Oxford nursery - thoughts

[raspberrycheesecake]

My daughter is about to (Jan 2010) start a an Oxford nursery after having been at another nursery for about 6 months, which she is used to and appears to be reasonably happy with. Reason for the change is that we are moving. I have found a nursery which has "outstanding" ratings on ofsted and managed to get her a place at the second branch which is opening of the same nursery. Second branch does not yet have an ofsted report but first branch is rated outstanding. Questions - should I believe the ofsted report and rely on it especially as it relates to the first branch not the new second branch. Secondly I have recently found out that the nursery in question does not celebrate any traditional festivals such as Christmas Easter, does not recognise children's birthdays or mention mothers day fathers day etc. I am not expecting a strongly religous theme but am a bit disappointed that there was no such activities for the children

Any thoughts on (1) A really good nursery in Oxford in your experience / you have heard from friends (2) Whether I should be concerned on the basis that the nursery I have gone for I have done so almost entirely on ofsted report etc?

Now I am feeling worried about this and think i have picked the wrong nursery. My baby girl is 13 months and goes 4 days per week so I can work (I have to work unfortunately)

Thanks

Do you mind me asking which nursery? (is it in Kidlington by any chance?)

The best nursery in Oxford is this one and there is usually a waiting list:

The Nursery
17 Lathbury Road, Summertown, OX2 7AT
Tel: 01865 516636

Hours: Morning and afternoon sessions, all year
Ages 2-5 years:

We used Turbo Teds (back of the Railway station) and Little Scholars but preferred the one on Lathbury Road.

Thanks for your replies, no it's not in kidlington. It does have a fantastic ofsted rating (or at least the original nursery did) and this is a new branch. I work full time and I know that is no excuse but on reflection I now think I relied too much on the ofsted report (and lets face it who can rely too much on what ofsted says although on paper its the only "objective" thing you have to go on) and should have taken lots more annual leave from my job (although I didnt have much leave to take) to visit all of them in person first.
Thanks for your recommendations about the best ones tho, it is a shame there is no central site where parents can put their genuine thoughts on all nurseries for others to view. Of course you would have to take some of the comments as a subjective opinion but it would still be useful. I will search the summertown one now.
My objections about them not celebrating the traditional christian ceremonies is a little emotional I suppose. I just feel disappointed because the nursery my daughter is currently at are doing lots of christmas decorations and she is going to a nativity play today etc etc which she seems to enjoy - where this new nursery don't do anything to mark any christian festivals at all at any time of the year because the owner doesnt believe in it.

I am sure if you visit the Summertown one you will see a lot of Xmas decorations. Just ring up and ask if you can drop in. They really are very accomodating of working parents.

Have you even visited either nursery?
I found doing this much more use than Ofsted reports tbh as so much depends on the personalities of the staff.
It is def worth taking annual leave to do this - it only need be an hour or two and take DH too.

Personally I would worry about a setting that is influenced so much by the beliefs of one individual to the extent of ignoring Christmas.
The EYFS specifically mentions 'sharing and celebrating cultural events' as part of developing a sense of community of different cultures and beliefs and I would be fine if they also did Hannukah, Diwali, Chinese New Year etc, but to do none at all seems frankly weird to me.

(I liked Lathbury Rd too but the geography / commute wouldn't have worked for us. Willow Cottage in Farmoor is excellent as well.)