Ofsted Good · Educational day nursery · Tilehurst, Reading
A beautiful beginning for bright little minds.
A warm, vibrant and professionally run nursery for babies, toddlers and pre-school children — where children feel secure, parents feel confident and learning grows naturally through play.
Learning to play, playing to learn.
Our nursery
Care for every stage.
Three age stages, one reassuringly familiar nursery journey. Each room is designed around what children need now, while relationships and routines create continuity as they grow.
Baby Room
A calm, sensory-rich space for our youngest children, with consistent key carers and routines built around each baby’s own rhythm.
- Dedicated key-person care
- Individual sleep & feeding routines
- Daily updates via Tapestry
Toddler Room
Busy, curious and building independence — balancing free-flow play with the first steps toward group learning.
- Free-flow indoor & outdoor play
- Early language & social skills
- Self-care & toilet-training support
Pre-School
Confident, capable and ready for school — purposeful play with a clear focus on independence and school readiness.
- Early literacy & number skills
- Symbols & Visuals Award
- School transition support
Their journey with us
From first days to first day of school.
The same visual language follows children through the site — helping parents understand one connected journey from baby room to school readiness.
Baby Room
Security, sensory discovery and trusting relationships.
Toddler Room
Language, movement and growing independence.
Pre-School
Friendships, curiosity and purposeful learning.
School Ready
Confident, curious and prepared for the next step.
New · starting soon
Breakfast Club
A planned warm, unhurried start to the nursery day before your child moves straight into their usual room at 8am. Register your interest for proposed 7:00–8:00am weekday provision.
Cereal, toast, fresh fruit and milk or juice, served fresh in a calm environment.
Quiet play, stories and settling-in time before the busy day begins.
At 8am, children move seamlessly into their usual room and routine.
Day-to-day care
Every child can learn, grow and thrive.
Alongside the DOCKS Approach, every day is backed by warm, practical care from a team parents can trust.
Freshly cooked meals
Meals and snacks are prepared on site, with dietary needs considered.
Daily parent updates
Photos, observations and milestones can be shared through Tapestry.
Qualified & DBS-checked
A qualified early years team with ongoing training and safer recruitment.
Symbols & Visuals Award
Recognised for making communication accessible to children in our care.
Outdoor garden play
Fresh air, nature and space to explore.
Messy & creative play
Hands-on creativity that builds confidence and joy.
Storytelling corner
Books, stories and songs to spark imagination.
Quiet rest spaces
Calm, cosy areas for rest and recharging.
“Thank you for making nursery a place that Harry loves to come to and asks for in the holidays.”Parent recommendation · Dickory Docks
Fees & Funding
A clear childcare plan for your family.
Understand private fees, funded hours, what is included and how to request an exact quote for the attendance pattern you need.
Understand fees & funding →Careers
Do work that matters. Grow while you do it.
Explore nursery practitioner, baby-room and flexible opportunities with a close-knit early years team.
Explore Careers →Guides & advice
Useful answers before and after you enquire.
Helpful content should answer real parent questions and lead naturally to the room, curriculum, funding or visit page that helps with the next decision.
Get in touch
Let’s find your child a place at Dickory Docks.
Places can fill quickly, particularly in younger age groups. Tell us your preferred start date and sessions and we’ll help you understand the next step.
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0118 959 8252
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enquiries@dickorydocksdaynursery.co.uk
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Cockney Hill, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 4EX
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Monday–Friday, 8am–6pmClosed bank holidays and one week at Christmas
Common questions
Before you enquire.
Clear answers to common questions from families comparing nurseries in Tilehurst and Reading.
What ages does Dickory Docks accept?
Dickory Docks provides nursery care and early years education for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, from approximately 3 months old until they start school.
What are the nursery opening hours?
The nursery is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, 51 weeks of the year, closing on bank holidays and for one week over Christmas.
Where is Dickory Docks nursery?
Dickory Docks Educational Day Nursery is on Cockney Hill in Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 4EX.
Does Dickory Docks accept funded childcare?
Yes. Dickory Docks accepts eligible government-funded early years places. Availability and any additional charges depend on the attendance pattern and current nursery policy.
What is the current Ofsted rating?
The latest published Ofsted report for Dickory Docks is dated 28 July 2023 and records an overall rating of Good.