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Friends Together

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jan 2024)
·St. Dominic RC School, Southdown Road, HARPENDEN, AL5 1PF · Hertfordshire
Number of places
48 places
Age range
3–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2024
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Friends Together has been offering childcare services since 2005, operating from St. Dominic School in Harpenden. The establishment provides a range of provisions including a Breakfast Club, After School Club, and an afternoon Preschool, catering to children from Nursery age up to Year 6.

They also host a Summer Camp for children aged 4-12 during the first four weeks of the summer holidays. The nursery prides itself on working in partnership with families to nurture each child's development and learning through engaging play, exploration, activities, and plenty of outdoor time.

Their dedicated team is committed to ensuring a safe, happy, and fun-filled environment for all children, with all staff undergoing continuous training and holding current DBS checks and up-to-date safeguarding qualifications. Friends Together is regulated by OFSTED and achieved an "Outstanding" rating across all areas in their January 2024 inspection.

Our ethos

Friends Together fosters children's development and learning through engaging play, exploration, activities, and outdoor time, working in partnership with families. They are committed to providing a safe, happy, and fun-filled environment.

What it's like

The nurturing manager and staff are extremely successful in building on what children know and can already do as they play. They follow the children's interests and carefully steer their learning. Children demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, enjoying developing friendships and sharing experiences with peers and staff.

OFSTED OutstandingWraparound CareSummer Camp

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Opening hours

Breakfast Club: 7.45am to beginning of school day; After School Club: End of school day to 5pm or 6pm; Preschool Afternoon sessions: 12.30pm - 3.30pm

Age range

Nursery to Year 6

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

2013

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Friends Together

Last inspected 11 January 2024 · Ann Austen

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

The nurturing manager and staff are extremely successful in building on what children know and can already do as they play. They follow the children's interests and carefully steer their learning. Children demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, enjoying developing friendships and sharing experiences with peers and staff.

Inspector highlights

  • The provider and staff put children's welfare, safety and development at the centre of everything they do.
  • Partnerships with nursery staff and the reception teacher at the school are extremely positive, supporting continuity in children's care and education.
  • There is a very strong team ethos, and the manager actively supports staff well-being and professional development, including training on autism.
  • The manager and staff demonstrate high-quality teaching, skilfully extending children's thinking and broadening their knowledge.
  • The manager and staff place a high priority on supporting children's mental health and well-being, teaching breathing, relaxation, and stretching techniques.
Inspection #10301017 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

parents state that staff support children's emotional development very well and provide a safe and nurturing environment.

parents state that the pre-school is 'action packed' with fun and education and that they receive frequent updates about their child's care and learning.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well. Staff thoroughly understand children's needs, work well with other professionals, and involve parents in discussions, ensuring all children are included and make good progress. Staff training on autism has been very effective in broadening their understanding of how to support children with autism, leading to new techniques to support children to manage their emotions and enhance their speech.

Outdoor space

The inspector observed the manager and staff's interactions with the children during indoor and outdoor activities and assessed the impact these have on the children's progress and achievements.

Inspection history

Date: May 2014

  • January 2024Outstanding
  • January 2018Outstanding
  • May 2014Good

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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