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

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2024)
·Northgate Primary School, Cricketfield Lane, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 2RL · Hertfordshire
Number of places
72 places
Age range
2–5 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2024
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Early Birds and Night Owls offers dedicated childcare services designed to support children's development from early years through to pre-school and after-school care. Their approach centres on the Curiosity Approach philosophy, which fosters curiosity, creativity, and independence within a nurturing and homely environment.

The provider operates several settings, including Little Ladybirds and Appletree pre-schools, along with Early Birds breakfast clubs and Night Owls after-school clubs in and around Bishop's Stortford and Stansted. Each pre-school focuses on individualised attention, aiming to enrich children's experiences and imaginative thinking through diverse activities, thereby building their independence and confidence.

The breakfast clubs prioritise nutritional meals for better concentration, while the after-school clubs provide a mix of structured activities and free play, including a snack and often a hot meal. Additionally, Holiday Hedgehogs offers holiday care for children aged 2-11 with creative activities and experiences.

The organisation is committed to high standards of care, with some settings already accredited under The Curiosity Approach and others actively working towards it.

Our ethos

The nursery's approach centres on the Curiosity Approach philosophy, which fosters curiosity, creativity, and independence within a nurturing and homely environment. They are committed to high standards of care, with some settings accredited under The Curiosity Approach and others working towards it.

What it's like

Children are happy and relish their time in the calm and relaxed pre-school. Careful consideration is given to key-person allocations, and an effective buddy system is in place. This helps the children to form strong and trusting relationships with staff.

Curiosity ApproachBreakfast ClubAfter-School ClubHoliday Club

Pricing & funding

Charges are based on sessions for wrap-around care, pre-schools, and holiday clubs, with rates varying by school location. Holiday care fees include breakfast and a cooked lunch, with parents providing a packed tea. Fees are billed monthly in advance.

  • 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 one month in advance, required by the 1st of each month.
  • A 50p sibling discount is offered for breakfast and afterschool club settings.
  • Holiday club offers a 50% discount for a third child.
  • One month's notice is required for planned absences, which incur a 50% retainer fee to hold the place.
  • No refunds are provided for missed sessions.
  • Payments can be made via cash, BACS, or childcare vouchers; cheques are not accepted.

Key facts

Opening hours

each weekday during school term times only from 7.30am until 6.30pm

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

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

Last inspected 16 October 2024 · Lyndsey Barwick

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

What it's like to attend

Children are happy and relish their time in the calm and relaxed pre-school. Careful consideration is given to key-person allocations, and an effective buddy system is in place. This helps the children to form strong and trusting relationships with staff.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are extremely well supported in learning to be independent, with opportunities to self-serve food and drinks and wash their own plates.
  • Children are becoming confident communicators through meaningful conversations with staff, modelling of words, and the introduction of new vocabulary.
  • Children curiously explore and remain engaged in enticing activities, with staff extending their learning through spontaneous opportunities.
  • The staff place an emphasis on developing a strong partnership with parents, who speak positively about their children’s progress and the strong key-person system.
  • Staff benefit from supportive and encouraging leaders who prioritise their welfare and well-being, providing effective mentoring and coaching.

Areas to develop

  • 1support staff to develop their interactions with children to raise the quality of teaching to a consistently high level.
Inspection #10366771 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

They comment that their children have made progress since starting.

Parents report on the strong key-person system and valuable home visits that the children receive.

They feel that these help their children to settle when they start.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

There is a well-thought-out and ambitious curriculum in place at the pre-school that is adapted according to the needs of the children attending. Leaders have a clear vision of what they want children to learn and achieve, and have high expectations for all children. Staff know all the children well and plan activities that ignite their curiosity and further their development.

Outdoor space

The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. The inspector carried out joint observations with the manager of free play outdoors.

Inspection history

Most recent inspection

16 October 2024

Good

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