--- title: "Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester) — Ofsted-rated Good" description: "Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester), a nursery in Watford — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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It operates from a non-domestic childcare premises in the town centre area." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What stands out about the care and learning at the nursery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff know children’s home backgrounds and individual needs well, which helps them support each child effectively. Literacy work is strong, with children enjoying stories across ages, and emotional support is carefully handled, helping children build resilience." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the nursery support children who speak English as an additional language?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Language work includes rhyming, sound matching and word play, such as linking words that begin with the same sound. 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Nappies and formula milk are not included." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is support arranged for children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff identify each child’s needs when they first start, then work with parents and outside professionals to put support plans in place. This joined-up approach helps staff respond to special educational needs and disabilities in a structured way." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which funded places does the nursery accept?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Funding accepted includes 15-hour universal entitlement for three- and four-year-olds, 30-hour working-parent entitlement for three- and four-year-olds, 15-hour disadvantaged entitlement for two-year-olds, and tax-free childcare." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [East of England](/search?region=East+of+England) 4. Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester) # Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester) Compare Contact Nursery Ofsted: Good (Feb 2022) · Lanchester Community Free School, Hempstead Road, Watford, WD17 3HD · Hertfordshire Number of places 42 places Age range 0–4 yrs Last inspected Feb 2022 Local authority Hertfordshire About - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## About this day nursery Squirrels Nursery in Watford Lanchester, established in September 2015, is a 40-place facility catering to babies and children aged 3 months to 5 years. Situated within the historic Lanchester building on the West Herts College campus, the nursery maintains a strong partnership with Lanchester Primary School, aiming for a seamless transition for children into their reception year. The nursery offers funded places for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds, with additional hours available between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Recognised for its commitment to high standards, Squirrels Watford Lanchester received a "Good" rating from Ofsted in February 2022, continuously striving for excellence in care and education. The nursery emphasises a play-based learning approach, recognising its crucial role in helping young children understand the world, develop socially and emotionally, and build confidence for their future. They adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, which guides their efforts in supporting children's rapid growth, development, and learning from birth to age five. Parents are encouraged to apply online or request a prospectus to learn more about the nursery's offerings. Our ethos Play is vital for children. Quite literally. It’s through play that babies and young children learn, grow and have fun. It helps them understand the world and to develop socially and emotionally. From the age of birth to five, children grow, develop and learn rapidly. They are constantly coming into contact with new experiences which they try to understand. Well planned play is central to children’s learning at this age. That way learning is both challenging and fun. What it's like Children settle well and enjoy coming to nursery. They play well alongside and with their friends. Children are able to develop a range of skills to help them for future learning through a curriculum that is ambitious and supports them to embed core skills. Play-based learning EYFS curriculum Partnership with local primary school Ofsted rated Good ## Pricing & funding Charges are calculated on an hourly basis for any hours exceeding funding entitlements, with meals billed as an additional daily charge. Fees are payable during all absences, including holidays and sickness. No sibling discounts are offered. Funding accepted 30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs) 15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs) 15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds Tax-Free Childcare Good to know - Four working weeks notice is required to cancel a nursery place. - Fees remain payable for all periods of absence, including illness and holidays. - No sibling discounts are available. - Fees do not include nappies or formula milk. - Late collection fees apply for pick-ups after 6pm. ## Key facts Opening hours 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Age range 3 months to 5 years Term time / All Year Mixed ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester) Inspection date Feb 2022 Inspection no. 10221341 Lead inspector Naomi Brown Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50180740)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY484065) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://squirrelsnurseries.co.uk/nurseries/squirrels-nursery-watford-central/) Lanchester Community Free