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Playschool Nursery St Albans

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
·Playschool House, Alma Road, St Albans, AL1 3AR · Hertfordshire
Number of places
90 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Whanau Day Nursery, a family-owned and operated childcare provider in Hertfordshire, is dedicated to delivering outstanding care for children aged three months to five years. The nursery focuses on fostering a vibrant and structured learning environment that encourages social development from a young age.

Their core philosophy, encapsulated in their vision 'Together we strive for excellence, inspiring everyone to flourish and be life-long learners,' guides all aspects of their operation. With a commitment to passion, professionalism, commitment, care, honesty, and collaboration, Whanau Day Nursery aims to provide a setting where children can thrive.

The nursery prides itself on in-house chefs who prepare meals adhering to Food for Life accreditation standards, beautiful buildings designed to enable children's growth, and experienced carers who provide the highest standards of care. They also highlight their convenient locations near mainline stations with connections to London.

Our ethos

Our vision is: "Together we strive for excellence, inspiring everyone to flourish and be life-long learners." We are passionate, professional, committed, caring, honest, and collaborative.

What it's like

Children settle well and enjoy exploring this interesting and vibrant nursery, engaging in a wealth of play opportunities planned around their ages, interests, and learning needs. They are encouraged to be independent and take on responsibilities, supporting their growing confidence. Staff model polite and respectful behaviour, and children behave well, being kind and helpful towards their friends.

Family-ownedFood for Life accredited mealsExperienced carersStructured learning environment

Pricing & funding

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)
Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

Key facts

Food

In-house chefs cook to Food for Life accreditation standards

Opening hours

7:30am - 6:30pm, Monday to Friday

Age range

3 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2011

Waitlist

Unknown

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Playschool Nursery St Albans

Last inspected 9 June 2025 · Antonia Campbell

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 settle well and enjoy exploring this interesting and vibrant nursery, engaging in a wealth of play opportunities planned around their ages, interests, and learning needs. They are encouraged to be independent and take on responsibilities, supporting their growing confidence. Staff model polite and respectful behaviour, and children behave well, being kind and helpful towards their friends.

Inspector highlights

  • Leaders continuously evaluate care and seek feedback from professionals and parents, providing opportunities for families to visit and sharing comprehensive information about children's progress.
  • Staff are sensitive to children's emotional needs and well-being, introducing age-appropriate strategies to help children feel secure and confident.
  • Staff provide a wealth of age-appropriate resources and activities, adapting their teaching to meet individual learning needs.
  • Children are developing a strong understanding of their personal safety and confidently discuss important safety practices.
  • The team of staff is well qualified and committed to enhancing their knowledge and skills, with leaders supporting career aspirations and providing training opportunities.

Areas to develop

  • 1consider ways to further incorporate children's changing interests into staff's teaching, particularly during planned activities with older children
  • 2enhance current methods of coaching and mentoring to further promote the skills and knowledge of room leaders.
Inspection #10406698 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children's progression through the nursery is conducted in a sensitive manner and reflects their different needs. Where necessary, staff will move rooms with children to provide more long-term support.

Outdoor space

All children enjoy daily sessions of outdoor play to develop their physical skills. Staff also provide an indoor garden that allows children to explore concepts, such as growth and decay.

Inspection history

Date: May 2012

  • June 2025Good
  • December 2021Good
  • December 2016Good
  • August 2016Inadequate
  • October 2013Good
  • May 2012Outstanding

Frequently asked about Playschool Nursery St Albans

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