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Cosmos Nursery and Kindergarten

Ofsted: Expected standard·
5.0(4 Google reviews)
·Units 5-6, 40 Coldharbour Lane, Harpenden, AL5 4UN · Hertfordshire
Number of places
30 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2026
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this early years setting

Cosmos Nursery and Kindergarten in Harpenden offers a warm and engaging environment for children aged 1 to 4 years, operating Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 18:00. Children are happy and enjoy their time, exploring activities like the mud kitchen and water play, and engaging in conversation with enthusiastic staff who act as excellent role models.

The setting encourages independence and thinking skills through deep and meaningful play, with a curriculum that is well-planned and teaching often well-pitched. Children develop self-care skills, make healthy choices, and build positive, trustful relationships with staff.

All children make good progress from their individual starting points, supported by effective communication with families and external agencies. The nursery places a high priority on children's welfare and wellbeing, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere for mealtimes, and ensures children stay hydrated and protected in hot weather.

Outdoor learning is encouraged, with babies exploring nature by watering plants, and older children taking part in supervised woodwork activities, fostering risk-taking in a safe environment. While children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) generally make progress, leaders recognise the need to further strengthen staff support and knowledge to consistently meet all individual needs.

Cosmos Nursery and Kindergarten was rated as meeting a Strong Standard by Ofsted for Behaviour, Attitudes and Establishing Routines, and Children's Welfare and Wellbeing, with an Expected Standard for Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching, Inclusion, and Leadership and Governance in its inspection on 26 June 2026. This means the setting reaches a strong standard overall, with leaders working above the expected standard in key areas.

What it's like

Children are happy and enjoy their time at nursery, exploring activities like the mud kitchen and engaging in conversation with enthusiastic staff. They develop self-care skills, make healthy choices, and build positive, trustful relationships with staff, who are excellent role models. All children make progress from their individual starting points, supported by effective communication between staff, families, and external agencies.

Strong behaviourPositive relationshipsDeep playWellbeing focusOutdoor explorationEffective communication

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 07:30 - 18:00

Ofsted Inspection — new report card

Expected standard

Last inspected Jun 2026

Headline: Expected standard

Grade summary

Exceptional
—
Strong standard
Expected standard
Needs attention
—
Urgent improvement
—

Each dot represents one of the six inspection categories. Headline is the average of the six grades, rounded up.

Category grades

AchievementExpected standard
Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routinesStrong standard
Children's welfare and wellbeingStrong standard
Curriculum and teachingExpected standard
InclusionExpected standard
Leadership and governanceExpected standard
Age range
1 to 4
Registers
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register
Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted report for Cosmos Nursery and Kindergarten

Last inspected 26 June 2026 · Emma Salomon

Safeguarding effective

What it's like to attend

Children are happy and enjoy their time at nursery, exploring activities like the mud kitchen and engaging in conversation with enthusiastic staff. They develop self-care skills, make healthy choices, and build positive, trustful relationships with staff, who are excellent role models. All children make progress from their individual starting points, supported by effective communication between staff, families, and external agencies.

Inspector highlights

  • Children behave consistently well, and staff distract children in a positive way.
  • Staff praise children for both effort and achievement, developing intrinsic motivation.
  • Children's welfare and wellbeing are high priority, with highly effective communication with families and external agencies.
  • Children participate in deep and meaningful play, developing independence and thinking skills.
  • The curriculum is well planned, and teaching is pitched well most of the time.

Areas to develop

  • 1Leaders should strengthen staff practice so that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are consistently supported and well prepared for their next stages in learning.
  • 2Leaders should develop the support staff receive to extend their knowledge and skills so that they can respond appropriately to children's changing needs and stages of development.
Inspection #2792878 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff consistently hold high expectations for all children's behaviour, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and encourage them to tidy up and follow daily routines. Children with SEND or barriers to learning make progress, with staff supporting their self-care skills and inclusion in everyday routines. Generally, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are making progress in their learning, and leaders ensure effective plans are in place to support disadvantaged children or those with barriers to learning, though these are not always fully established. Leaders take action when speech and language needs are identified, communicating effectively with staff, but some staff do not consistently support children's individual needs. Leaders understand that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) need more support to engage with the curriculum fully, and staff need more support to develop their knowledge to consistently support individual and SEND needs.

