University Nurseries
- University Nursery Provision
- University Nursery Fee Salary Sacrifice Scheme (employees only)
- Childcare Vouchers (employees only)
- Holiday Play Schemes in Oxfordshire
University Nursery Provision
The University has one of the most generous and comprehensive approaches to childcare provision in the UK higher education sector. As at mid-2012, the University offers 444fte (full time equivalent) discounted childcare places for eligible members of staff (and students) at 12 nurseries located in and around Oxford. University nursery provision is outsourced to three reputable nursery providers under contracts managed by Childcare Services. There is a waiting list and it is common practice for expectant parents to apply for a nursery place well before their child is born. Mothers and fathers have equal rights in applying for place. For more information visit the Childcare Services web pages:
Certain colleges and departments participate in the university sponsored places scheme, which enables them to nominate staff or students for a priority place on the nursery waiting list. Ask your college or departmental administrator if they have such a place and whether it is occupied.
University Nursery Fee Salary Sacrifice Scheme (employees only)
If you have a university nursery place, you can significantly reduce the cost of childcare by joining the University’s Nursery Fee Salary Sacrifice Scheme. Under this scheme, the employee agrees to reduce his/her salary by the amount of his/her nursery fee and in return benefits from lower tax and national insurance deductions on the reduced salary. Under current legislation, the scheme only applies to nurseries where the employer takes part in "financing and managing the provision of the care”: employees using non-university nurseries are therefore not eligible for the scheme.
Childcare Vouchers (employees only)
The University offers child care vouchers to eligible staff as an opportunity to save tax and national insurance on other childcare costs. The vouchers can be used for registered childcare facilities such as fees for non-university nurseries, before and after school clubs, holiday play schemes, childminders, nannies and crèche facilities including those at swimming pools, gyms and supermarkets.
Holiday Play Schemes in Oxfordshire
The University works in partnership with play scheme providers to support families during the school holiday periods. See the University of Oxford Childcare Services website for further details.