Bright Horizons Cambridge Science Park Day Nursery and Preschool

Liquid experiments and fragrant dough gave Cambridge Science Park nursery a hands-on character in June 2023: children investigated why liquids sank and used herbs and flowers in sensory play. At its June 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and judged support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities positively.

The nursery has capacity for 109 children aged 3 to 60 months. Its Cambridge Science Park address makes the location a practical starting point for families considering childcare around Milton Road, though the later organisational safeguarding action deserves careful attention alongside the inspection grade.

In June 2023, the early years foundation stage took concrete form through experimenting, talking and practising independence: children combined honey, coloured water and oil, then discussed how the liquids behaved. A pestle and mortar helped them explore the scents of flowers and herbs before adding these to dough. These examples give parents a useful picture of learning through materials children could handle and investigate.

Stories, rhymes and small-group activities also featured in June 2023. Children tested ideas with staff and shared their creations, while mealtimes offered opportunities to pour drinks and serve food using tongs and spoons. Learning extended into ordinary routines.

There were weaknesses too. In June 2023, some staff used a narrow vocabulary or pronounced words inaccurately, and some organised activities lasted beyond children's concentration. Developing language practice and adjusting group activities were the priorities for improvement.

In June 2023, babies formed close relationships with staff and settled promptly. Staff knew their key children and used individual support plans, working with other professionals to meet additional needs. Resources and guidance for learning at home helped connect nursery experiences with family life.

Ofsted's organisational Welfare Requirements Notice dated 22 June 2026 required Bright Horizons Family Solutions Limited to strengthen safeguarding leadership, oversight and practice by 1 August 2026. The actions concerned organisational arrangements and did not reflect concerns identified at every setting; the majority continued to meet requirements, although the organisation had not demonstrated consistently effective safeguarding across its provision. This was action concerning organisational arrangements, so it should not be read as a finding that every listed weakness occurred at Cambridge Science Park.

The latest published position described monitoring of the organisation's response. The deadline has passed; it does not establish whether the required actions were subsequently completed.

The address is 319 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WG. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with year-round operation and bank holiday closures.

In June 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That is a dated participation statement, rather than a promise of a particular funded arrangement today.

• Organisational safeguarding action. The 22 June 2026 notice required changes by 1 August 2026. Ask how the organisation's response has affected safeguarding oversight and staff practice at Cambridge Science Park.
• Language and group activities. June 2023 improvement priorities concerned pronunciation, vocabulary and activities that outlasted children's attention. During a visit, ask for examples of how staff now adapt these activities.
• Your attendance plan. The weekday opening window runs from 7.30am to 6pm. Ask which booking pattern and funded arrangement would fit your child's intended attendance.

Cambridge Science Park merits consideration for families seeking weekday, year-round childcare in this part of Cambridge. Its June 2023 account contains engaging examples of practical exploration and growing independence. A decision now should also take account of the later organisational safeguarding notice and the nursery's explanation of its response.