Oak Tree Nursery

Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe EX34 8JL
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Top 20 award
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.

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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.

Oak Tree Nursery Reviews (175)

Total of 175, showing 121-140
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.

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Review from Elizabeth E (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has only finished her first full week as the previous two was her settling weeks. But already she loves it! Staff friendly and I like how its free play so there is more freedom to explore themselves. She loves seeing the other children and looks forward to her next session!

Reply from Stella Freebody at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We are really pleased with how well your daughter has settled into the Oak Tree community and look forward to supporting her learning and development whilst she is with us.


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Review from Julie C (Grandmother of Child) published on 25 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have brought my granddaughter for her settling in day and have found the nursery to be very secure in the first instance, which is extremely reassuring. Also, the staff are really friendly and committed to ensuring the nursery is the best it can be, which is very reassuring for future generations
of children.

Reply from Francy Broxholme at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you ever so much for your kind and honest response, we love to hear how happy you are with the setting. The team are constantly working their hardest to ensure the best possible start for all our children. We are really looking forward to supporting your granddaughter on her learning journey with us at Oak Tree.


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Review from Ania H (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding!
Fantastic Nursery, with great premises, which offer the children all they need for a fun packed day of their early years learning journey.
The staff are very professional, friendly and efficient and my little one loves every single
one of them. The meals provided must be yummy, as
my little one talks about it daily.
I would definitely recommend this nursery to anyone. Great outdoor space too and nice to see the children spend a lot of time outdoors.

Reply from Stella Freebody at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery and your kind comments regarding the dedicated staff team. I'll be sure to pass them on and also let our cook, know how appreciated her home cooked meals are!


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Review from A F (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery.
Fantastic staff.
Fantastic premises.


All is superb and we are really pleased to have chosen this nursery.


Highly recommend.


Reply from Stella Freebody at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It it great to receive such a hearty recommendation!


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been going to Oak Tree for over a year. I was keen for her to go there because I had heard great things about it but Oak Tree and all the staff have far exceeded what I expected. It’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere and they make such a huge effort to make sure the children have a positive
and meaningful day. Our daughter absolutely loves going to the nursery and has made herself very at home. I hear about how she’s been painting or dancing, or playing with water and I’m pleased to know they’ve tuned in to what she enjoys. I can see how much she is blossoming from her time there. I’m so grateful to know she’s in safe hands, in a really supportive environment where she feels comfortable.

Reply from Stella Freebody at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your wonderful review of our nursery. The staff team was touched to hear how well regarded our nursery is and it was lovely to read how happy you are with your daughter's progress - she really enjoys her time here and is very ready for her transition into our 2-4 year-old room.


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Review from Rachel A (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn't recommend this nursery more. The staff are all lovely. Both my boys enjoy their time at nursery. They learn new things all the time and are always taking part in new and interesting activities.

Reply from Stella Freebody at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We enjoy having both of your boys in session and watching them grow from babies into toddlers. We are glad they enjoy all of the activities that they take part in and that you feel they are learning new things at Oak Tree Nursery.


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Review from Paige F (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter enjoys coming to nursery, she settled in very quickly due to the lovely and welcoming staff! They always seem to have a range of activities planned for each week which keeps the children entertained and engaged. I love that they allow and encourage as much outdoor play as possible, my daughter
really enjoys this aspect and loves exploring and playing outdoors. Overall, the staff are amazing and I could not recommend a better nursery than Oak Tree Nursery.

Reply from Stella Freebody at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your kind words. We are glad that your daughter has settled so well and loves her time with us. We too enjoy being outdoors and try to extend the children's learning as much as possible by using our wonderful outdoor areas.


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Review from Joanna B (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children attend Oak Tree. It’s a lovely nursery with very helpful and friendly staff and it always has a nice atmosphere when you go in. The premises itself is a very good size with a lovely outside play area. The children have a large rage of activities to do on a daily basis, which is brilliant
for their learning and development. I would definitely recommend Oak Tree to anyone looking for a place for their child to attend.

Reply from Stella Freebody at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We were delighted to hear your views on our setting and are glad that your children are so well settled as a part of the Oak Tree community.


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Review from Maria H (Grandmother of Child) published on 8 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My granddaughter really struggled with nursery and cried most days. All the staff and management were amazing, they showered her with cuddles, attention and so much patience until the day finally came when she walked in smiling. This nursery is such a happy place with the most wonderful staff and very
yummy food. They work so hard to give the children a safe and happy environment to blossom, cannot recommend highly enough.

Reply from Stella Freebody at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review of our nursery. It's an absolute pleasure to see how much your granddaughter now enjoys her time at Oak Tree. We are so pleased our strategies for settling her worked so well for your family.


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Review from Lydia I (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A great nursery with good support for parents and children. My children have been coming here for years and it’s always the same consistent care provided. My child is always happy to go and happy when he comes home, telling me about all the things he’s done in the day which means that I feel less guilty
as a parent having to work because I know he’s happy being there.

Reply from Francy Broxholme at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you so much for your feedback. We are very pleased to hear how happy your child is and how he has so much news to share with you about his day. The team work very hard to ensure all children's needs are met whilst supporting their learning journey at Oak Tree.


