Oak House

"I couldn't recommend Oak House highly enough. We've sent both of our children there, with care and parental engagement superb. I believe there is a waiting list to get a child a place which I understand could be frustrating, so plan and apply well in advance! We're delighted for them with their recent Ofsted rating of Outstanding as it reflects exactly what we've experienced for several years, so we'll deserved."

"Our eldest child attended Oak House from 11 months until she started school last year. Our youngest has been there for 1.5 years and will stay until he starts school. The communication is great, from the staff looking after our children who always let us know how they have eaten and slept, and what they have enjoyed doing that day and how they are developing; to the management who are very approachable and will always make time if you need something, and keep everyone updated of any changes, and themed days that they take part it. Both our children have always been happy at the nursery, and have developed wonderful relationships with amazing staff who care for them as if they are their own. They've been given great opportunities to develop and grow, and have huge amounts of fun while they are doing it. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Oak House to anyone."

"We have sent both of our children here. Our eldest, even though leaving last summer, still feels part of the extended family as this was his home from home for the best part of his early years; starting at 9 months through until school. Our youngest who still attends comes home happy and thriving having spent his days with the team at Oak house, who pack the days with fun activities that support his development and his sense of fun! The care he receives is evident in his happiness to attend and his fondness towards the staff, from the room assistants right up to management level, he always makes a beeline to have a chat and cuddle with the ladies on the staff team when he arrives and before leaving. Happy kids makes for happy parents!"

"We went to look around the nursery over a year ago. Though we weren’t amazed. Emily’s pitch was good and so we decided to reserve our child a space based on this, reviews and ofsted reports. We were unsure on the start date but were told by Emily the nursery have a long wait list so better to reserve a place in advance for a fee of £75 and the date can always be pushed back. We therefore reserved our child a place for Jan 2023. Today (November 2022) we were contacted by the nursery. I did not recognise the number on my phone. When I called back someone answered but they were struggling to talk, when I enquired as to who was on the phone they informed me it was a member of staff from the oak house and swiftly passed me to Emily. Emily then abruptly took the phone from the staff member. In the background there was at least 3 children crying. I apologised and explained I could not hear her Emily. They were clearly busy and so I thought she may request to call me back but instead she left the children and went in to another room. Seemingly annoyed, she then rudely informed me that the nursery have a long wait list for January and so wanted to know if “my child” (they forgot her name) would be starting or not. I explained I am currently pregnant and was looking at pushing the date back for my daughter as I would now not be working and so wouldn’t need the place imminently. Emily declined, coldly saying this would not be possible (despite not knowing when I would like to push back to) I enquired as to why as I was told differently when we looked around, and reserved my daughter a place based on the information that she gave me- that the start date can be changed? When challenged she could not provide an explanation as to why the nursery would now be unable to accommodate a change in date despite me adding it would be for over 1 years time and would arguably not be inconveniencing them in any way for January 2023 if they have a long wait list? I enquired that if they could not do it for my eldest, could I put my youngest child’s name down tor January 2024? She again informed me no and that I would have to do another “request form” and pay an additional fee of £75 if I was considering sending my youngest child instead of my eldest (which they said could no longer have a place if not starting in January 2023?). When I again enquired why? She coldly informed me because “that’s their policy” On reflection it is my impression that the oak house are very good at marketing themselves to get you to pay a deposit and sitting on a list when it suits them but based on my experience once they have your money and a lengthy enough list they don’t really care about the family at the end of the phone, are not adaptable and don’t live up to expectations sold. Other reviews had mentioned Emily’s tone, this too concerned me. Granted it may have been a stressful day for her and the nursery did seem chaotic (possibly understaffed?) when I called but I too questioned the treatment my child would receive from a staff member who is seemingly unable to regulate her own emotions and would rather take a call about spaces and money than tend to the emotional needs of children in her care. As such I withdrew my daughter from the “list” and have decided to look elsewhere"

"Terrible and very cold communication. Enquired into a full day from December 2023, my original enquiry contained the information I'm asking for the full day rate as I'd like to put my baby in 3-4 days a week. Emily has taken a few days to get back to me, very cold responses the first reply was only asking "what hours". I replied with 7:30-5:30, then she replied to say they do not do 1 day sessions. Still not providing me with the full day cost and ignoring my initial email that stated I'm after childcare 3-4 days a week. Her response to this was "as you can imagine I get alot of emails the price is £60". No apologies just sharp response , such a cold poor communication from the assistant manager. If they can be this awful and unhelpful from just enquiring into the fees, imagine the communication if my child attended! It's cheaper than the nursery my eldest attends and closer, but after this I will absolutely not consider sending my second there. Incredible disappointed. I've later found out my colleagues sister worked here and would never recommend sending your child to Oak House. I'm confused as to how they are outstanding following the coldness towards a potential new parent."