Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool

18 Marcham Road, Abingdon OX14 1AA
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9.5 89 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool, Abingdon
Bright Horizons St Mary’s has a skilled childcare team that take pride in the service they offer to Abingdon parents. They ensure that each child’s health and well-being is protected while achieving excellent early years learning through a range of play activities and related resources.

The nursery has large outdoor areas which allow free flow and encourage children to play and explore in a safe, stimulating space. The garden is also equipped to support all children's needs and abilities. A forest school area gives children plenty of opportunities to learn where their boundaries lie and what is and is not safe under adult guidance.

All staff are highly-trained and experienced in the challenges of an early years education.

The nursery received and Ofsted rating of 'Good' in August 2017.

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Care Provided by Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Gemma (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 18
  • Total Places for Children
  • 114
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:00-18:30
    Tuesday 07:00-18:30
    Wednesday 07:00-18:30
    Thursday 07:00-18:30
    Friday 07:00-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas
  • Parking

  • Car park at the back of the nursery with easy access to the main building at the coach house.


Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (89)

Total of 89, showing 21-40
9.5

Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.530) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool has 89 reviews.

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Review from Deborah R (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have attended St Mary's since they were nine months old, my youngest is now three and has just started preschool. I have found all the key workers to be diligent, kind and hard-working. The new app is great to see what is happening on a daily basis. Would recommend this setting to any
new parent.

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Review from J K (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An excellent nursery! We've had our children in another nursery and this nursery is head and shoulders above them! They provide excellent care and even though it's a busy nursery they work with you on caring for your child and tailoring their care to ensure your child is developing and learning whilst
still having fun! Fantastic place with brilliant staff and management team!

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Review from Valerie H (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had a great experience with St Mary's. Our daughter has lots of fun things to do and the nursery is really supporting her learning development. The staff and key workers are all friendly and kind and our daughter has really bonded with her key workers in both the rooms she's been in. The management
team is excellent and provides clear and helpful communication, especially given all the complications and changes during the pandemic.

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Review from Julia G (Mother of Child) published on 20 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had nothing but a lovely and professional experience of this nursey setting. Our son enjoyed attending very much and formed good relationships with key workers and other children. Staff are friendly; professional and upmost you get the impression that they genuinely care for each individual
child. Procedures have been crystal clear and well communicated throughout especially covid. Every staff member we've interacted with has been excellent. Daily photos and feedback via the app have also been fantastic.

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Review from Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 21 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a lovely nursery, my little boy only started recently. There are a lot for the babies to enjoy and lots of outdoor space too. My little boy is so happy here, the staff are all so friendly and kind. I would highly recommend.

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Review from Anna M (Mother of Child) published on 21 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children at the nursery and the oldest who is now 3, has been attending since he was just 1 year old so has now been in babies through to toddlers, and now in over twos. I cannot praise the staff enough in all the rooms for the sheer level of warmth, care and attention they have shown my
boys. They have thrived at the nursery and they do not stop talking about their key workers when they are not there. Everyone from management to kitchen staff (the boys have allergies) have been so attentive at making sure my boys feel cared for and are always happy. I would recommend the nursery to anyone, especially if you are anxious about leaving your child as I was, they couldn't have made me feel more confident. A massive thank you from our family for looking after our boys like it's a home from home.

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Review from Victoria H (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been very happy at the nursery, having started five days a week from one years old, with some breaks for the pandemic. The activities in the toddler room seem great for his development and he seems very settled and is making friends.

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Review from Richard P (Father of Child) published on 18 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves going to nursery, she has a great time with her friends and the staff. She enjoys all the activities provided and really enjoys the outside toys and activities. The menus look very good and judging by the feedback form, she enjoys almost everything that's put on the plate, especially
custard! The staff are very attentive and know everything that goes on and she has a strong bond with her key person. All in all my wife and I are impressed with the care, I would recommend this nursery.

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Review from Emma T (Mother of Child) published on 18 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves spending time at Bright Horizons St Mary’s Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool. She is very creative and loves spending time in the mud garden with all her friends. She is encouraged to express herself through arts and crafts and when shown an interest in something the staff recognise
that and always follow it through. She loves having her hair put in princess plaits, her words by her key worker and always comes home with big smiles. The last twelve months have been difficult as there were so many changes in our lives but the nursery kept things as normal as possible which was nice and always bent over backwards to accommodate. Highly recommended.

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Review from Charlie S (Mother of Child) published on 18 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care and attention to the development of my child both emotionally and educationally has been fantastic. Furthermore, his key person's attention to getting him eating well and trying new foods has been fantastic. We have been very impressed with their response to Covid-19 as well, being kept well
informed and up to date with policies and drop off and pick up requirements.

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Review from Martina B (Mother of Child) published on 18 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly environment and extremely professional service. We had a great experience settling in after months away from nursery. Our daughter loved it before lockdown (she’s been going for almost 2 years before lockdown) and still loves it now. She feels welcome and she is learning a lot every day!
I would highly recommend it for children of any age!

