Opening hours
38 week term time calendar, with 9 weeks of holiday clubs available
Mount Carmel Kindergarten
Ofsted: Outstanding
(Sept 2024)
Number of places
62 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Sept 2024
Local authority
Hertfordshire
About this day nursery
Mount Carmel Kindergarten is an Ofsted Outstanding nursery in St Albans, offering pre-school education for children in the two years leading up to primary school. Most children typically enrol in September following their second birthday.
The kindergarten operates a term-time calendar of 38 weeks, allowing parents to choose 3, 4, or 5 days of attendance. During the 9 weeks of school holidays, optional holiday clubs are available for booking.
The curriculum and environment are specifically designed to provide a smooth transition from home or day care to primary school, equipping children with essential skills. The kindergarten, established in 1985 by Lucia and Franco Federici and now managed by their daughter Gabriella and sons Massimo and Stefano, has a strong reputation within the local community.
They prioritise parental involvement, viewing parents as primary educators, and collaborate closely to achieve optimal outcomes for each child. Mount Carmel Kindergarten is also highly regarded by both private and state primary schools for its effective preparation of children for their next educational stage.
Prospective families are encouraged to visit Kinder Lodge, a purpose-built Norwegian Log cabin located within the greenbelt of Verulam Playing Fields, to experience the setting firsthand.
What it's like
Staff greet children and families warmly on arrival, providing reassurance and support to help new children settle in comfortably to this outstanding setting. Children quickly become engaged in the highly effective and ambitious curriculum, exploring their imaginative world, and skilfully using tools to manipulate dough. Staff take every opportunity to introduce new words to children, fully supporting them to develop complex language.
Ofsted OutstandingTerm-time only with holiday clubsFamily-runPreparing for Primary SchoolFlexible attendance
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.
Request pricing →Key facts
Age range
2-4 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Session types
Full day, Holiday club
Established
2016
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Mount Carmel Kindergarten
Last inspected 9 September 2024 · Emily Woodhead
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
What it's like to attend
Staff greet children and families warmly on arrival, providing reassurance and support to help new children settle in comfortably to this outstanding setting. Children quickly become engaged in the highly effective and ambitious curriculum, exploring their imaginative world, and skilfully using tools to manipulate dough. Staff take every opportunity to introduce new words to children, fully supporting them to develop complex language.
Inspector highlights
- Staff are exceptionally skilled at engaging with children to support their learning and development.
- The leadership team is passionate about its role and works collaboratively to ensure that the setting is always operating to its best potential.
- The setting excels in supporting children's emotional well-being, with dedicated spaces such as cosy corners and special chairs in each room to help children regulate their emotions.
- Transitions throughout the day are smooth and seamless, supporting children as they move around the setting.
- Staff provide opportunities for families to share information about their cultural identity and to come in to talk about special celebrations.
Inspection #10354936 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
parents provide overwhelmingly positive feedback about the setting and consistently report that their children have made significant progress since starting at the setting.
Parents highlighted the setting's excellent communication, including daily updates, shared photos and termly development updates outlining their children's next steps in learning, helping parents to stay well informed and engaged in their child's learning journey.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Staff go above and beyond to ensure that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported. Staff ensure that the environment and children's experiences are adapted so that they feel included and have the same learning opportunities as other children, such as adapted pushchairs for sports days and adapted swings in the outside area.
Outdoor space
Swings are adapted in the outside area to enable all children to access them, supporting children to make the very best progress from their starting points.
Parent Reviews of Mount Carmel Kindergarten
5.0
(46)
Abi
9 months ago
Mount Carmel Kindergarten created such a wonderful environment for my son, one where he could grow in confidence, learn and play. The log cabin setting gave it such a warm, cosy feeling and the teachers were so welcoming every day. Sending my son in each day filled me with excitement at knowing what fun filled day he was going to have and as parents we felt rest assured he was in good hands. As parents when looking at nurseries, we couldn’t find one that felt like a home away from home. Until we came across Mount Carmel. From our first visit, we instantly felt excited at the thought that our son could be a part of this wonderful setting. Best decision we ever made, best start any parent could wish for. Hardest part is leaving the MCK family.
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Samantha Northcott
2 years ago
Mount Carmel is an absolutely exceptional kindergarten, which we feel so fortunate to have found. Since our son started in September, he has been so happy there and is thriving. The staff and management team are outstanding - they are always incredibly friendly, helpful and caring. We have been so impressed with the vast range of facilities, communication and fantastic activities that they do with the children each day and it means so much to us to know that our son has such a wonderful time there with his lovely friends and brilliant teachers. We couldn’t have asked for a better nursery.
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Abigail Ross
2 years ago
Mount Carmel is simply the most incredible place. It’s an odd feeling sending your child off into the wild when they are so little. I remember feeling quite overwhelmed researching local nurseries to send my first baby, naturally wanting to ensure I made the right choice. But from the moment I contacted Mount Carmel to book an open day visit, I instantly appreciated the care and commitment the staff have in creating a safe and nurturing environment. My little boy runs in each morning, absolutely thrilled to be there. He is encouraged and supported daily with such love and care. The staff are simply phenomenal, they take the time to learn about you as a family, not just your child, to understand their backgrounds, needs etc. I have never felt a nuisance when asking any questions or for advice. All the staff really want to help you as parents as well as motivate your child to explore their full potential in all aspects of their development. The range of activities and facilities are outstanding, and the environment is a home away from home. I can’t begin to thank Mount Carmel enough for everything they have done for us as a family. I look forward to my daughter enjoying this wonderful opportunity in the coming years too.
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Chiara Costanza
a year ago
Mount Carmel is an amazing nursery, the staff is very caring and they continue supporting my child during this important phase of his development. They have good outdoor space and facilities and we are glad our son had a chance to go there.
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Anna Tucker
a year ago
Brilliant nursery and atmosphere. All the staff are great and really care. Great feedback about development. Not many nurseries will offer weekly cooking, regular puppet shows and frequent woodland walks in summer. We’re very happy to have chosen Mount Carmel for our child.
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Mount Carmel Kindergarten. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Improved from Good → Outstanding in 2024
Date: November 2018
- September 2024Outstanding
- November 2018Good
Frequently asked about Mount Carmel Kindergarten
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