University Nursery at West Cambridge

The University Nursery, 8 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FZ
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10 136 Reviews
University at West Cambridge is a purpose built nursery situated on the West Cambridge campus of Cambridge University.

A friendly and enthusiastic staff team works closely with the children to provide continuity between nursery and life at home. Professionals believe parent partnership is important to allow key people to support each child and their families as individuals.

The nursery offers childcare for employees of the University of Cambridge but also have a restricted amount of spots for local families who do not work or study at the university.

Each age group has its own designated garden directly outside its playroom, enabling all children to access a secure outdoor environment at any time of the day. The nursery has also obtained their Green Flag Eco-Schools Award.

In each of the five age groups, the children explore in light, airy and spacious rooms which provide them with the opportunity to grow and develop through a stimulating and sociable environment.
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Care Provided by University Nursery at West Cambridge

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lesa Clare (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Current Students and Staff of Cambridge University only
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 64
  • Total Places for Children
  • 120
  • 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 (excluding May Bank Holidays)
  • Parking

  • Parking is on a shared carpark pass.


University Nursery at West Cambridge Reviews (136)

Total of 136, showing 1-20
10

University Nursery at West Cambridge has a Review Score of 10 (9.962) out of 10, based on 33 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time University Nursery at West Cambridge has 136 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from Morgan E (Father of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery for our son, who has grown with the support from amazing staff whom in every room support the children to achieve their best.

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Review from F U (Father of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery! The staff are super kind and engaged. Best part is that one members of staff's mash potato is the best in the world... just saying.
4 members of staff in particular are a real asset (so are all the others!)
Well done to the entire team.

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Review from R B (Father of Child) published on 4 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased with the University Nursery at West Cambridge. Simply outstanding.

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Review from T P (Father of Child) published on 4 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

University Nursery at West Cambridge has been so welcoming to us and our son since we moved here in July. All the educators are so supportive of our son and have helped him settle into the new environment. They have also been instrumental in his recent development and education. We are thrilled with
the nursery and all of the staff, it is a fantastic facility.

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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely delighted with all the staff at West Cambridge. The care and dedication they show are outstanding. As parents, we could not be more happy and grateful. A wonderful establishment with such a wide range of facilities and activities on offer with a high importance placed on learning and development.
Thank you, truly.

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Review from T L (Father of Child) published on 19 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Throughout the four years, my daughter attended University Nursery at West Cambridge, she was exceptionally well cared for and looked after. She was provided with a safe and stimulating environment in which to grow, learn and have fun. The staff always showed my daughter great care and treated her and
us (me and my wife) with genuine respect. We appreciated frank, useful feedback and insight into our daughter's development and behaviour at nursery. Very happy.

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Review from Beth P (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

West Cambridge is a wonderful nursery. My baby daughter settled right in. She had so much fun explaining and learning new skills. I can see the difference when she comes home! The practitioners are so kind and attentive and are clearly very invested in my daughter's well-being. It's a pleasure getting
to know the staff and see my daughter happy at the end of the day.

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Review from H X (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good. The best in Cambridge. Multiple particular members of staff plus all teachers form our best memory of the UK.

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Review from R R (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot praise the nursery highly enough. It is a warm, enriching and creative place which has turned both of our daughters into bright, self-confident, energetic girls ready for school. I recommend it extremely highly.

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Review from D B (Father of Child) published on 15 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended the West Cambridge Nursery for the last few years, and it has proven an exceptionally nurturing, creative and welcoming nursery. The staff are excellent and highly devoted to the children.
I cannot praise them highly enough.

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Review from D T (Father of Child) published on 29 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter enjoyed University Nursery at West Cambridge for the whole year. The whole team has been very supportive, answered all our questions and kept us informed about our daughter's progress. Our first daughter also went here. We feel like we are part of the family. I would definitely recommend
this nursery to any family who are looking for an excellent learning place for their kids. Thank you team.

