantly took to the nursery, and I did as a mum. I had not a single worry when I left her in their care.
I have recently been accepted
to the nursery which was initially my first choice, however, I will not be moving my daughter as I am so very happy with HobbyHorse.

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Review from Vanessa C (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child attended from around 11 months old shortly after the first lockdown eased. We have no doubt that the care and learning opportunities provided enabled her to thrive beautifully into a confident little human being. She was very content throughout her time at Hobby Horse and we believe this significantly
equipped her (and us!) settling happily into a new nursery after we moved from Banbury. The staff are very kind, attentive and clearly loved by the children.

Reply from Kelly Bidwell, Assistant Deputy Manager at Hobby Horse Children's Centre

Thank you for your lovely comments and we are glad we supported your family.


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Review from Clare Sa (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Centre has been open to key workers over a very tough time; this has allowed me and my husband to continue working knowing our child is in a safe environment. The staff are very friendly, and over an unusual time, they have done their best to keep things as normal for the children. My little boy
is now an expert, and he has thrived during his time there. We can not thank the staff enough for stepping up to provide a much-needed service to keep us key workers working.

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Review from A G (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Both my girls have gone to Hobby Horse from 9 months old. They both love it. The oldest now goes to Hobby Horse school holiday programme which is a complete lifesaver. The staff are brilliant - they are open, friendly, welcoming, non-judgmental and very down to earth.
You couldn't pay me to send my
girls anywhere else.

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Review from Kathryn J (Mother of Child) published on 17 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is very happy here, the staff are very experienced and caring. He is excited to go to nursery and spend time with his friends and do lots of different activities. Very happy with his progress and the care he is receiving.

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Review from N T (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children have been to Hobby Horse Nursery and I believe their time at the nursery has helped them immensely with developing in their early years.
The staff are very kind, supportive and involved with each of the children.

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Review from Julie W (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to commend the Hobby Horse for providing outstanding care for both of my children. My daughter was with them from the time she was a year old until she was 3 1/2 and now my son is in their care (he is 1 1/2 and will remain there until he is 3 1/2 also). The artistic activities, outdoor
time, developmental opportunities and staff kindness is outstanding and I highly recommend the nursery to all of my friends. In particular, the developmental binders which they keep on each child are not only thorough and show a real effort to participate in their development and achievements, but they also provide a wonderful keepsake when the children move onto school. These binders are particularly wonderful for full time working parents, like me, who are then able to see what their child has been doing over the days/months/years, and reminds me why it is so important for my children to go to nursery, make friends, learn new things and have a wonderful first few years of life! Thank you!

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Review from TLC (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have placed both my children with Hobby Horse, my first has been attending since 2009 and still regularly uses the holiday fun club. Both of my children love the setting and the staff, they are settled, happy, safe and confident. My son started reception a year ahead of the game educationally and
I'm confident that my daughter will too when she starts reception year in September. The staff are fantastic, they are welcoming, they pick up quickly on both children's and parent's needs, handover is full and detailed every visit. My daughter is a fussy eater, but I can be confident that every day she attends nursery, staff take the time to encourage her to eat and most of the time her lunch box will come back empty. The office staff are equally brilliant, they are extremely helpful when it comes to the paperwork, ensuring that everything is well prepared so that I don't have to spend an unnecessary amount of time dealing with it. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Hobby Horse.

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Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely fantastic team. The ladies here are very attentive and have the children in mind at all times. They have been fantastic with my daughter, who can be quite difficult at times (possible Aspergers Syndrome) they have done everything in their ability to help her. (Even contacting the health visitor
with my permission of course) to give her the help she has needed at home. As they have been quite slow to respond to me, it has been essential to getting the first step in her possible diagnosis. These guys are top notch.

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Review from K R (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous, warm and homely nursery. Achieves the perfect balance of a playful environment with plenty of opportunities for learning. Staff are supportive and knowledgeable and always happy to help. Our daughter does not trust others easily but the skills of the staff and nurturing environment of Hobby
Horse have meant that she goes to nursery with a smile on her face every day. Some innovative projects have begun recently such as the secret garden and the inter-generational project with a local elderly care home.

