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Tots and Scholars Nursery and Pre-school Sullivan Way

Ofsted: Outstanding
(Jul 2025)
·
4.0(4 parent reviews) ·The Meeting Hall, Sullivans Way, Elstree, WD6 3DG · Hertfordshire
Number of places
60 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jul 2025
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Tots and Scholars Nursery and Pre-school, located in Elstree, WD6 3DG, offers an enriching early education experience for children aged 3 months to 5 years. This Ofsted Outstanding-rated nursery focuses on nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Their approach seamlessly integrates playful exploration with structured teaching and abundant outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to develop strong foundational skills in communication, literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving, all within a joyful and secure setting that promotes wonder and discovery.

The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to enhance language development, early mathematical understanding through hands-on engagement, and fine motor skills essential for early writing. Beyond academics, the nursery emphasises the growth of independence, resilience, and self-belief, preparing children for academic success and life's challenges.

Tots and Scholars also has a strong focus on school preparation, with a dedicated programme for children transitioning into independent, selective, and reception environments, ensuring they are emotionally ready, socially confident, and academically prepared for their next educational chapter. This holistic approach ensures children flourish, gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive long after their nursery years.

Our ethos

At Tots and Scholars Nursery and Preschool, children step into a world where curiosity is celebrated, confidence takes root, and a lifelong love of learning begins. Our approach blends the magic of play with purposeful teaching and rich outdoor exploration. By weaving structured learning with imaginative play and meaningful outdoor experiences, we create an environment where children flourish—gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence that will support them long after their nursery years.

What it's like

Inspirational leaders and dedicated staff at Tots and Scholars Nursery and Pre-school create exceptional learning experiences that embrace children's ever-changing interests. They provide outstanding opportunities for children to enhance their learning and engage with their local community, resulting in a strong understanding of diverse ways of life. Children's behaviour is exemplary, showing exceptional kindness and respect towards one another, and routinely cooperating to achieve tasks.

Ofsted OutstandingPlay-based learningSchool preparation focusOutdoor exploration

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.

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Key facts

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Tots and Scholars Nursery and Pre-school Sullivan Way

Last inspected 25 July 2025 · Antonia Campbell

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding

What it's like to attend

Inspirational leaders and dedicated staff at Tots and Scholars Nursery and Pre-school create exceptional learning experiences that embrace children's ever-changing interests. They provide outstanding opportunities for children to enhance their learning and engage with their local community, resulting in a strong understanding of diverse ways of life. Children's behaviour is exemplary, showing exceptional kindness and respect towards one another, and routinely cooperating to achieve tasks.

Inspector highlights

  • Inspirational leaders and dedicated staff create exceptional learning experiences that embrace children's ever-changing interests.
  • Children are provided with exceptional opportunities to enhance their learning and engage within their local community, developing a strong understanding of ways of life beyond their own.
  • Children's behaviour is exemplary, treating each other with exceptional kindness and respect, and working together to complete tasks.
  • Relationships with families are exceptional, with nurturing, knowledgeable leaders and staff welcoming parents into the nursery "family" and providing high-quality communication.
  • Children develop a deep sense of belonging and responsibility in their learning environment, understanding the importance of monitoring who is in their room and how this keeps them safe.

Areas to develop

  • 1Leaders and staff strive to develop the already exceptional relationships they have with families, for example, by sharing weekly online videos showing how to organise and conduct activities at home that will further promote children's development.
Inspection #10399779 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment on how they are welcomed into the nursery "family" by nurturing, knowledgeable leaders and staff.

They discuss the wealth of high-quality, precise communication they receive about their children's learning and how this reassures them that their children's welfare and development is a priority for the team.

recent feedback from parents highlighted that they struggle to follow the setting's teaching ideas at home.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

When a group of children go on a camping trip with their families, staff are swift to create their own campsite in the garden. Children help construct tents to develop their critical thinking skills and create campfires where they learn about their personal safety and healthy eating when 'cooking' delicious meals.

Parent Reviews of Tots and Scholars Nursery and Pre-school Sullivan Way

4.0
(4)
S K
2 years ago

My daughter has been at Tots and Scholars since she was 9m old, initially in the Elstree (Old Synagogue) setting and then transitioned to the Sullivan Way setting. The team are just the best, it really feels like our extended family. My daughter was extremely stubborn and took a while to settle, but they were so communicative throughout, never fazed and made a huge effort to work with us to make it work. I am still in shock as to how much she's grown and how confident she is now, and it's all down to the amazing staff. We've also been blown away by their strong teaching record. They've managed to get her so excited about learning and also get confident with lots of skills such as writing her name, phonics etc which I don't think I even realised kids as young as 3 would be able to get. I'm in awe with how they manage to incorporate it all: big emphasis on outdoor play (forest walks etc), as well as all the general fun, reading etc. It's been particularly telling when I've heard quite different stories from my friends whose children are attending different establishments. We are going to be very sad when our little one leaves Tots and Scholars but are so grateful for everyone's enthusiasm, love and care. The effort everyone puts in to keep going above and beyond is extremely clear!

Read on Google
Ishita Mehta
2 years ago

Since Tots and Scholars has acquired the site, I have full confidence that the kids will be challenged, engaged, nurtured and have lots of fun! Couldn't be happier with Tots and Scholars

Read on Google

Reviews from Google for Tots and Scholars Nursery and Pre-school Sullivan Way. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: July 2025

  • August 2025Outstanding
  • July 2025Outstanding

Frequently asked about Tots and Scholars Nursery and Pre-school Sullivan Way

About the setting

Tots and Scholars Nursery and Pre-school Sullivan Way registered in 2023. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, between 7.30am until 6pm, all year round. The nursery employs 12 members of childcare staff, nine of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery offers the governmentfunded places for all eligible children.

URN
2734732
Registered person
Tots And Scholars Limited
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Outstanding

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