Food
Children are required to bring a packed lunch for Lunch Club.
St. Joseph's Playgroup
Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
Number of places
20 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Hertfordshire
About this day nursery
St. Joseph's Playgroup, located in Hertford, provides a welcoming and stimulating environment for preschool children aged 2 years to 4 years and 10 months. The playgroup focuses on fostering independence in young learners, thereby preparing them for their transition to primary school.
Situated on the grounds of St. Joseph's RC School, the playgroup is an integral part of the school community. It boasts qualified and nurturing childcare professionals, many of whom are parents themselves, ensuring a consistent and supportive experience through a key worker system.
The playgroup offers both indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, including a sensory space designed to aid children's play, self-regulation, and sensory processing. St. Joseph's Playgroup is Ofsted-rated 'Good' and accommodates both funded and fee-paying families.
They offer morning sessions for 2-3 year olds, a lunch club for children aged 3 upwards (who bring their own packed lunch), and afternoon sessions for 3-4 year olds who already attend the morning sessions or St. Joseph's RC School Nursery. The playgroup is also recognised for its commitment to supporting children's speech, language, and communication development, having achieved the Early Years Communication Friendly 2-4s status.
What it's like
Children are confident and demonstrate a love for learning at this inviting playgroup. Staff warmly welcome children as they arrive, helping them to transition well and start their day calmly and settled. Staff provide a learning environment that is inclusive, engaging and tailored to the needs of the children.
Ofsted-rated GoodPart of school communityIndoor and outdoor learningSensory spaceCommunication-friendly status
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
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
Opening hours
Mon - Fri 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Age range
2 years to 4 years 10 months
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for St. Joseph's Playgroup
Last inspected 13 June 2025
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 are confident and demonstrate a love for learning at this inviting playgroup. Staff warmly welcome children as they arrive, helping them to transition well and start their day calmly and settled. Staff provide a learning environment that is inclusive, engaging and tailored to the needs of the children.
Inspector highlights
- Settling-in procedures are robust and support children's well-being from the outset.
- Communication and language are a key focus within the curriculum.
- The outdoor area is a key strength of the provision, offering rich and varied learning opportunities.
- Teaching is carefully differentiated to meet the developmental needs of both older and younger children.
- The playgroup supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well.
- Partnerships with parents are well established.
- Leaders foster a positive and supportive culture at the playgroup.
Areas to develop
- 1ensure that focused activities are developmentally appropriate and align with children's age and stage of understanding, to maximise learning
- 2review the duration and structure of group sessions to maintain engagement across all age ranges of children.
Inspection #10394830 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
The playgroup supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities well. Staff work with a range of external professionals to ensure that children receive tailored support. Regular communication with parents helps to ensure that they feel informed and involved in their child's development, helping children to make good progress from their starting points.
Outdoor space
The outdoor area is a key strength of the provision, offering rich and varied learning opportunities. Areas include a growing area, sandpit, climbing equipment such as monkey bars and a space for a 'daily mile' around the school field. These features actively support children to make good progress with their physical development.
Parent Reviews of St. Joseph's Playgroup
5.0
(6)
Hannah Gerrard Crosby
a year ago
The playgroup is such a fantastic place. The staff are nurturing, caring and all go above and beyond for the children. The staff really spend the time to get to know each child and cater to their interests, as well as providing really creative and fun activites. My children have been so happy here and my son loves attending. The environment is really homely and I cannot recommend it enough.
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Laura-Jane Stephen
a year ago
I’m so pleased we found the Ark. The staff are wonderful and always go above and beyond, they genuinely care about the children even after they have left, I noticed only today one of the members of the team talking to my older child who had been in the Ark in previous years about how his birthday had been the previous week. The outdoor play is fantastic and the changing themes throughout the year are lovely to observe.
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Georgia Luckie
a year ago
I can’t say enough good things about st Joseph’s playgroup. From day one, the teachers and staff have been welcoming, warm, and incredibly supportive. My 3 sons has truly blossomed here, they have made friends, learned new skills, and looks forward to going every day. The activities are well thought out and engaging, covering everything from arts and crafts to early learning games and lots of outdoor play. The playgroup’s environment is safe, clean, and full of creative energy. The staff is attentive and genuinely cares about each child’s growth and happiness. Communication with parents is excellent; they keep us updated on their progress and even share photos of them enjoying their day. I feel so reassured knowing they are in such good hands. One of my sons is on the pathway for autism and all the staff especially Emma the SENCO have supported him and me in this process so much. Emma has gone over and above to really understand him and help him develop in a way that suits him. I was very anxious when he was joining nursery at the school but the playgroup work so closely with the school and made the transition seamless. If you’re looking for a playgroup that combines learning with a nurturing environment, I highly recommend St Joseph’s playgroup. We feel so lucky to have found this place!
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Claire Scales
a year ago
Wonderful Playgroup in a lovely setting. All of the staff are amazing and caring. Both my boys went through here and they are completely different characters. They were both nurtured individually, learned and had so much fun. Annette, the Playgroup manager went over and above to help my youngest son overcome his anxieties. St Joseph's Playgroup is Hertford's little gem.
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Hannah Tiffen
a year ago
Such a fantastic and welcoming playgroup. Both my kids have been really happy there. Can't recommend the staff and setting enough
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for St. Joseph's Playgroup. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: June 2009
- June 2025Good
- September 2019Good
- November 2018Good
- February 2015Good
- June 2009Good
Frequently asked about St. Joseph's Playgroup
About the setting
St. Joseph's Playgroup registered in 2002. The playgroup employs eight members of childcare staff, with four holding appropriate early years qualifications at level 3 or above. It operates from Monday to Friday during term time, offering sessions from 9am to midday and midday to 3pm, with a daily lunchtime club. The playgroup provides funded early education for eligible children.
- URN
- 401997
- Registered person
- St. Joseph's Playgroup, Hertford Committee
- Day care type
- Full day care
- Register
- Early Years Register
- Establishment type
- Childcare on non-domestic premises
- Previous rating
- Good
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