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University Day Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2022)
·University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB · Hertfordshire
Number of places
62 places
Age range
1–5 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2022
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

The University Day Nursery, situated in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, provides a nurturing and engaging environment for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Prioritising safety and well-being, all staff are highly trained in first aid and child protection, with enhanced DBS checks.

The nursery adopts a holistic approach to early learning, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor experiences. A standout feature is its Forest School sessions, led by a certified Level 3 Forest School Leader within the University of Hertfordshire campus's woodland garden and small woodland area.

These sessions foster exploration, discovery, and the development of crucial life skills through a connection with nature. The nursery maintains strong relationships with children, parents, and the wider community, aiming to provide a supportive and inspiring setting for every child's growth.

The nursery has received a "GOOD" rating from Ofsted, with its latest report published in October 2022.

Our ethos

The University Day Nursery provides a holistic approach to early learning, integrating indoor and outdoor experiences. Its standout feature is its Forest School sessions, which foster exploration, discovery, and life skills through a connection with nature.

What it's like

Staff provide a caring and nurturing environment for children at this nursery, who enjoy warm, positive relationships with the adults who care for them. Children are extremely well behaved and enjoy accessing a wide range of resources which reflect their own interests and ideas. They learn to be independent from an early age, helping them to prepare and develop skills they need as they move on to the next stage of their education.

Forest SchoolCaters for 3 months to 5 yearsUniversity campus settingOfsted "GOOD" rating

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

Food

Breakfast, snack, lunch, and tea are provided, with healthy menus and blended food where appropriate for babies.

Opening hours

8:00 - 18:00

Age range

3 months to 5 years

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for University Day Nursery

Last inspected 26 October 2022

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

Staff provide a caring and nurturing environment for children at this nursery, who enjoy warm, positive relationships with the adults who care for them. Children are extremely well behaved and enjoy accessing a wide range of resources which reflect their own interests and ideas. They learn to be independent from an early age, helping them to prepare and develop skills they need as they move on to the next stage of their education.

Inspector highlights

  • The nursery has an established partnership with the on-site university and provides flexible care to support the needs of families.
  • The outdoor area for older children has been significantly improved to ensure that the learning experiences are the same for children who prefer to learn outside.
  • Children's language and literacy are promoted throughout the nursery, and they confidently sing along to songs and nursery rhymes.
  • Staff work exceptionally well to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
  • The manager is reflective of the provision and takes responsibility to make improvements, recognising staff's individual strengths and delegating responsibilities effectively.

Areas to develop

  • 1review and develop the facilities in the outdoor areas for babies to have good- quality experiences outside throughout the year
  • 2develop supervision sessions further to provide consistent support to staff and reflect even more on the quality of practice.
Inspection #10235230 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents speak highly of the nursery and appreciate the willingness to support working parents.

They are kept up to date with their children's learning and development with regular communication and parents' evenings.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff work exceptionally well to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff work closely with parents and external agencies to ensure they receive the focused support they need. Children with complex medical needs are well looked after, and staff receive focused training from medical professionals to ensure they fully understand the needs of the children.

Outdoor space

The outdoor area for older children has been significantly improved to ensure that the learning experiences are the same for children who prefer to learn outside. Children enjoy a wide range of learning opportunities, including forest school sessions, and learn how to keep themselves safe as they explore. However, there are fewer opportunities for babies and young children to benefit from outdoor learning.

Inspection history

Date: February 2009

  • October 2022Good
  • February 2017Good
  • September 2013Good
  • February 2009Good

Frequently asked about University Day Nursery

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more