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Walkern Pre School

Ofsted: Good
(Jan 2025)
·C/O Walkern Primary School, High Street, STEVENAGE, SG2 7NS · Hertfordshire
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jan 2025
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Walkern Preschool is a charitable organisation operating from a custom-built classroom within the grounds of Walkern School. The preschool prides itself on fostering a warm, community-focused environment and building strong relationships with both parents and children.

They have a dedicated team of experienced staff who organise two sessions daily, tailoring activities to suit the different age groups. In February 2025, Walkern Preschool was once again rated "Good" by Ofsted.

The preschool aims to provide a nurturing setting where children can thrive, as evidenced by positive parental feedback highlighting how children flourish under their care.

What it's like

Children are very happy in this child-focused and nurturing pre-school. Staff prioritise building strong relationships with children and their families prior to them starting, which helps children to swiftly settle. Children show that they feel safe and secure as they confidently interact, and staff plan learning experiences that focus on children

Charity-runOfsted rated GoodVillage atmosphere

Pricing & funding

Fees are charged per session for morning and afternoon sessions, with additional daily rates for breakfast and lunch clubs. Daily snack fees and weekly PE lesson fees are also charged separately. Fees are reviewed annually.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-oldsTax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • Fees are subject to change each September.
  • Additional daily charges apply for snacks.
  • Weekly charge applies for Superstar Sports PE lessons.

Key facts

Opening hours

Morning sessions: 08:45am until 11:45am; Lunch Club: 11:45am until 12:45pm; Afternoon sessions: 1:00pm until 3:30pm; Breakfast Club: 08:15am - 08:45am

Session types

Morning sessions, Lunch Club, Afternoon sessions, Breakfast Club

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Walkern Pre School

Last inspected 29 January 2025

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 are very happy in this child-focused and nurturing pre-school. Staff prioritise building strong relationships with children and their families prior to them starting, which helps children to swiftly settle. Children show that they feel safe and secure as they confidently interact, and staff plan learning experiences that focus on children

Inspector highlights

  • Children are very happy in this child-focused and nurturing pre-school.
  • Staff plan learning experiences that focus on what children need to learn next and their interests.
  • Children with special educational needs/and or disabilities are very well supported.
  • Leaders and committee members are highly reflective and invested in their roles.
  • Children's good health is well promoted.

Areas to develop

  • 1Help children to recall their prior knowledge and support them to build on their existing skills to further their development.
  • 2Support children to gain a better understanding of the impact their behaviour may have on others.
Inspection #10368487 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents comment how they and their children have built amazing relationships with the whole staff team.

They value staffs nurturing approach and talk about how much their children love to attend.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Children with special educational needs/and or disabilities are very well supported. Staff form strong partnerships with other professionals and use a range of strategies, such as real objects that represent an activity or routine. Any additional funding the pre-school receives is used to support children's individual needs.

Outdoor space

Children's good health is well promoted. They have ample opportunities to engage in physical play, not only in the pre-school's inviting outdoor area but also within the grounds of the host school.

Inspection history

Date: February 2005

  • March 2025Good
  • January 2025Good
  • April 2019Good
  • March 2019Good
  • March 2016Good
  • February 2016Good
  • April 2010Outstanding
  • March 2010Outstanding
  • February 2008Good
  • February 2005Good

Frequently asked about Walkern Pre School

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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