Press Release: New childcare nursery to open in Woodstock

Families in Woodstock are to benefit from the opening of a new children’s nursery, part of the Park View residential development.

The nursery is a joint project between Oxfordshire County Council, Pye Homes and Blenheim Estate, and also includes the expansion of Woodstock CE Primary School and The Marlborough School.

Park View Nursery – which is scheduled to open on Monday 15 July – will provide year round care for children from nine months to four years of age. It will offer a range of flexible options including 88 government funded places and the opportunity to sign up for longer hours on a fee-paid basis to support busy families.

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “Woodstock’s youngest children will benefit in so many ways from this exciting development. The design of both the building and play area ensures a first class environment for their educational and development needs.

“Working in partnership, in this case with housing developers, Oxfordshire County Council is delivering on its commitment to provide high quality inclusive education, giving every child the very best start in life.”

The nursery building has been designed to create a welcoming and nurturing space to support both active play and quiet times. Natural daylight is important, and the design includes features such as CO2 monitors that open vents to bring in fresh air as needed. 

The outdoor space features a covered area and all-weather surface with some permanent play structures. Rubber safety surfacing has been designed with attractive patterns to stimulate imagination and creative play. 

Lorraine Wheatley, Co-director of Park View Nursery, said: “We are excited to create an inclusive and high quality learning environment where children will thrive and learn independently, led by their own interests and ideas.

“Our approach is to deliver outstanding early childhood education by providing rich opportunities through play, skills such as concentration, curiosity, and a love for the natural world.”

Roger File, Managing Director – Real Estate at Blenheim Estate, commented: “As part of Blenheim Estate’s purpose to grow our social, environmental and economic contribution to the local community, we are proud to be involved with projects like this fantastic new nursery, which will benefit so many.”

Graham Flint, Managing Director of Pye Homes, the build partners for Blenheim Estate Homes, added: “We are pleased to have delivered another outstanding facility for the local residents to use, continuing with our long-standing commitment to our neighbours and local communities.”