Oak Tree Nursery

Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe EX34 8JL
Submit a Review
9.9 175 Reviews
  • Oak Tree Nursery, Ilfracombe
Oak Tree Nursery is a Early Years Alliance childcare service located in Ilfracombe and offers 42 Ofsted-registered places.

The nursery offers high-quality care and learning opportunities, provided by a friendly and well-qualified team who follow the EYFS.

The nursery is open from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday, 51 weeks of the year, excluding bank holidays and three staff training days.

Oak Tree Nursery offers a stimulating approach to early years development and learning for very young children. Within a safe, friendly and fun environment, children are supported by qualified, caring staff in developing a wide range of skills and interests.

The children enjoy learning through play experiences in bright indoor and outdoor play areas. The nursery recognises and understands the huge benefits that free flow play has on the positive development of very young children.

Every child is supported by a key person who understands their individual needs and offers special care and support to them. Rigorous health and safety and safeguarding policies and procedures are in place to ensure every child is protected and feels safe and happy.

The baby room offers babies and toddlers a home from home feel where children are safe, comfortable and supported, with access to a range of activities, resources and equipment to promote development and qualified, experienced staff who provide a friendly, personal approach to the childcare they provide.

The two to five-year-old room offers children the opportunity to develop skills for life, promoting independence. Children explore being able to cut up snack, self serve and even have a go at washing up.

The nursery prides itself on making every opportunity a learning experience, children are able to self select to develop decision making skills and practitioners use children's interests to enhance the environment, plan for activities and new experiences.

Care Provided by Oak Tree Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Stella Freebody (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 11
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 1096526
  • Total Places for Children
  • 42
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Oak Tree Nursery

  • Full day Session Babies £53.00
    Full Day Session Toddlers £53.00
    Full Day Session Preschool £53.00
    AM/PM Session £33 All ages


  • Lunches and tea are provided by our on site cook and are currently costed at £2.00 per meals as these are not covered by funding. Food costs are included in private bookings.


Total of 175, showing 21-40
9.9

Oak Tree Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.946) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Oak Tree Nursery has 175 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 171
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

175
12
18
20
155
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great transition from baby room to 2-3 year room. We never have a problem at drop off, and our son is always smiling at pick up. There is a great, caring staff team and a wonderful nurturing atmosphere.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's lovely to hear how well our transition processes work and that our children are happy and content when they are with us.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn't be happier with Oak Trees Nursery! We feel very lucky to have our little girl attending. The staff are all amazing in their own way and inspire, teach and guide our daughter to be the best that she can be. We feel so much trust in Oak Trees, and we recognise how hard they work to help raise
the next generation to be kind, gentle and, most importantly, themselves!

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for this review which perfectly encapsulates the ethos of our setting. Every child is recognised as unique and celebrated as such, and this enables them to thrive and develop at a rate that suits them and aids them in achieving their best possible outcomes.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband and I are very happy that our son is attending the Oak Tree Nursery. He joined a few months ago when he was one, and we have noticed substantial progress in his development and social skills since then. From the start, the staff was very welcoming and helped him settle in smoothly. He is
always very happy to go to the nursery each morning, and he has developed a sweet bond with the staff. It is heartwarming to see him cheer up whenever we come across his nursery friends and teachers in town. In contrast to bigger nursery chains, the staff and manager keep close and personal contact with both kids and parents, and that makes a huge difference. We love receiving the updates and pictures (please keep sending them. Based on our experience, we highly recommend Oak Tree Nursery. Thank you for your amazing work!

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for such a lovely review of our nursery. It's wonderful to see that our comprehensive settling strategies work so well for both families, children and staff in forging a strong attachment, which paves the way for such a positive nursery experience.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are great at Oak Tree. My little one is a bit extra and definitely keeps everyone on their toes. They have worked hard to get me an extra day and help with guidance after a breakup with his dad. We all work together for his best interests.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We have robust processes in place to support each child on an individual basis with all transitions, ensuring that they feel safe and secure and are well-prepared for the next step in their nursery journey.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic care for my son and a calm and educational environment for him to flourish. He looks forward to coming to Oak Tree each morning! Staff are very friendly and caring and cater to all my son's needs.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's wonderful to see children form firm attachments to staff and feel safe and secure whilst with us at the nursery.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Oak Tree is such a lovely nursery! All of the staff are great; they are very attentive, and my kid is learning so much there.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's fantastic to hear how well-regarded our staff team is by parents and carers.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started Oak Tree in June 2022. The staff have been lovely and welcoming from day one. My child always meets the ladies at the door with a big smile and walks in with no problems; she has settled in very well and enjoys her time there. The app is very good and informative, so you can see
how she is getting on through the day without worry. Oaktree should be very proud. I would not like my daughter to go anywhere else.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. Our thorough settling patterns ensure that every child and their family feels welcome in the Oak Tree community and pave the way for a secure and wonderful nursery experience.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We feel so lucky that our daughter attends Oak Tree Nursery. As her first time being away from us, she has taken a while to settle and it has been a challenge for all of us, but the wonderful staff at Oak Tree have been nothing but supportive and encouraging. Being able to see her progress and gain
confidence is priceless, and having regular updates from her sessions gives the extra reassurance this worried Mum sometimes needs!

