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Highbury Lodge Day Nursery

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Oct 2023)
·
5.0(4 parent reviews) ·11 Highbury Road, Hitchin, SG4 9RW · Hertfordshire
Number of places
83 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2023
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Highbury Lodge Day Nursery in Hitchin provides exceptional care and education for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The nursery operates Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, offering a fully inclusive service that covers all activities, formula milk, nappies, nappy cream, baby wipes, sun cream, and nutritionally balanced meals and snacks.

The curriculum is based on EYFS principles, with a strong emphasis on outdoor play in age-appropriate gardens, including a sensory garden and mud kitchen. The nursery is committed to sustainability, holding an Eco-Schools Green Flag award and striving for zero waste to landfill.

They also incorporate programmes like Sing and Sign and Boogie Mites. Parents have access to an exclusive website and app, Childbase@home, offering resources and workshops.

Highbury Lodge is proud of its Ofsted "Outstanding" rating and focuses on developing children's language, social, physical skills, and independence across different age groups, from Caterpillars (youngest) to Preschool. The nursery manager, Kirsty Rose, welcomes inquiries and ensures a strong partnership between parents and staff.

What it's like

Children thrive at this welcoming nursery, settling quickly and forming strong bonds with staff. They become highly independent through carefully planned activities like self-serving meals and remain engrossed in motivating activities for lengthy periods, rapidly building on their knowledge and skills.

Ofsted OutstandingEco-Schools Green FlagAll-inclusive serviceStrong outdoor playSustainability focused

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare
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

Food

Freshly prepared well-balanced meals and snacks are included in the fees. All consumables like formula milk, nappies, nappy cream, baby wipes, and sun cream are also included in the fees, as part of the fully inclusive service.

Opening hours

7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding inset days and public holidays

Age range

6 weeks to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Highbury Lodge Day Nursery

Last inspected 3 October 2023

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 thrive at this welcoming nursery, settling quickly and forming strong bonds with staff. They become highly independent through carefully planned activities like self-serving meals and remain engrossed in motivating activities for lengthy periods, rapidly building on their knowledge and skills.

Inspector highlights

  • All children confidently lead their own learning, with expert support from staff.
  • Staff make the most of every learning opportunity, even spontaneous ones, to build on children's understanding and language development.
  • Communication is at the heart of everything staff do, providing children with correct vocabulary and ample time to process discussions, leading to rapid communication skill development.
  • The well-being of staff and families is paramount to the dedicated leadership team, who provide immense compassion, support, and guidance.
  • Leaders and managers are passionate about the nursery, driving it forward through networking, volunteering for programmes, reflective practices, and robust policies to support child well-being.
Inspection #10309658 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff assess the needs of children who require additional support before they start at the nursery and engage with parents right from the start. For instance, parents participate in a health and safety inclusion walk around the nursery to identify any potential issues. This enables staff to arrange the environment effectively to support children's individual needs. As a result, they can access all learning opportunities immediately.

Outdoor space

Children actively explore, indoors and outdoors, and curiously visit other rooms that they have recently transitioned from. Staff are fully aware when this happens and welcome them in, engaging with them warmly and allowing them to explore the familiar resources.

Parent Reviews of Highbury Lodge Day Nursery

5.0
(4)
Michaela McErlain
2 years ago

Rosie’s key worker Amy has been particularly wonderful with Rosie, she loves her. She is also brilliant at uploading photos and moments on the ParentZone app which are so lovely to see. Thank you!

Read on Google
Nick
7 months ago

A wonderful nursery with fantastic staff. After putting both our kids through here I couldn't recommend it enough.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Highbury Lodge Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: November 2009

  • October 2023Outstanding
  • December 2017Outstanding
  • August 2013Outstanding
  • November 2009Outstanding

Frequently asked about Highbury Lodge Day Nursery

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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