School, Hempstead Road, Watford, WD17 3HD Opening hours 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/-0.40829/51.66228/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Watford - [Day nurseries in Watford](/search?q=Watford) - [Day nurseries in East of England](/search?q=East+of+England) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=squirrel-nurseries-watford-lanchester-wd17-3hd-ey484065) Ofsted Inspection ## Ofsted rating for Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester) Last inspected 22 February 2022 · Naomi Brown 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 coming to nursery. They play well alongside and with their friends. Children are able to develop a range of skills to help them for future learning through a curriculum that is ambitious and supports them to embed core skills. Inspector highlights - Staff understand children's home lives and experiences well, helping them to care for children with varying needs. - Leaders have a clear vision for the future of the nursery and provide considerable support to the manager. - Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well catered for as staff find out their needs when they first start. - Children's literacy development is strong, with children of all ages enjoying exploring stories with staff. - Staff understand children's emotional needs and take time to help build resilience. Areas to develop - 1 help staff to manage larger groups of younger children, to enable them to respond more successfully to these children's spontaneous interests - 2 review the organisation of large-group activities, particularly at times of transition, to help staff to support children to be more equally engaged at these times. Inspection #10221341 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50180740) ## What parents say Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection > they are very pleased with the care and education that their children receive > appreciate how staff have kept in touch with them, including times where parents have not come into the setting because of COVID- 19 restrictions > enjoy taking home activities and resources that help them to build on things their children have done at nursery Inclusion & environment ## How they support every child SEND provision Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well catered for as staff find out their needs when they first start. Staff work closely with outside professionals and with parents to implement plans to support these children's learning. Outdoor space Children particularly enjoy the outdoor area. They lift large planks and blocks as they construct a raised walkway, developing their upper body strength and solving problems. EAL / language support Children link words that start with the same sound, such as 'cat' and 'carpet' and staff help them find the rhyming word 'mat' to help them to explore and play with words. Such activities support the development of all children, including those who speak English as an additional language. Inspection history Date: August 2016 - February 2022 Good - August 2016 Good ## Frequently asked about Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester) ### Whereabouts is Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester)? ### What stands out about the care and learning at the nursery? ### How does the nursery support children who speak English as an additional language? ### Is Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester) a day nursery or preschool? ### What are the fees at Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester)? ### How is support arranged for children with SEND? ### Which funded places does the nursery accept? ## About the setting Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester) was registered in 2014 and is one of six nurseries managed by Squirrels Day Nursery Limited. The nursery employs 12 members of childcare staff, with three holding appropriate early years qualifications at level 6, including the manager. It opens from Monday to Friday for 48 weeks of the year, with sessions from 7.30am until 6pm. The nursery provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children and supports children who speak English as an additional language. URN EY484065 Registered person Squirrels Day Nurseries (Watford) Ltd Day care type Full day care Register Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Establishment type Childcare on non-domestic premises Previous rating Good ## Nearby day nurseries in Watford Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Squirrel Nurseries (Watford Lanchester). - [ Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Watford Watford · WD17 4NT 4.6(14 reviews) ](/nursery/monkey-puzzle-day-nursery-watford-wd17-4nt-2546682) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.2 mi ### Toad Hall Nursery Watford Watford · WD17 4LA 3.7(30 reviews) ](/nursery/toad-hall-nursery-watford-wd17-4la-130641) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.5 mi ### Bright Horizons The Park Day Nursery and Preschool Watford · WD18 7HR 4.4(7 reviews) ](/nursery/bright-horizons-the-park-day-nursery-and-preschool-wd18-7hr-ey305263) - [ Provider closed 0.5 mi ### Apex Learning Centre Watford Watford · WD17 1BJ ](/nursery/apex-learning-centre-watford-wd17-1bj-2768296) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Your Co-op Little Pioneers Nursery and Pre-School, Watford Junction Watford · WD17 1AB 4.0(11 reviews) ](/nursery/your-co-op-little-pioneers-nursery-and-pre-school-watford-junction-wd17-1ab-130628) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Super Steps Nursery Watford · WD17 2PS 4.9(57 reviews) ](/nursery/super-steps-nursery-wd17-2ps-2515467) [See all nurseries in Watford →](/search?q=Watford) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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