Nurseries near the Churchill Hospital, Oxford

[ghumphreys]

I'm starting a new job for Oxford Uni and need a nursery place for my 8 month old from September, the Uni waiting list is really long and only offers places at certain nurseries. Does anyone have opinions on experience of Kids Unlimited at Oxford Business Park, Jack Straws Lane nursery, Pippins or Julia Durbin at the Churchill?
Many thanks, Georgie

Hi, I'm just finishing working for the university; my dc are now 6 and 3. I looked at Jack Straws as it's nearest, but the combination of a slightly stuffy ambience, ridiculously long waiting list (back then, I would just have had to go on the general waiting list, which usually meant a place coming up at the business park site within 12m...) and the longer holidays/ shorter hours put me off.
I have friends with children at Pippins, Julia Durbin and Sandfield (John radcliffe hospital nursery, also close by) and all are happy with their choice. I think Julia Durbin and Pippins are smaller and friendlier possibly. There is also a co-op nursery on the John Radcliffe site; I have not visited, but have as hearsay that their baby room has no natural light, so this may be a deal breaker). My dc (both from age 1) went to ABC, a private nursery also close to JR. We have always been very happy there and the dc are definitely part of the "family" (but it is not a purpose built nursery and can seem chaotic and unstructured to those visiting).
Other private nurseries in Headington include Kiddies Korner and Cherry Tree and there are nurseries at the SureStart centres in Barton and the Slade (also close by). I've no personal experience of any of those, but given your very tight time frame, you may need to do a fair bit of visiting to get a feel for any with spaces.

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/information-parents
list all nurseries and childminders.
Good luck