Outdoor space

Outside, babies explore the natural environment as they water plants. Children take risks during play and activities, for example, children participate in woodwork activities under close supervision by staff. Children enjoy water play, and this helps keep children and staff cool.

Google Reviews of Cosmos Nursery and Kindergarten

5.0
(4 Google reviews)
Elise Stanger
10 months ago

A Truly Exceptional Nursery Experience Cosmos Nursery and Kindergarten has been an absolute gift to our family. From the very beginning, Dominique and her team has been nothing short of wonderful—friendly, caring, nurturing, and always full of warmth. Our son started at just 15 months old and settled in so quickly, which was a testament to the supportive and loving environment created by the staff. He’s now two and walks in every morning with confidence and a smile, completely at ease no matter who greets him at the door. The environment at Cosmos is so inviting and thoughtfully designed—it feels like a home away from home. One of the things we love most is the frequent and meaningful time the children spend immersed in nature. Whether they’re exploring the garden, going on outdoor adventures, or engaging in nature-inspired activities, the connection to the natural world is beautifully woven into their days. We had previously considered taking our son out of nursery when we had our second child, but he is so happy and thriving, and with another baby on the way there certainly isn’t any question about him staying—he’s settled, confident, and learning so much every day. Leaving your child in someone else’s care is daunting, but at Cosmos, I have complete confidence every single day. They go above and beyond, and it shows—not just in what they do, but in how deeply they care. We feel so lucky to be part of this special place. We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Cosmos to other families.

Read on Google
Laura Lewis
a year ago

My daughter started at Kinder Harmony, in the Baby Room, 5 months ago, and I couldn't be happier. Dominque and the team are honestly some of the nicest people I have ever met. They care about each and every child, and their passion for what they do is evident both in the way they interact with the children and us, as parents. I knew my daughter would be happy there. The setting is absolutely wonderful. There is a separate room for the younger babies, giving them the option to play/rest in a quiet environment whilst also having the opportunity, to engage, play and learn with the older children in the main room too. There are so many learning opportunities, with well thought out days combining indoor and outdoor play. I feel so lucky that my daughter is part of the Kinder Harmony Family. She is in very safe hands surrounded by people who I know will nurture and develop her to the very best of her potential. Thanks so much for everything you do x

Read on Google
Claire Baptiste
a year ago

Exceptional Care and Support at Kinder Harmony Our son started at Kinder Harmony in September 2024, and it has been a truly wonderful experience. We wanted to give him enough time to settle in before sharing an honest review, and now, after a few months, we couldn't be happier with our decision to choose this nursery. The level of care and attention he receives from the staff is exceptional. They are incredibly helpful, loving, and supportive, creating an environment where our son feels safe, happy, and nurtured. His personal growth and development in just a few months have been remarkable, and we are thrilled with how well he is thriving. The manager, Dominique Ring, deserves special recognition. She has been amazing to interact with—always approachable, responsive, and deeply knowledgeable. Whether it’s answering emails promptly or addressing any queries we have, her professionalism and dedication are outstanding. The setting itself is beautiful, clean, and thoughtfully organized to provide the best environment for children to learn and play. Every day, our son comes home looking as though he’s had a fabulous time, and the photos and updates we receive confirm just how engaged and happy he is. We are extremely happy with Kinder Harmony and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff for the incredible work they do. You’ve created a space that not only supports children’s development but also brings parents peace of mind. Thank you for everything!

Read on Google
Charly Oakley
a year ago

Both of my daughters attend kinder harmony and have done for almost two years. I couldn’t be happier with their provision. Child rearing needs a village, and the team at kindy have given me that village. I can discuss any problems we’re having at home, or during the week, and we work collaboratively to find a solution. It’s clear that Dom and the team care about and deeply understand all of the children in their care. The children have a wonderful time, always out and about in the community or engaging in activities ranging from den building to snail care! Thank you so much team kindy, you guys are phenomenal and we’re so lucky to have found you.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Cosmos Nursery and Kindergarten. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

26 June 2026

Expected standard

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

Frequently asked about Cosmos Nursery and Kindergarten

About the setting

Cosmos Nursery and Kindergarten is registered with Ofsted on 21/06/2024 as childcare on non-domestic premises, operating under Kinder Harmony Ltd. It accepts children on the Early Years Register (EYR), Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR), and Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR).

URN
2792878
Registered person
Kinder Harmony Ltd
Day care type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Register
EYR, CCR, VCR
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more