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's great to hear that the experience of the staff team has been effective in helping your daughter to settle well and to reassure you.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started here recently and despite the additional Covid restrictions, the team have made both her and me feel really welcomed and confident about her care. My daughter tells me stories about the nursery team and her interaction with other children and it’s obviously a really happy and settled
environment. Really glad we found it!

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of Oak Tree Nursery. It's lovely to hear that our sense of community is evident to parents and carers even though restrictions mean they are currently unable to access the setting. It's wonderful to see how well your daughter has settled and how happy she is at nursery.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Oak Tree Nursery are all really lovely and are always smiling they made my daughter feel really welcome when she first started as she did struggle a little at first but they all helped her feel comfortable straight away. She now loves going to nursery and always enjoys her afternoons there.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's so nice to hear that your daughter feels secure and happy at nursery.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had two children attend Oak Tree Nursery now, my son is currently in his second year. The staff, setting and whole environment is amazing. My son has had some struggles with emotions, speech, behaviour etc and the staff at Oak Tree have been wonderful with him and also making referrals on my
behalf and making sure my son is happy and comfortable while in setting.
As parents we receive daily updates from smiling faces, and it's clear that the staff have such a lovely bond with all the children. I cannot recommend this nursery enough and have encouraged friends and family to send their children there too. Oak Tree nursery is quite simply one of the best nurseries in the county.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review of our nursery. We promote equality and inclusion as part of our daily practice to ensure that every child in our care achieves the best possible outcomes and has valuable early years experience.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery with great staff! My son has always enjoyed his sessions and is always excited to go! I feel very safe in relation to Covid as they have always taken it seriously and followed all the guidelines.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It's great to hear that our Covid management systems provide parents and carers with a sense of security and safety.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love this nursery. All the staff is very kind and dedicated to their job. My girl had a hard time settling in at first but they’ve all been so supportive and reassuring and now she absolutely loves it. Every morning she runs in happily. And she learned so many new things since she started. And all
the food they provide for the kids is very well balanced and freshly prepared. Happy mamma here.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's so good to hear that our robust settling patterns have helped your daughter to form secure attachments to staff and that she is so happy at nursery. I'll pass your comments about the food on to our cook!


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started going to Oak Tree Nursery in September she loves going there and was made to feel very welcome. The staff are extremely polite and professional they have helped so much with my daughter development and always keep me up to date with her progress. I’m so happy with the nursery and
would highly recommend them.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It's wonderful to hear that our dedicated staff team is so well regarded in their professional capacity.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I only have good things too say about oaktree, the staff are fantastic, always smiling and it's a lovely atmosphere at pick up and drop off. My son had never been away from me up to going to nursery, it's taken a lot of time but he's finally getting used to it. Even when he was upset the nursery staff
smiled and waved me off telling me he would be ok and to call up if he wasn't. On some of the days, he was overwhelmed I received pictures of him playing to put my mind at ease that he had calmed down and was having fun and learning. I like how you get kept in the loop via the app even to be told of the nappy change. Whenever I pick my son up he runs to me with a smile on his face telling me all about his day and a big hug. He tells me all about staff and how they have fun and laugh and his snacks. The manager has calmed my son down by stroking his head telling him 'mummy will be back soon come in and play' and that meant the world to me. Fantastic nursery.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review of our nursery! It is always our intention that every child feels safe, settled and secure in setting. This way they can have the best possible nursery experience and enjoy every moment that they are with us. It's good to hear the app has been effective at facilitating partnership working with families when current infection control measures prevent parents/carers from accessing our setting.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Oak Tree Nursery for almost a year now and can honestly say I couldn't have picked a better place! My son absolutely loves it, always comes out happy, telling me the variety of things they get up to, never had any problems. The staff are amazing and supportive.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's lovely to hear how happy your child is at nursery and your very kind words about our staff team.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started nursery in Nov 2021 and his progress with socialising, verbal skills, sharing, eating habits and a vast range of other areas have improved tenfold. The staff are incredibly welcoming and friendly and immediately recognised my child by name, the care and attention the staff give each child
is truly wonderful. I am informed of his day and progress upon each visit and my son is becoming more and more excited to go nursery rather than the attachment issues he had due to covid lockdown. I'd recommend Oak Tree Nursery to anyone they are fantastic!

