Update from Childcare Services

The University currently has five nurseries located across the city that provide childcare for the children of the staff and students of the Collegiate University. Bright Horizons currently operate the nurseries, having acquired the previous operator, Kidsunlimited in 2013. The University have always had a close and constructive relationship with Kidsunlimited and Bright Horizons.  

The current contract with Bright Horizons is due to expire in mid-2021 and in line with best practice and to ensure the highest possible quality childcare and best value for money a tender process was run in 2020, in preparation to award a new contract. High quality childcare providers were invited to make an application for the University nursery contract and a number of excellent bids were received. This tender process was overseen by the Purchasing department. The evaluation of the applications was carried out by a panel including an expert child development specialist, parents and other University staff across academic, research and professional services roles. The contract has been awarded to Kids Planet from mid-2021.

Kids Planet is one of the largest nursery groups in the UK operating 52 nurseries, primarily based in the North West and the Midlands. 90% of their inspected nurseries have an outstanding Ofsted rating, a greater percentage than any other nursery groups.

Kids Planet and Childcare Services will be working closely with Bright Horizons to ensure that the transition is a smooth as possible with little or no disruption to parents and children. All staff will be consulted with both by Bright Horizons and Kids Planet and will be given the opportunity to stay at the University nurseries under the new provider. It is expected the majority of staff will choose to do this. 

Childcare Services would like to take this opportunity to thank Bright Horizons for their close partnership over the years and working with them to help bring excellent childcare to the University parents.


Please email any questions to Jo Mason (Head of Childcare Services) at joanne.mason@admin.ox.ac.uk

Childcare Services