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.

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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 161-175
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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Review from Sam M (Father of Child) published on 19 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good nursery. My little boy is very happy here and has many friends that he plays with. Throughly recommend this place.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It has been our pleasure to have your child with us and to help his personal and social skills develop. We love how confident and chatty he has become.


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Review from Nina N (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter went to Oak Tree Nursery, she loved it there. The staff are very friendly and helpful.. She is now at school and doing very well. My son started nursery when he was 11 months old, is still there and he loves it. He loves
imaginative play, so they always have different areas with lots of different things to learn while playing. I am very happy with the nursery and the staff are lovely (even on a bad day when my son is upset, they always make me and him feel better and I'm happy to leave him with them).

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We are so glad that we can play a small role in making life easier for parents. Between us, we have many years of experience of dealing with unsettled children and we are glad that our strategies work well for you and your family. Our activities are a wonderful invitation to play and actively learn - we love your child's imagination and ideas!


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Review from Katherine J (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Oak Tree for 9 months now and he absolutely loves it. The staff here are very friendly and very professional. They also help towards learning and potty (toilet) training. They also keep a record of milestones and activities that the children have been taken part in.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We are trained to support young children in every aspect of their development and work in tandem with families to record and celebrate their achievements and milestones. We are so pleased that our support has worked well for your family.


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Review from Claire B (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended the nursery since he was 8 months old and he is now 3years. All the staff are so caring towards the children. I feel at complete ease when dropping him off that they will care for him as if he was their own child. He has learnt so much from attending the nursery and his speech has
come on leaps and bounds and I owe that to them. They treat each child individually and adapt learning situations to suit that child so they get the most out of it. For example, my son is tractor mad so his key worker has used this to encourage language and help with memory games to keep him interested where he may have become bored previously. They also have been really supportive with potty training understanding every child is an individual and doing what’s best for him and not what’s normal! The food is amazing and I know he’s having a well balanced diet when having meals there. I'll be very sad when he has to leave for school.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. It is lovely to hear how parents really feel about Oak Tree - I know the team puts their absolute heart and soul into their practice and to be able to see those efforts enable children to progress really makes our day. We understand that every child is unique, so our practice is tailored to what suits each family and child best. We are really proud of our parent partnerships and our lovely community at Oak Tree.


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Review from Stephanie W (Mother of Child) published on 12 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended the nursery for 6 months now, he absolutely loves it, the staff are so welcoming and friendly, always very professional would recommend to everyone.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We are really pleased to hear how happy you are with our provision. We enjoy sharing your son's learning in the baby room and look forward to supporting you all through his transition to our main room.


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Review from Richard N (Father of Child) published on 11 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found the staff at Oak Tree to be excellent. They are friendly and welcoming to the parents, and have a deep care and understanding for the children. I would recommend this nursery to anyone.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We are proud that our regard for all the children in our care is apparent to parents and that you find Oak Tree such a welcoming environment. Many thanks for your kind words.


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Review from Adam K (Father of Child) published on 10 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter attended Oak Tree from the age of 6 months through to leaving for school. She was very unsettled at first but the Oak Tree girls handled this very well and she was soon having fun and playing in the baby room. At Oak Tree they have a very strong team working with the children, who over
the years taught our daughter the basic skills she needed such as how to interact, make friends, taking turns, sharing etc. The staff also made a book of her journey through the nursery. This has pictures of her the things she liked to do and paragraphs explaining the pictures. I love looking back through these. I love that the nursery is bright and open plan with outdoor access to a garden. There is such a friendly relaxed atmosphere in this nursery that made it easy to discuss issues we had with our daughter regarding her health. we have enjoyed watching our daughter grow and become the person she is today with your help. She misses you all. I would recommend it to anyone.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We understand that starting nursery can be an emotional time for both children and parents and do our utmost to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible for families. Our settling in process is tailored to each child's needs and has proved effective time and again. We are pleased that you had such a positive experience with our baby room. We follow the same process when babies transition to our main room, giving them the confidence and self-esteem to fully immerse themselves in their nursery day, building friendships and developing social skills. We promote independence and are so glad that this has enabled your daughter to develop the skills that have made her move to school seamless. Our Learning Journeys are completed by the key workers who really take time to get to know their key children well. It has been wonderful to read how much your family has enjoyed their early years' experience at Oak Tree. Thank you!


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Review from Sally B (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy used to go to Oak Tree and they did wonders with him to help him into school so there was no contest where I was going to send my little girl. Thanks to the staff here they spotted her hearing and eyes were not so good. I can't thank them enough for their care and support. It's a lovely
nursery.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery, it is great to hear how delighted you are with our provision. As previously mentioned in another review response, all our staff are highly experienced in identifying potential early years issues and we are pleased that these skills have been instrumental in gaining support for your daughter. I will pass your lovely comments onto the staff team.