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Review from Thea I (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has made huge progress within the toddler room at nursery. And has made a friend whom he talks about at home and has even named toys after.
The staff are so friendly and are happy to keep you updated with your child's day and your child's overall development. The staff over a range of adult
and child-led activities for the children and often focus on the child's individual interests to plan these activities.
The children have great access to the outside area and have a range of toys to explore.
My son always goes into nursery with a smile and comes out with an even bigger one.
The nursery has been so accommodating during this lockdown period allowing us to temporarily change my sons day. And have kept us well informed of any updates and changes.

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Review from Sas B (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My child attends three days a week in the toddler room. Staff are fantastic, and ensure there is a range of activities to keep them occupied, which is varied throughout the week. Keyworker is attentive, caring and makes my child feel safe and secure and able to have fun.

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Review from Adam (Father of Child) published on 11 October 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It's always difficult to leave your child, but the staff at St Mary's are very reassuring and helpful, able to settle my son quickly should he get upset. I can feel that he is well looked after and engaged with throughout the day. Daily feedback is always clear and concise, it's lovely to hear what
my son has been up to during his day.

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Review from A J (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child really loves coming to the nursery, I was made aware of some issues that the nursery have had a difficult time but you wouldn't know that now. The team are very dedicated and really support the children's learning. Thank you so much.

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Review from E P (Mother of Child) published on 4 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child is so happy here - I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and the nursery.
The staff are so caring, nurturing and happy and the management team and very polite and helpful.
I would highly recommend this nursery

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Review from J D (Father of Child) published on 25 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

No overall complaints with any aspect of the nursery apart from - lack of clarity over potty training.
Initially, we were told to train him as we were planning to and bring him to nursery in pull-ups. On the 1st day, he wet himself 5 times and had to be walked out in just a nappy. We were then told
he has to ask to go to the toilet, which hadn't been taught at home. It was only after this incident, we were informed of the nursery's process. It was embarrassing for our son and completely avoidable.

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Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy enjoys his days at nursery and we appreciate the range of activities he takes part in.
The feedback sheets are detailed and tell us what he can't (yet). The staff are friendly and remember the details of his life.

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Review from Hannah S (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have some behavioural issues with our daughter and the way her key worker and colleagues have dealt with it has been amazing. Just another reason we love sending her to St Mary's. They genuinely care and want to help support us.

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Review from Leah K (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The staff in the rooms are brilliant with our children. They know our children well and communicate openly with us, we are always able to find out about their progress. The facilities are good, which is to be expected for the fees we pay. There is also a good range of activities available, particularly
in the toddler room. A period of poor management led to high turnover and unrest but this is now improving.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.530)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.530) out of 10 for Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool 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 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 16 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 4.828 for Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (161 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 192 Ratings = 4.828

  • 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 4.702 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 16 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 114 number of registered child places is 22.8. 16 Positive Reviews ÷ 22.8 = 0.702

  • 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 (5)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2019

Recipient: Bright Horizons Family Solutions Ltd

Date: Tuesday 30 Apr 2019 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2018

Recipient: Bright Horizons Family Solutions Ltd

Date: Thursday 01 Mar 2018 More details

Ofsted Rated 'Good'

Recipient: Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool

Date: Wednesday 23 Aug 2017 More details

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Meet the Team (3)

Gemma

Gemma

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Gemma, the Nursery Manager, began her journey in childcare in 2009 as an unqualified member of the team following a career change. She quickly gained her Level 3 Qualification and worked her way up through the ranks before being promoted to Nursery Manager in July 2019.


Passionate about childcare, Gemma strives to create warm, nurturing, and enabling environments where children can develop and thrive. She feels incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful team at St Mary’s to support her in this mission.


An adrenaline junkie, Gemma loves traveling and embracing adventure, having explored many countries solo. She also has a deep love for Christmas, enjoys a good boxset and is a dedicated foodie.


Sian

Sian

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Sian, the Deputy Manager, has been a dedicated member of St Mary’s since 2012, progressing from apprentice to her current role. She spent many years as the Baby Room Leader and loved every moment of it.


Her passion has always been working with young children, supporting them through their early years, which she believes are the most crucial stages of development. She takes great pride in knowing she has played a part in helping children on their journey.


Outside of work, Sian enjoys visiting different places with her family, going shopping and traveling on holidays. She loves spending time with family and friends, dining out and exploring zoos and museums.


Liene

Liene

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Liene, the Deputy Manager, has been working at St Mary’s since November 2018. She began her journey as a Nursery Assistant, successfully completing her Level 3 qualification before being promoted to Room Leader. After leading the Over Two’s room, where she developed new skills and embraced new challenges, she earned a promotion to Deputy Manager in 2023.


Liene’s favorite aspect of childcare is witnessing children grow and develop, reaching new milestones and building strong bonds with both them and their parents.


Outside of the nursery, she enjoys looking after her nephew, shopping, traveling and socialising with family and friends.


Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Bright Horizons St Mary's Abingdon Day Nursery and Preschool has a Platinum Service – more info.