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Review from Baina B (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending this nursery from the age of 11 months and attends full-time 5 days a week. For us as full-time working parents, it is reassuring to know she is in safe hands with caring and attentive carers. All the staff are friendly and always happy to help. She has just turned two
and in the time she has attended the nursery we have noticed considerable improvement in her development, social skills and speech. They offer a wide variety of activities which are both stimulating and fun.

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Review from M G (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son has been at the Hobby Horse since he was 7 months old. Since the 1st day there he has been really well cared for and has learnt many new skills. The staff across the nursery from the manager to the assistants show a real dedication to the children and their welfare. Everyone knows every child's
name which demonstrates how personal the care is for each child. I found they not only supported my son but also myself when parenthood and my career were challenging. They helped morally through advice and guidance. Most of all, my son is always eager to come to nursery to play and learn in a safe environment which provides a wide range of stimulations whether it is inside or outside of the classroom. We, as parents, are happy with the excellent service the staff provides but the most important aspects that my son is happy and developing into a confident little boy.

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Review from Bev B (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An amazing, thoughtful and responsive team who are genuinely interested in the well-being of children and parents alike. A home from home.

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Review from Anne-Marie B (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Hobby Horse Day Nursery is wonderful. The staff are kind and attentive whilst giving the children the right level of independence. It is a fabulous nurturing environment where you feel the people truly care about your child.
Having been quite nervous about sending my daughter to nursery after
2 years with a childminder, I soon realised I had nothing to fear with Hobby Horse. She settled quickly and the staff comforted her at times when she was upset. She has now made some lovely friends and looks forward to her days there. I couldn't be happier.

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Review from Kimberly B (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending here since Jan 2016 and my daughter just started September 2017, they both absolutely love coming to nursery and have brilliant relationships with their key workers and all other staff. All round brilliant nursery and staff, not a bad word to say, would recommend to anyone.
Very comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

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Review from Matt H (Father of Child) published on 25 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An extremely friendly and helpful nursery, all the staff are extremely tentative and have provided a very rich environment for our children's early years learning

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Review from Amelia H (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have attended Hobby Horse Children's Centre. My youngest still attends. I have always been very happy sending them there. The staff are friendly and brilliant with the Children. The office staff are also lovely and always willing to help in any way they can. I would totally recommend
them.

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Review from Rebekah M (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely adore the staff at Hobby Horse Children's Centre; they are like a second family to us.


My son first started attending the nursery 6 years ago and stayed there until he started school. When my son started school, his new teacher praised his understanding of phonics, something he had

been taught in the pre-school section at hobby Horse Children's Centre. His transition to school was smooth as he had been well prepared.


A year later our daughter started at the nursery; this time around I didn’t even consider any other settings. My daughter enjoys a variety of play activities and loves getting out in the garden in all weathers.


Both of our children have been very happy at the nursery. The care shown by staff is excellent and the environment is lovely. Sports day each year is a highlight. The staff are always helpful and willing to answer questions, working to your child's needs. It is clear they know my children and their individuality. 5-star nursery, I would highly recommend.


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Current Review Score: 8.1 (8.119)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.1 (8.119) out of 10 for Hobby Horse Children's Centre 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 2 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.3 out of 5 from 2 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 4.833 for Hobby Horse Children's Centre is calculated as follows: ( (21 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 24 Ratings = 4.833

  • 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 3.286 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Hobby Horse Children's Centre is based on 2 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 = 3.125

    • 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 62 number of registered child places is 12.4. 2 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.4 = 0.161

  • 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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Frequently Asked Questions about Hobby Horse Children's Centre

What is the Age Range of Children that Hobby Horse Children's Centre accepts?

Hobby Horse Children's Centre accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Hobby Horse Children's Centre Open?

Hobby Horse Children's Centre 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 Hobby Horse Children's Centre have capacity for?

Hobby Horse Children's Centre has capacity for a total of 62 Children.

How far is Hobby Horse Children's Centre to the centre of Banbury?

0.3 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 Hobby Horse Children's Centre to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Hobby Horse Children's Centre has an Enhanced Service – more info.