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Review from Pingfan S (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My kid has been attending West Cambridge Nursery for 2 years full-time. It is the first school where my kid is genuinely happy. She looks forward to meeting her buddies and teachers every day. The teachers and staff are amazing, with hearts full of care. They are kind, and friendly and truly love the
kids. Their warm smiles create a nurturing and learning environment. My kid often surprises us by demonstrating what she has learned. We witness her growth and learning. In sum, it's a safe, fun and loving place. We're thankful to the whole team.

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Review from Yuan R (Father of Child) published on 15 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great facility, great staff and great experience!

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Review from Leila N (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to mention a specific experience, yesterday I picked up my child and while leaving, accidentally closed the door behind us - it happened to be upsetting for my daughter because like any 2-year-old she wanted to do it herself! She cried hard and loud and she was upset with me. The lady who
was sitting behind the counter came to help me. She helped my child to open and close the gate and brought her a snack (she was hungry too) This is how West Cambridge cares about children every single minute and does its best to keep them happy and safe! Thank you very much!

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Review from J H (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy to get a three-day-per-week position here for our little girl, who became 13 months old when she joined ladybird1 this February. The key person and all the staff there are very nice and care for my girl deeply as I do. She is happy there and not in a rush to go home when I pick her up
after work. Looking forward to more time with the nursery for her to develop her skills.

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Review from Kyle K (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing staff and the kids love it here. Cannot recommend more highly!

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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so happy that our so is at West Cambridge Nursery. The staff are exceptionally kind and enthusiastic and obviously care deeply about ensuring that the children are happy and fulfilled.

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Review from C U (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been at West Cambridge Nursery for more than 4 months now. We feel very happy he is receiving good care and attention he needs as a toddler. The nursery staff, including the manager, are all very welcoming and friendly. They very much care about the feedback we have provided and take action
immediately. Overall, we would like to recommend the nursery very strongly.

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Review from P C (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely love University Nursery at West Cambridge, the staff are the best!

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Review from M W (Father of Child) published on 22 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have a very positive and caring view towards the work and staff at the nursery. Our son's well-being is clearly the focus of the staff and I think is is a wonderful environment for my child. I feel very safe and reassured leaving my son here. Clearly a lot of care and attention has been placed on
the children here.
All staff are happy to chat with us about our son and always have time for us. Thank you.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.962)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.962) out of 10 for University Nursery at West Cambridge 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 33 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 33 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 4.962 for University Nursery at West Cambridge is calculated as follows: ( (380 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 395 Ratings = 4.962

  • 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 University Nursery at West Cambridge is based on 33 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 120 number of registered child places is 24, which has been reached with 33 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 (20)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2024

Recipient: Childbase Partnership

Date: Thursday 28 Mar 2024 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2023

Recipient: Childbase Partnership

Date: Friday 28 Apr 2023 More details

Eco Schools 2023 - 2024

Recipient: Childbase Partnership

Date: Sunday 01 Jan 2023 More details

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Meet the Team (1)

Lesa

Lesa Clare

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2009

Lesa is the Manager of West Cambridge Day Nursery in Cambridge and has a wealth of experience, having worked in the early years sector for 21 years. Lesa has several qualifications, including an NVQ Level 3 Early Years Care and Education and has been with Childbase Partnership for 12 years.

What is your favourite feature of West Cambridge?
I love the family environment at the nursery, the warm and welcoming staff and the outstanding practice delivered throughout all of our rooms.

What are you most proud of about your nursery/team?
Being recognised as a top 20 rated nursery in East of England from DayNurseries parent reviews.

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Frequently Asked Questions about University Nursery at West Cambridge

What is the Age Range of Children that University Nursery at West Cambridge accepts?

University Nursery at West Cambridge accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is University Nursery at West Cambridge Open?

University Nursery at West Cambridge 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 University Nursery at West Cambridge have capacity for?

University Nursery at West Cambridge has capacity for a total of 120 Children.

How far is University Nursery at West Cambridge to the centre of Cambridge?

1.5 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 University Nursery at West Cambridge to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. University Nursery at West Cambridge has a Platinum Service – more info.