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Early Birds, Night Owls & Little Ladybirds Pre-School in Bishop's Stortford (CM23 2NL)

Ofsted: Outstanding
(May 2025)
·St. Josephs Catholic Primary School, Great Hadham Road, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 2NL · Hertfordshire
Number of places
80 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
May 2025
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Early Birds and Night Owls is a dedicated childcare provider that aims to support children's development and well-being through a variety of services. They offer before and after-school care through their Early Birds and Night Owls clubs, as well as early learning journeys at their preschool settings, Little Ladybirds and Appletree.

The nursery embraces the Curiosity Approach, a child-led educational philosophy that champions creativity, curiosity, and independence within cosy, homelike environments. Several of their settings have achieved full accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to high standards of care, with others actively working towards this recognition.

Beyond their core services, they also run 'Holiday Hedgehogs', a holiday club that welcomes children aged 2-11 years, offering creative activities and new experiences. They encourage interested families to explore their website for more information on the care provided and the values that guide their work, and to connect with them on Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates and a glimpse into daily life at their centres.

Our ethos

Our settings follow the Curiosity Approach, a child-led philosophy that encourages curiosity, creativity and independence within calm and homely spaces. Two of our settings have full accreditation, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards of care. whilst the others are actively working towards their accreditation.

What it's like

Children enter the setting extremely confident and self-assured, having developed strong trusting bonds with the staff. Staff plan an excellent range of learning experiences for children to choose from and which are designed to ignite and enhance their interests. Children's behaviour is exceptional, and staff skilfully teach them how to express their emotions and feelings.

Curiosity ApproachBefore and After School CareHoliday Club

Pricing & funding

This provider operates breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, pre-schools, and holiday clubs across multiple school sites. Pre-school sessions are available as morning, afternoon, or full-day bookings. Holiday club fees include breakfast and a cooked lunch, while parents must provide a packed tea.

Funding accepted

Tax-Free Childcare
  • Early Birds Breakfast Club (St Joseph's Catholic Primary School)£10.10 / session
  • Early Birds Breakfast Club (Windhill21)£9.90 / session
  • Early Birds Breakfast Club (Northgate Primary School)£9.90 / session
  • Early Birds Breakfast Club (Magna Carta Primary Academy)£9.90 / session
  • Night Owls Afterschool Club (St Joseph's Catholic Primary School)£20.90 / session

Good to know

  • Fees are due monthly in advance, payable by the 1st of each month.
  • No refunds are offered for missed or cancelled sessions.
  • Accepts cash, BACS, and childcare vouchers, but cheques are not accepted.
  • A late payment fee applies to overdue balances.
  • One month's notice is required for planned absences, which incur a 50% retainer fee.
  • Sibling discounts are available for breakfast, afterschool, and holiday clubs.

Key facts

Food

Breakfast and a cooked lunch are included in the Holiday Hedgehogs full-day fee. A packed tea is required for Holiday Hedgehogs.

Opening hours

Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6.30pm

Age range

2-11 years for Holiday Hedgehogs

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Early Birds, Night Owls & Little Ladybirds Pre-School

Last inspected 23 May 2025 · Linda Cranny

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Children enter the setting extremely confident and self-assured, having developed strong trusting bonds with the staff. Staff plan an excellent range of learning experiences for children to choose from and which are designed to ignite and enhance their interests. Children's behaviour is exceptional, and staff skilfully teach them how to express their emotions and feelings.

Inspector highlights

  • Inspirational leaders design a superb curriculum that staff expertly deliver.
  • Children have real-life experiences, such as using real hairdryers, to become hair stylists.
  • Teaching is outstanding; staff expertly model and guide children's learning.
  • Children are exceptionally confident due to expert guidance from staff.
  • Staff work efficiently with parents and other professionals to support children.
Inspection #10380778 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

'a place where children's dreams come true'

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff work efficiently with parents and other professionals to support children. They implement effective support plans and use funding to improve outcomes for children. As a result, children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make significant progress in their learning and development.

Outdoor space

Children become hunters and explorers in the garden, seeking out bears. They work together to build cars with tyres and crates, using their physical skills.

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

23 May 2025

Outstanding

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 Early Birds, Night Owls & Little Ladybirds Pre-School

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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