Kids Planet

Kids Planet took over the management of the University of Oxford nurseries on 5th July 2021

Childcare Services and Kids Planet held a number of information sessions for parents, detailing upcoming changes and how the transition from Bright Horizons to Kids Planet would work. Please see below for further information.

Kids Planet were chosen following a rigorous tender process, supported by the University's procurement department. A number of representatives were on the selection panel, including an education specialist from the Department of Education, parents of children currently in nursery, members of the Childcare Services Steering Group and the Head of Childcare Services.

No, nursery fees will not be impacted. Both the University of Oxford and Kids Planet recognise that the last year has not been easy for many families and fees will not be increased this year as part of the changeover. Annual fee reviews will resume in 2022.

All members of staff will have the opportunity to work with Kids Planet under the TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)) regulations. This ensures that staff members retain the same terms and conditions they were employed under at Bright Horizons.

Kids Planet supply nutritionally balanced, age appropriate, rolling monthly menus. Meals will continue to be prepared by our onsite chefs, under the direction of Kids Planet's head chef. Mealtimes will be similar to current mealtimes, and will feature starters, main courses and desserts. Classical music is played during mealtimes to provide a relaxing atmosphere.

Day to day nursery life will continue in a similar way to now. The children will follow similar routines with familiar keyworkers and carers. All parents will be invited to share both their and their children's details with Kids Planet in order that they have an up to date record of important information (see below for further information).

Yes. You will be contacted by Childcare Services and asked to fill in an e-form, which will be returned directly to Kids Planet. Kids Planet will require your personal details, information about your child and, depending on how you pay your nursery fees, financial information. At the point of registration, a fee payment of £50 will be due. Details on how to pay this will be sent to you once you have completed the registration.

Kids Planet use i-Connect software to log observations, share photos and record next steps for children. Think of it like an online learning journey! Parents are able to access their child's information via an app called ParentZone, which also allows for two-way communication between parents and nursery. Further information, including Kids Planet's policy on online safety, can be found here: 

PowerPoint Presentation (kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk)

Yes, those nurseries that require cosmetic updating will be redecorated and a range of new resources supplied, where appropriate.

For more information on Kids Planet and their approach to learning, please visit their website: Our Philosophy & Vision - Kids Planet Nurseries (kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk)