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Ladybirds Nursery in St. Albans

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Feb 2022)
·
5.0(5 parent reviews)
·Birch Centre, Hill End Lane, St. Albans, AL4 0RA · Hertfordshire
Number of places
61 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2022
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Ladybirds Nursery in St Albans is an outstanding childcare provider dedicated to fostering a nurturing, stimulating, and educational environment for young children. They focus on combining a homely atmosphere with fun, interactive learning experiences designed to ignite a child's natural curiosity and enthusiasm for knowledge.

The nursery prides itself on its commitment to safeguarding children, participating in Operation Encompass, and ensures that staff are well-equipped to support children exposed to domestic abuse. The facility is praised for its tranquil setting and ample outdoor space, which contributes to a well-rounded and enriching experience for the children.

Reviews from parents consistently highlight the exceptional care and personalised attention their children receive, with many noting significant developmental progress and increased confidence during their time at Ladybirds. The nursery offers various rooms tailored to different age groups and places a strong emphasis on preparing children for their transition to reception.

What it's like

Children arrive at the nursery extremely happy. They build incredibly strong bonds with staff, for whom they show genuine affection. Children's exemplary behaviour and enthusiasm for learning show that they feel extremely happy, safe and secure.

Outstanding Ofsted ratingOperation Encompass partnerExtensive outdoor spaceHomely and stimulating environment

Pricing & funding

Fees are calculated over fifty-two weeks with the total cost spread equally across twelve monthly invoices. Government funding is stretched across the full fifty-two weeks of the year.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Billing is calculated over 52 weeks and spread equally over 12 monthly payments.
  • Funding is stretched over 52 weeks.
  • Stretched funding provides either 10.96 or 21.92 hours per week (47.5 or 95.0 hours per month).

Key facts

Opening hours

Monday to Friday all year round, with the exception of public holidays. Sessions are from 8am until 6pm.

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2003

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Ladybirds Nursery

Last inspected 22 February 2022

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 arrive at the nursery extremely happy. They build incredibly strong bonds with staff, for whom they show genuine affection. Children's exemplary behaviour and enthusiasm for learning show that they feel extremely happy, safe and secure.

Inspector highlights

  • Children are confident communicators from an early age.
  • Staff have an extensive range of qualifications and skills and are dedicated in their roles.
  • Staff promote children's positive behaviour and attitudes extremely well.
  • The managers have high expectations for what children can achieve.
  • Children enjoy regular time exploring outside.
Inspection #10127349 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

taught to navigate friendships, play, and disagreements in a very special way

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make exceptional progress.

Outdoor space

Children enjoy regular time exploring outside. Staff further encourage their independence skills when changing into outdoor waterproofs and wellington boots to attend the forest school session. Children explore the local park and learn to manage risks when climbing trees with support.

Parent Reviews of Ladybirds Nursery

5.0
(5)
Catherine O'Reilly
4 months ago

My little one has been at lady birds for just over a year. Sadly we are leaving as we are moving away. I cannot recommend this nursery enough. My little one has come on leaps and bounds since starting. She has grown in confidence and made so many friends. She asks to go to nursery everyday which is lovely to hear. I feel as though she has been in the safest hands and has made trusting relationships with her key worker/ nursery. Lastly, the location is great and the children love exploring highfield park.

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Oliver Gardiner
11 years ago

My daughter started at the nursery when she was 9 months old and is now in her final pre-school year. Both she and I and now my son love it. The nursery has a very warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff are amazing! there is a genuine warmth for the children in their care. It's a very nurturing environment and the children are encouraged to become independent thinkers. The nursery take full advantage of its fantastic location and the children are taken outside at least twice a day. I cannot recommend Ladybirds enough.

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Laura Woodward
11 years ago

My daughter thrived during her time at Ladybirds in the Kingfisher and Pre-school rooms. The staff are excellent, the environment fun yet comfortable and best of all they get their much needed outdoor time come rain or shine in the fabulous Highfield Park! I am eagerly waiting for my son to start his journey at Ladybirds to follow in his sisters footsteps. Highly recommend.

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Cheryl
11 years ago

A fantastic nursery based in Highfield Park in St Albans. The children get to benefit from the park on a daily basis and are well-cared for by a team of professionals. Highly recommended!

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Renske Hijbeek
11 years ago

Very warm and welcoming nursery with high standards

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Reviews from Google for Ladybirds Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: January 2011

  • February 2022Outstanding
  • February 2016Outstanding
  • October 2013Requires improvement
  • January 2011Outstanding

Frequently asked about Ladybirds 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