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Review from Lisa H (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have sent both my children to this nursery and I have always been happy with the care and learning both have received here. They are all lovely and always happy. My children also loved the meals. I love how they spend a lot of time outside whatever the weather and there's always different activities
set up. My little girls have some speech problems and one of the lovely staff has been so helpful and supportive I couldn't thank her enough.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We are so pleased to hear how happy you are with our provision for both of your children. The staff team observe the children to create activities based on their interests - we believe that child-led learning is the most effective way to empower the children in our care. Our garden plays a huge part in this provision - we can't wait to start our planting in the Spring! All our staff are trained to recognise the indicators of potential early issues and this enables us to implement measures that are beneficial and productive to both the children and their families.


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Review from Caroline H (Mother of Child) published on 5 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son settled into the baby room quickly and goes in happily for 2 days a week. All the children seem happy and engaged when I collect him. He loves his key worker who is very warm and friendly. He has grown and developed rapidly since beginning nursery and has made some lovely friends. The only issue
we had initially was with invoicing but it has all been resolved now with a fixed amount each month by direct debit.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. The staff in the baby room, under the leadership of the room senior, work very hard to ensure the babies have exceptional provision and that every opportunity to learn, explore and develop is fully extended. We are glad that your invoicing queries were quickly and satisfactorily resolved - we believe that working in partnership with our parents strengthens the sense of community we have here at Oak Tree.


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Review from Kayleigh W (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has been so supportive over the last 2 years and my daughter comes home with a smile on her face every day she’s at the nursery. I couldn’t fault the nursery staff in any way and they always put 100% effort into all of the children. Not only do they support the children but they support
the parents too and I wouldn’t want my daughter to go anywhere else. I would recommend the nursery to anyone and can’t wait to see my daughter shine even more in the next couple of years until she leaves for school.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind, kind words. We are touched to see how you feel about your daughter's time in our setting - we really do put 100% into everything we do here. It has been our absolute pleasure to have your daughter here with us - we are all extremely fond of her. We have watched her grow from a tiny baby into an amazing little lady with a huge personality!


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Review from Jim C (Father of Child) published on 13 December 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children that have attended Oak Tree with my youngest still coming two days a week and my wife and I have always been really pleased with the care that they have received. My eldest who is now at school in reception was always very happy there and my youngest is now beginning to really settle
in and enjoy himself. The staff are always very welcoming and have made settling in as straightforward and easy as possible. I have always found the atmosphere relaxed and calm, the facilities to be well equipped and the activities to be varied and interesting for the children. Key workers in particular have been excellent, really taking the time to chat with us about our children's development and characters, giving you a real sense that they care about our children's enjoyment and fulfilment at nursery. I would highly recommend Oak Tree to other parents looking for a professional, friendly and fun environment for their children's introduction to education.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our lovely nursery. It has been a real pleasure to have both your children with us and we are glad you find the settling in period cohesive and productive. Our staff care passionately about every single child in our setting and we are really pleased that this shines through in the way we are able to provide for them during their time at Oak Tree. I will pass your comments onto the team, especially your child's keyworker.


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Review from Summer V (Mother of Child) published on 11 December 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at Oak Tree Day Nursery in September 2016 and I have to say it was the best choice for her. The staff are incredibly friendly, professional, hardworking and passionate about what they do. They make sure that each child’s needs are catered to and nothing is too much for them.


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bond my daughter has with the staff here is amazing and she enjoys every aspect of her nursery experience. I am currently expecting another baby and will be sending him to this nursery too when he’s old enough without question! So, thank you to all the staff at Oak Tree for teaching and taking care of my daughter.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your excellent review of Oak Tree Nursery. We enjoy having your daughter here with us, she really brightens up our day. She is a pleasure to have at nursery and she is so helpful when it comes to the younger children, helping them learn the routines of the day and assisting them in putting on coats and aprons. She'll make a great big sister - a childcare practitioner in the making perhaps? We can't wait to meet the new baby. Have a very Merry Christmas!


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Review from Jess C (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Simply, I cannot praise this nursery enough. The staff are so attentive and caring towards each child's individual needs and the positive impact that that has had on my daughter is amazing. Not only has her social skills come on leaps and bounds since attending the nursery but thanks to the great variety
of ever-changing activities I really do feel she is being prepared in the best possible way for her next step up to big girls school. My little girl is absolutely loving her time at Oak Tree Nursery and I can't wait for my little boy to be able to have the same great experiences.

Reply from Stella Freebody, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review of our nursery! We are delighted that your daughter is so happy here and can't wait till your son is able to start with us! We are glad you love all of our activities - the team is extremely creative and work very hard to make the nursery the stimulating and enabling environment that it is, and it's very gratifying that this is noticed by parents. I'll be sure to pass your comments on. Perhaps you'll come and play one day?


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Review from Selina B (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a lovely nursery. The staff are very friendly and my daughter has settled in extremely well. They are always doing fun things for the children including the babies. Would highly recommend them to anyone. They are reasonably priced and the children get proper home cooked food.

Reply from Stella F, Manager at Oak Tree Nursery

Thank you for your review of our nursery. We are thrilled with the progress that your baby is making...she makes us smile in every session whilst we share her exploration of the environment around her!


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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.

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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


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