Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 07:45 – 17:30.
Phoenix Nursery
Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2022)
Number of places
28 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2022
Local authority
Hertfordshire
About this day nursery
Phoenix Nursery Stevenage offers a warm, family-oriented environment where children aged 10 months to 5 years are nurtured to become happy, confident, curious, and caring learners. Established in 1984 by Louise Grey and now managed by her daughter Claire, the nursery prides itself on a "home from home" atmosphere within a mixed-age setting.
They go beyond Ofsted minimum requirements regarding staff qualifications, with several team members holding BA degrees in Education and Early Years. The curriculum, based on the Early Years Foundation Stage, balances structured learning with child-led exploration, both indoors and in their outdoor classroom and surrounding woodlands.
Children benefit from regular walks to local attractions like Fairlands Valley Lakes, fostering an understanding of their community. Activities include forest school sessions, cooking, music, movement, and yoga.
The nursery emphasises healthy lifestyles and positive social behaviour, with a key person system to support each child's individual development. Parents are actively involved through a termly forum and are encouraged to participate in their child's learning journey via an online platform.
Phoenix Nursery enjoys a strong reputation, particularly for preparing children for school, and offers flexible full-time or part-time day care.
Our ethos
Phoenix Nursery bases its curriculum on the Early Years Foundation Stage, balancing structured learning with child-led exploration. They foster a "home from home" atmosphere, nurturing happy, confident, curious, and caring learners through activities like forest school and community walks, with a focus on individual development and parental involvement.
What it's like
All children enjoy inclusive activities at the nursery, including walks to the woods where they develop skills like putting on their own coats. Children develop a love of reading, with staff supporting those who struggle to focus and encouraging older children to confidently participate in stories. They also visit the local library, learning about the wider community and caring for borrowed items.
Family-owned and runOutdoor classroom and woodland explorationHighly qualified staffMixed-age learning environmentStrong local reputation
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
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
10 months to 5 years
Term time / All Year
Mixed
Session types
Full time, Part time
Established
2005
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Phoenix Nursery
Last inspected 27 January 2022 · Jenny Hardy
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
What it's like to attend
All children enjoy inclusive activities at the nursery, including walks to the woods where they develop skills like putting on their own coats. Children develop a love of reading, with staff supporting those who struggle to focus and encouraging older children to confidently participate in stories. They also visit the local library, learning about the wider community and caring for borrowed items.
Inspector highlights
- Children benefited from high levels of support from staff to continue their learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Children of all ages experience a language-rich environment, with staff learning basic words in children's native languages and using relevant key vocabulary.
- The highly qualified staff team continuously reflect on the provision they offer, implementing relevant changes effectively.
- Relationships with parents are strong, with the manager offering appropriate levels of support to each family and keeping parents well informed.
Areas to develop
- 1use questioning and discussion even more effectively to help assess children's understanding and extend their knowledge even further.
Inspection #10219430 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities enjoy outings. Children who are not yet ready to talk, communicate with staff using visual cues, which helps them understand expectations and keeps them safe.
Outdoor space
The youngest children join the older children on a walk to the woods, where they develop skills such as putting on their own coats. Staff accompany their key children outside to support their individual needs and learning requirements. The oldest children talk about when they built a house for creatures in the woods.
Parent Reviews of Phoenix Nursery
4.0
(2)
Natasha Tasha
6 years ago
My son attended this nursery. We both loved it and he thrived here. Staff always had children at heart. Can't thank the team enough!
Read on Google
olatokunbo awojobi
6 years ago
Reviews from Google for Phoenix Nursery. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: February 2009
- January 2022Good
- August 2016Good
- February 2016Inadequate
- July 2015Good
- September 2014Requires improvement
- February 2009Good
Frequently asked about Phoenix Nursery
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