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It's amazing to see how much progress your child has made in such a short time and illustrates the importance of the work Early Years Educators do. Thank you for your kind words about our staff team, it means the world to them when they make a difference in a child's day!


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery, my son loves it there and has done really well settling into the bigger room as he turns 2. He comes out of nursery every day having had a fun-filled day and absolutely tired out from it, staff there are amazing with him.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery, we are really glad to hear how much your son enjoys his time here. He has settled extremely well and we are looking forward to watching him grow and develop in the 2 - 4 rooms.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Despite all Covid restrictions I have felt very safe sending my daughter to nursery. She is always excited to go so I know she enjoys it at Oak Tree Nursery. Staff are always super friendly and full of great advice.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's good to know that you have felt at ease with the measures we have put in place throughout the pandemic and that your daughter enjoys coming.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl has only recently started at Oak Tree but she loves it. She always comes out with a smile on her face and tells me about the fun things she has been doing. The lunches that she has are varied and she says they are ‘yummy’. The staff are friendly and welcoming.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We worked alongside a nutritionist to ensure the food we supply is nutritionally sound and helps to aid growth and development. It's lovely to hear that your daughter has given our menu her seal of approval.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.946)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.946) out of 10 for Oak Tree Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 20 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 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 4.946 for Oak Tree Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (227 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 240 Ratings = 4.946

  • 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 Oak Tree Nursery is based on 20 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 42 number of registered child places is 8.4, which has been reached with 20 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 (7)

Loading...

Loading

Loading
Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Loading

Meet the Team (16)

Stella

Stella

Job Title: Early Years Manager

Joined: 2015

Having started at Oak Tree Nursery in 2015, I have been managing the setting since 2018. My passion is literacy and I am an avid reader. I am continually looking for ways to enhance the setting further and build our community here at Oak Tree.


My colleagues would describe me as respectful, supportive and professional.


No image found

Debbie

Job Title: Assistant Early Years Manager

Joined: 2023

Assistant Early Years Manager


Lynne

Lynne

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2011

I qualified as a Nursery Nurse too many years ago to say! My first job was in a maternity hospital caring for newborns and working in the Special Care Baby Unit.


I have been fortunate enough to work in a variety of nursery schools and have been at Oak Tree for 10 years.


I enjoy having family time, especially being a Nana!


My colleagues would describe me as lovely, fun, fantastic with children


Mandy

Mandy

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2020

After training at Oak Tree 12 years ago I returned in 2020 with over 8 years experience in early years settings. I am a Level 3 Early Years Educator and work across our baby room and the rest of the setting.


My colleagues would describe me as funny, friendly and bubbly.


Suzanne

Suzanne

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2020

I have 19 years of experience and am an Early Years Educator. I work primarily with our two-year-old children.


My colleagues would describe me as creative, fun and nurturing.


Gemma

Gemma

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2020

I am an Early Years Educator and work across the whole setting.


My colleagues would describe me as cheery, kind and patient.


No image found

Shelley

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2021

Early Years Educator


No image found

Holly

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2021

Early Years Educator


Kayleigh

Kayleigh

Job Title: Early Years Assistant

Joined: 2020

I am an Early Years Assistant and work across all rooms in our setting.


Colleagues would describe me as hardworking, fun and child focused. I love to play!


No image found

Lily

Job Title: Apprentice Early Years Educator

Joined: 2024

Apprentice Early Years Educator


No image found

Amy

Job Title: Flexible Early Years Educator

Joined: 2025

Flexible Early Years Educator


No image found

Charlotte

Job Title: Flexible Early Years Assistant

Joined: 2025

Flexible Early Years Assistant


No image found

Milly

Job Title: Flexible Early Years Assistant

Joined: 2025

Flexible Early Years Assistant


No image found

Georgina

Job Title: Nursery Cook

Joined: 2021

Nursery Cook.


Tracey

Tracey

Job Title: Setting Cleaner

Joined: 2020

I am the person who makes the nursery sparkly clean at the end of every messy day!


My colleagues would describe me as happy, organised and an absolute asset!


No image found

Lorna

Job Title: Flexible Early Years Educator

Joined: 2004

Flexible Early Years Educator