Oak Tree Nursery

Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe EX34 8JL
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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 41-60
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

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

They are all lovely, very attentive and patient with all the kids. I trust them all with my daughter. My daughter loves them all. Great nursery, I will be sad when the time to move on to big school comes. Thanks for having my daughter.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's wonderful to hear your high regard for the staff team and that your daughter has firm attachments with the team in the setting. It's our pleasure to have her in the nursery!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children have attended Oak Tree Nursery over the past two to three years, the nurture they receive is second to none! Every member of staff is attentive to their needs and always welcomes them with beaming smiles and open arms. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this nursery to anyone with
young children, the care they receive is truly amazing.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It's lovely to hear how happy you are with our provision over the last few years.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My granddaughter loves it here, the staff are always very friendly and clearly on great terms with the children as well. There always seems lots going on both indoors and out. Good security systems in place. Highly recommended.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's good to hear your opinion on our staff team and security measures. We're glad to hear both are effective and appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Oak Tree Nursery have been amazing to both my boys! I couldn't wish for a better setting, they have both thrived since being with this nursery and I cannot recommend them enough. The staff are brilliant and my boys always have a great day.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It's so good to hear how much they enjoy their time here and that the staff team is so well regarded.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a fantastic nursery. My daughter has thrived here and we will be sad for her to leave in August. The staff are friendly and great with the kids! My daughter loves the meals at lunchtime and experiments with different foods.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It has been our pleasure watching your daughter grow and develop over the years. It's always a bittersweet time for us when they leave to go to school, we do miss them but we know that they have had a wonderful early years experience with us and are ready to take the next step in their development.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My youngest daughter has been attending Oak Tree Nursery since May 2020 and considering the challenging circumstances we have all faced over the past twelve months, the manager and her team have been exceptional. They have faced the Covid-19 changes and expectations with positivity and all the staff
are absolutely brilliant with the children. My daughter enjoys her time there and is always full of stories of all the painting, playing, reading and games they play. I would highly recommend Oak Tree Nursery to any parent looking for a nursery.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review, especially your comments regarding the last year or so. We were determined that we would provide a haven for the children and that their nursery experience should be impacted as little as possible. It's good to hear that we have achieved this and that your daughter has such happy days whilst with us. She certainly makes us smile every time she is here!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with everything this nursery has to offer. Lovely staff. Would definitely recommend to anyone. Great garden and facilities. My son was not used to being away from me due to Covid-19 and it's a long process getting him in but all the staff have been very patient with him and have made the
whole experience much easier for both of us.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. We appreciate that children have experienced a different world this year and have adjusted our settling processes accordingly. It's really good to hear that they have worked so well for your family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have submitted a review before but due to this last year, I wanted to do another, to say how amazing this nursery is and all of its staff. We have just had one of the hardest years with this pandemic and I could not have been more grateful to Oak Tree Nursery and all the staff members who work there.
They always go above and beyond to accommodate me and my daughter. She absolutely loves it there! If you're looking for a nursery to send your child to, this is the one. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it and do often to my other mum friends! Thank you for all you do.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to submit this review. It has been a hard year for everyone, but the children have shown a resilience that has made us prouder than ever of them all and never more determined to make every day at Oak Tree one that the children enjoy and find stimulating.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing staff that literally work their socks off to ensure my children are not only loved and looked after but also have the best learning experience in such an imaginative and fun way. I personally cannot fault the nursery in any way, they make the setting feel like a second home for my children and
I know they have had a huge part to play in how my children interact with the world in such a positive and proactive way.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for this lovely review of our nursery. The staff team really do work hard to make every day meaningful for the children and they do this through knowing the children really well, which in turn creates the 'home from home' environment you mention.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great staff who are all welcoming. My little girl always comes home happy and goes in happy. Kept up to date with her progress in all areas. Great range of activities both in and outdoors. Overall, very happy.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It's amazing to watch your daughter grow and develop and we are so pleased your feel well informed about her development and that she has such a lovely time in the setting.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has recently had major surgery and it was such a challenging time for us. We were settling in our second child at Oak Tree Nursery and trying to organise a big hospital trip for my eldest who is almost three. Oak Tree Nursery have been absolutely fantastic throughout the entire process. Supporting
us wherever we have needed it. I would recommend this nursery to everyone, as I feel this is the best nursery in the area. The girls are amazing and the manager goes above and beyond. Well done to you all! I’m going to be gutted when my boys are all grown up.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you very much for your review of our nursery. We are glad that we have been able to support your family through a difficult period. I will pass on your wonderful comments to the staff team to let them know how appreciated they are by the families that use our services.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

