Opening hours
Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with sessions from 7.30am until 6.30pm
Little Raccoons Day Nursery (Apsley)
Ofsted: Good
(May 2023)
Number of places
36 places
Age range
0–4 yrs
Last inspected
May 2023
Local authority
Hertfordshire
About this day nursery
Little Raccoons Day Nursery (Apsley) is a childcare setting in Hemel Hempstead that first registered in 2016. It operates from Stephenson Cottage, 306 Belswains Lane, HP3 9XE, offering full day care for children aged 0 to 4 years.
The nursery is open Monday to Friday, all year round, from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. With a dedicated team of 10 childcare staff, five of whom hold level 3 or above early years qualifications, the nursery is equipped to provide high-quality care.
The latest Ofsted inspection, carried out on 4th May 2023, rated the nursery as 'Good' across all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The previous inspection also rated the nursery as 'Good', demonstrating consistent quality.
The nursery aims to create a stimulating environment where children feel safe and secure, fostering close relationships with staff who know them well and respond to their individual needs.
What it's like
Children build close relationships with staff, who know them well and are responsive to their needs. This helps children to feel safe and secure in their care. Children enjoy listening to stories and singing songs, and eagerly investigate activities provided outdoors. They behave politely and kindly, showing positive behaviours and responding well to staff’s gentle guidance.
Strong relationships with staffLanguage-rich environmentPositive behaviourWell-supported learningGood leadership
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)
Key facts
Term time / All Year
All_year
Established
2016
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Little Raccoons Day Nursery (Apsley)
Last inspected 4 May 2023
Overall effectiveness
Good
What it's like to attend
Children build close relationships with staff, who know them well and are responsive to their needs. This helps children to feel safe and secure in their care. Children enjoy listening to stories and singing songs, and eagerly investigate activities provided outdoors. They behave politely and kindly, showing positive behaviours and responding well to staff’s gentle guidance.
Inspector highlights
- Children build close relationships with staff, who know them well and are responsive to their needs.
- Staff provide a language-rich environment, introducing new words and sharing knowledge on children's topics of conversation.
- Children behave politely and kindly towards others and quickly help their friends to overcome difficulties.
- The manager has developed a curriculum that meets the needs of the children and ensures staff understand the intent of the activity.
- Parents receive regular updates and assessments of their child's learning and development.
- Staff promote children's welfare. There are clear processes for recording and monitoring accidents and incidents in place.
- Staff benefit from regular supervision meetings, where they can discuss their key children, their general well-being and professional development.
Areas to develop
- 1enhance staff knowledge and understanding of adapting practice to support younger children and meet their specific needs
- 2review the organisation of adult-led group times so that all children remain focused and engaged in their learning.
Inspection #10286577 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
Outdoor space
Children eagerly investigate the activities provided outdoors and relish their time in the garden. They work together to make obstacle courses, using planks, tyres and slides. Staff ensure the areas are safe for children to play in and keep children under close supervision as they play in the garden.
Parent Reviews of Little Raccoons Day Nursery (Apsley)
5.0
(6)
David Hoyte
4 months ago
Our daughter went to little Raccoons for 3 years, and in that time the team made her stay an amazing experience from all of her early key stages. I believe this to be a major reason she has started so well in big school. From the first drop off to her graduation day, my wife and I felt more than happy to entrust them with the care of our daughter…….. Great staff, great ownership and would highly recommend for any parents in the area.
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Sebin sp
10 months ago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Wonderful Nursery Experience We've had such a positive experience with this nursery. Our child looked forward to going every day and always came home happy and full of stories. The environment is welcoming, and the staff are incredibly supportive, caring, and attentive—including the manager, who is always approachable and involved. It's clear they genuinely care about the children’s well-being and development.
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charlotte whitley
9 months ago
We love this nursery, our little one loves it too. They always make such an effort with any event and get all the parents and other family members involved. Would highly recommend, such a cosy place for the children with a lovely team.
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Michael French
6 months ago
The best, thank you for looking after our little one for so long ❤️
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Dilshan Enterprises
a year ago
Great nursery. Great location and great staff.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Little Raccoons Day Nursery (Apsley). See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: November 2017
- May 2023Good
- November 2017Good
Frequently asked about Little Raccoons Day Nursery (Apsley)
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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