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Little Nightingales Day Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Nov 2022)
·
4.7(11 parent reviews)
·Nightingale Cottage, Barnet Road, ST. ALBANS, AL2 1BG · Hertfordshire
Number of places
48 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
Nov 2022
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Little Nightingales Nursery, now part of the Kindred Nurseries family, has been a cornerstone of the London Colney community for nearly two decades. The nursery prides itself on fostering a "home from home" environment, with a consistent and dedicated staff team that builds strong relationships with families.

Located conveniently close to major motorways (M25, M1, and A1), it offers a practical solution for commuting parents. The nursery cares for children aged between 3 months and 5 years, operating from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

It provides nourishing, home-cooked meals prepared by an on-site chef and offers enrichment activities such as Supernastics and Super Star Sports. Daily outdoor play is a key component of their schedule.

Little Nightingales Nursery is rated "Good" by Ofsted and accepts various government funding options to support families with childcare costs. The nursery emphasises transparent fee structures and offers a supportive process for new children to settle in, including multiple introductory sessions.

What it's like

Children at Little Nightingales Day Nursery enjoy a home-from-home experience with warm and nurturing care. The manager has designed a curriculum that supports children's consistent progress, offering a range of experiences that foster language and communication skills. Staff effectively build on children’s existing knowledge and interests, ensuring engaging and meaningful learning.

Established community presenceConvenient location for commutersHome-cooked mealsGovernment funding acceptedOfsted rated Good

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured by age groups, dividing children into those aged 3 months to 3 years and those aged 3 to 5 years. Parents can choose between extended days, standard full days, or half-day morning and afternoon sessions.

Funding accepted

30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)

Key facts

Session types

Extended Day, Full Day, Morning, Afternoon

Food

Fresh meals prepared daily by our on site chef.

Opening hours

07:30 to 18:30

Age range

3 Months up to 5 Years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Staff

Longstanding staff

Established

2007

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Nightingales Day Nursery

Last inspected 9 November 2022 · Clare Ford

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 at Little Nightingales Day Nursery enjoy a home-from-home experience with warm and nurturing care. The manager has designed a curriculum that supports children's consistent progress, offering a range of experiences that foster language and communication skills. Staff effectively build on children’s existing knowledge and interests, ensuring engaging and meaningful learning.

Inspector highlights

  • Children show happiness across the setting.
  • Children enjoy a range of experiences that support language and communication.
  • Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress.
  • The manager has a good oversight of the curriculum and its effectiveness.
  • Staff know and understand how to keep children safe.

Areas to develop

  • 1develop the way that periods of transition are organised to ensure that children remain engaged in experiences that continually support their learning and development.
Inspection #10235081 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

They comment that children make good progress with their learning, especially with their communication skills.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress. Effective partnership working supports children. The special educational needs coordinator understands how to help children and their families, for example when creating education healthcare plans. As a result, children receive appropriate support.

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. At times, children wait for adults to put beds away or open the doors to the garden. This results in less meaningful experiences for children's learning and development.

Parent Reviews of Little Nightingales Day Nursery

4.7
(11)
Chrissie Stevenson
a year ago

The staff are incredible! My son left 2 years ago after a wonderful 4 years and the staff always take time to greet him, ask him how school is and listen to his stories when we're picking up his sister. When he went up to school, the teachers were amazed at how advanced all the Little Nightingales children were already in phonics and maths. My daughter LOVES it here, she loves every single person who works here and tells me they are all her best friends! The management are so helpful and understanding even when working with the frustrating government systems for free hours and they go out of their way to make sure you are getting the best service possible. Elena, the owner, cares so deeply about the nursery, she knows every single child by name and is always around and joining in the fun.

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Rawan
a year ago

Finding the right nursery for my autistic son was a challenge, but I feel so blessed to have such an incredible nursery right on our doorstep. They provide amazing support for children with SEN, and their understanding and care have made such a difference. When I originally contacted the nursery with my son’s needs, Natalie got back to me straight away, unlike other establishments I had reached out to. We quickly arranged a viewing at the nursery, and she gave me such valuable advice that really helped guide my decision. From the moment my son started, the preschool staff have been absolutely fantastic, so patient, nurturing, and dedicated. They have been incredibly understanding of his needs, going above and beyond to ensure he feels supported and comfortable. Even though he’s only new to the nursery, the positive change in him has been incredible. He’s already settling in so well, and it’s such a relief to see him happy and thriving. I can’t thank the team enough for their amazing work. It’s so reassuring to know my son is in such capable and caring hands. I highly recommend this nursery to anyone looking for a supportive and inclusive environment.

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Elizabeth Alderson
a year ago

My son loves his time at Little Nightingales! He has a great relationship with all the staff and enjoys doing all the different activities. He has been there since a baby and now in preschool I can see how they have helped develop him into a fun loving boy getting ready for school! I would definitely recommend. Thank you to Caroline and the team!

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Tatiana Di Donato
4 years ago

My daughter has been attending Little Nightingales Day Nursery since September 2020 and absolutely loves it. She is currently in the Woodpeckers, having moved up from the Nest, and loves the girls so much. The girls are so good with her and have her best interests in mind at all times. There are daily updates and photos on the app which is really good. I literally cannot fault the nursery. No question is ever too big for them and they are always happy to help and guide. We had always thought my daughter would attend a different nursery but on visiting Little Nightingales Day Nursery, we knew straight away it was perfect and a home from home. The food is home made, nutritious and my daughter always finishes all of her meals and snacks.

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S Palfrey
3 years ago

I cannot speak highly enough of Little Nightingales Children’s Day Nursery. My son started there just before he was one and absolutely loved it. It prepared him superbly for Reception, creating an enthusiasm for learning through the amazing variety of activities he participated in and the fabulous dedication of all the staff. My daughter is currently in preschool and is thriving. Since starting at the Nursery just before she was one she has progressed enormously in all aspects. The staff really develop excellent relationships with both children and parents and the home from home atmosphere is brilliant. There is a real sense of community around Little Nightingales.

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Little Nightingales Day Nursery. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: March 2011

  • November 2022Good
  • March 2017Good
  • October 2012Good
  • March 2011Good

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