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Review from Vicki H (Mother of Child) published on 10 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Completely blown away with Oak Tree Nursery. All 3 of my children have been here and I cannot express how amazing their nursery experience has been.
Amazing nursery staff so welcoming, happy and helpful. Love the outside space, foods amazing lots of variety.
This nursery is a very special place.

Reply from Francy Broxholme, Deputy Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We have enjoyed having all three of your children attend our setting and wish them the best. We love to hear about how welcoming and helpful parents find the staff, as we all work incredibly hard to make Oak Tree a happy place where children learn in a nurturing environment.


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Review from Emma C (Mother of Child) published on 10 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From our first visit to Oak Tree Nursery, we have been notably impressed by all the staff. Resources of attitude to children and their parents. We feel welcomed, respected, valued of nurtured as a family and our daughter loves it here because she feels the same! It has been an up and down journey settling
our daughter here, purely as a family. We have experienced a lot of care in a short amount of time but Oak Tree Nursery have supported us thoroughly, literally bending over backwards to accommodate the progress that best suits our child and our family. I couldn't be happier with Oak Tree Nursery and would highly recommend.

Reply from Francy Broxholme, Deputy Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for such a wonderful and honest review, we are so pleased that you and your family feel so welcome and supported. We have all loved getting to know you and your family whilst helping your daughter settle. We look forward to continuing to support and nuture your daughter's learning journey during her time at Oak Tree Nursery.


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Review from Sandra L (Grandmother of Child) published on 31 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Been such a happy and professional nursery. Our granddaughter has loved going and seeing her friends.

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Review from Rosemary R (Grandmother of Child) published on 26 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Grandaughter absolutely loves her time at nursery. The staff at Oak Tree are all fantastic and make her stay there such fun as well as educational. Cannot praise the manager and her team enough!

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used this wonderful nursery for all of our 3 children over a period of 8 years. I'm a very nervous mummy when it comes to leaving my children with anyone but family but I can honestly say that this nursery put my mind at ease very quickly. As every time I picked up my children whether it be
early or on time, they always met me with beaming smiles and lovely stories of what they had been up to that day. I could also phone at any time for reassurance that they had settled in that day and if we had any special needs or requirements for our little ones they were met without any issues or it being a problem. The staff are extremely welcoming, helpful and just lovely! I feel that they treat my children as they would want there own children to be treated as many of the staff are mums themselves. I can't thank them enough for all their hard work and attention they have given to us over the years.

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Review from Dan S (Father of Child) published on 2 March 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children attend this nursery and we find it excellent. Me and my partner are amazed at how attentive and caring the staff are! Our 4 year old is currently showing an interest in reading and writing; after voicing this to the staff they have gone above and beyond to ensure that he is stimulated.
Staff have been in contact with the local infants school to develop a plan to ensure that he can be taught within the nursery whilst meeting current curriculum guidlines. All progress and development is documented in childrens' books that can be accessed at anytime by parents - it is always presented fantastically using pictures and quotes.
The food is to a high standard and we love that our children are given meals that we normally wouldn't give at home. Oak Tree is an excellent nursery for our children! Our children and us always feel extremely welcome as the atmosphere feels very relaxed, warm and friendly. We wouldn't want them to be anywhere else!
Thank you Oak Tree!!

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Review from Sam C (Father of Child) published on 28 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love the atmosphere and open plan environment of Oak Tree Nursery. The free flow space, yet structured time of topic time - games - reading - singing. The outside time and space covers plenty of important things, activity, fun, social and exploration.
Wonderful safe place. Thanks, guys.

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Review from Kev McC (Father of Child) published on 23 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son absolutely loves going to nursery here. Even if he’s having a bad morning the wonderful staff are always welcoming and within a few minutes, he is off to play with his friends with a big smile on his face. Every day when he comes home we talk about what he has done during the day and it’s always
done with a smile and a giggle. Lots of different activities and things get done and story time is a huge favourite. It will be sad to see him move up to junior school as he completely loves the nursery and the team, that makes it such a great place to go every day, not only for the children but for the adults too. Any questions or doubts and any member of staff is happy to give you any information you need to know.

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Review from Ross C (Father of Child) published on 23 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child eagerly awaits her days at Oak Tree Nursery. She always has positive things to say about the staff and the other children and over the last 2 years, I've really seen her grow. Lovely group of girls who run the nursery.

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Review from Carla W (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly and helpfull staff at all times, excellent feedback from my daughter's daily activities, she is always eager to go to nursery in the mornings and when picked up doesn’t want to leave.
I have recently picked up a huge pack of artwork my daughter has done and was surprised how much there was.
This provides me with reassurance of the safe, secure and educational environment of this nursery.
Only slight negative improvement required is the access control on arrival due to doorbell and intercom reliability.

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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)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2024

Recipient: Early Years Alliance

Date: Thursday 28 Mar 2024 More details

Top 20 Nurseries South West England 2024

Recipient: Oak Tree Nursery

Date: Thursday 28 Mar 2024 More details

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2023

Recipient: Early Years Alliance

Date: Friday 28 Apr 2023 More details

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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.


Debbie

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.


Shelley

Shelley

Job Title: Early Years Educator

Joined: 2021

Early Years Educator


Holly

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


Georgina

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


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