By far the best nursery in Ilfracombe (Devon). They couldn't have done enough for my little boy and family. Thank you guys so much, especially to the manager who goes above and beyond for all the children in her setting.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's wonderful to hear how well regarded the setting is in our community. We wholly support working in partnership with our families to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children and their families.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two grandchildren in Oak Tree, one of whom has complex needs. The staff have been absolutely amazing with both children since they started but especially with the child that has complex needs. They have not only helped the child they have also given us as a family much-needed guidance and support.
I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone, in fact, I have recommended them several times.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking time to review our nursery, and thank you for the wonderful comments. Our staff team really does try their hardest to ensure each and every child reaches their full potential, is recognised as an individual and is welcomed and included in our setting.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would one hundred per cent recommend Oak Tree Nursery. All the staff there are very friendly. My four year old struggles leaving me which is upsetting sometimes but the staff are very good with him and I have certainly seen a difference in him. He always comes out of nursery very happy. They regularly
keep the app updated with what he’s been doing, had for lunch and with his development and learning.

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 methods of settling children work well and that your son always leaves nursery happy! He certainly has a wonderful time whilst he is here!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is by the best one I have known of. All my children have gone to Oak Tree nursery and have loved going. My little girl who is 2 years old goes here at the moment and this nursery is the highlight of her week. The staff are amazing and so so lovely. They are always willing to help and I
know 100% that they take good care of my child.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It's lovely to hear how much your daughter enjoys coming to Oak Tree. We certainly enjoy having her with us!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent attitude all the time. It's open all year round which suits our needs. Staff are very welcoming and caring. My child loves going to Oak Tree. Every day they plan different activities with a good balance to playtime to develop the children interacting with others. Great IT communication daily
through the App or phonecall if its an emergency. I wouldn't change my child to any other nursery.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It's lovely to hear that your child really enjoys their time with us and that you are happy with the services that we provide.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Oak Tree offers an outstanding service to my family. Open all year round which is very useful to us as we both work. The member of staff are very friendly, bubbly and they offer great support for the children. Their communication with parents is second to none. We are always updated in advance to events
coming up and they have a great app that shows what my child has eaten and sleep daily.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It's good to hear our communication methods are effective and consistent!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Oak Tree Nursery since last year and she has settled in so well, the staff made sure she settled in well before starting officially with settling in sessions which really helped. The nursery is set out well with lots of activities for her to engage in, in a lovely environment.
The staff regularly update me on her progress following the Early Years Foundation Stage and send lovely pictures of her enjoying her day with the staff and children via the family app. The staff are all really helpful, welcoming and friendly and my daughter has taken so well to them. I would definitely recommend Oak Tree, they are great!

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 settling in process works for families. The app is fantastic for keeping up to date with what's happening in the nursery throughout the day.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely wonderful staff. The manager is amazing and all of the staff who look after our daughter are brilliant. They are so sweet and caring and she loves going. They have great attention to detail and give great feedback.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. It's just wonderful to hear how well regarded the staff team are. They work exceptionally hard to ensure all children have the best possible experience of early years. It's great to hear our methods of communication are still working as well as ever during the times we are unable to spend as much face to face time with our parents and carers.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What an amazing nursery! My son is so happy here. It wasn't easy for him to start as English is not his first language, but the staff made him feel so comfortable and helped with everything, he now really likes going in and spending time in Oak Tree. Staff are exceptional, very friendly, and caring.
The nursery provides a warm, loving and fun environment for the children. Parents receive daily updates on the children. It really is an amazing place! Will definitely recommend to friends.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We pride ourselves on being inclusive and ensuring that all families feel welcomed and well provided for by Oak Tree. It is an absolute pleasure to watch your son blossom from day to day.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.946)

Review Score Change Log

Show how the Oak Tree Nursery Review Score has changed over time
Please note changes are only recorded per day, so if 2 or more changes occur in the same day, it will only show the result from all the changes, not an individual breakdown of all the changes

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

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

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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.


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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.


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Shelley

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2021

Early Years Educator


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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!


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Lily

Job Title: Apprentice Early Years Educator

Joined: 2024

Apprentice Early Years Educator


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Amy

Job Title: Flexible Early Years Educator

Joined: 2025

Flexible Early Years Educator


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Charlotte

Job Title: Flexible Early Years Assistant

Joined: 2025

Flexible Early Years Assistant


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Milly

Job Title: Flexible Early Years Assistant

Joined: 2025

Flexible Early Years Assistant


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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!


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Lorna

Job Title: Flexible Early Years Educator

Joined: 2004

Flexible Early Years Educator