Downside Pre-School
OutstandingBirth to 5Open for decades
A day nursery in Luton for children from birth to 5, open 8am to 6pm. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in October 2022. Open since 2003.
What you might pay
This setting does not publish its fees, and no national dataset holds them. This is what childcare costs across the council, as a starting point for the call.
What childcare usually costs in Luton
This is not this setting's price. It is the median hourly fee across all providers in Luton from the Department for Education's 2025 provider survey. No national data holds what an individual nursery charges, so ring and ask.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
LU4 8EZWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 10 October 2022 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children's laughter fills the air in this welcoming pre-school that goes above and beyond for all children. Joyous children exclaim, 'I'm so excited, I can't wait' as they take part in their chosen activities. Staff show an excellent understanding of what children need to progress. They expertly use exciting activities that support this. For example, children thoroughly enjoy the play dough table set up as a restaurant, complete with chef outfits and recipes. Children behave exceptionally well. Staff are excellent role models as they show children how to be kind and help each other. When a child cannot find an apron, another child says, 'Take my hand,
I'll show you.' Children work together to solve problems. They communicate their ideas and listen to others. Staff support children by asking questions and encouraging them to keep trying.
Children thrive in this inclusive pre-school that creates a secure foundation for learning. Children enjoy great relationships with staff. With support, children develop strong independence and self-help skills. For example, children wash up after snack time and prepare resources for activities. Children learn about being healthy. They discuss how to wash germs off their hands and learn how to care for their teeth during dentist role play. They understand what helps them stay healthy, saying, 'Milk makes my teeth and bones strong.'
- 10 October 2022Outstanding
- 13 October 2016Outstanding
- 30 September 2013Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Downside Pre-School
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.