Squirrels Nursery, Broxbourne

A large garden surrounding a purpose-built nursery and Christmas performances in a college drama studio give Squirrels Nursery, Broxbourne a recognisable character. Its setting on the Hertford Regional College campus brings a connection beyond the nursery's own rooms. Outdoor space is a substantial part of the offer.

Children can attend from 3 months to 5 years, with capacity for 84 children in total. Four rooms accommodate different age groups, keeping the building organised around stages of development rather than treating the whole age range as one group.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good at its 25 January 2024 inspection. The practical appeal is the combination of age-organised accommodation, extensive garden space and the college connection; the reservations concern the organisation of group activities and meals at that visit.

The purpose-built building contains four rooms, each equipped for its age group, while the surrounding garden gives outdoor learning a substantial physical setting. For parents, that makes the outdoor space part of the nursery's everyday environment rather than a separate destination.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care. In parent language, these belong together: learning to communicate, move confidently and manage everyday tasks is part of the educational day, alongside stories and practical exploration.

In January 2024, books were used differently across the ages. Babies handled books and turned pages themselves; younger children had interactive books, while older children listened to stories together, explored unfamiliar vocabulary and considered what might happen next. Children could also borrow books to share at home. This gave reading a connection between nursery life and family time.

Outdoor play at that visit included running and climbing, with hills and obstacles providing challenges for balance and strength. Indoors, play dough and activities involving making marks supported smaller hand movements. The contrast matters: children's physical learning involved both whole-body movement and the finer control needed for later tasks.

Practical exploration also included using tools to adjust nuts and bolts in January 2024. However, the timing of some adult-led activities made it harder to sustain children's attention. Interesting materials alone were not enough; the organisation of the activity also affected how much children gained from it.

Hertford Regional College adds a more unusual experience. At Christmas, college students stage performances in the drama studio which nursery children attend. This is a concrete connection with the campus, giving children an experience beyond their usual play spaces.

At its January 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective safeguarding and excellent progress for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), supported by early identification, family involvement, staff training and referrals to other professionals. These findings give substance to the assessment of care, rather than relying on general promises about support.

In January 2024, parents could make settling visits to get to know the key person assigned to their child. That relationship also supported moves within the nursery: the key person accompanied children on visits and passed information between parents and staff. Familiarity was carried into the next stage, rather than leaving children to build every relationship afresh.

Everyday independence was another part of care at that visit. Children considered the weather, decided what clothing they needed and put on their outdoor clothes themselves. Clear expectations also helped children take responsibility for their behaviour, including apologising and checking on a friend after a collision. These are practical preparations for moving on to school, rather than an admissions advantage.

Mealtimes were the weaker part of the January 2024 account. Children experienced lengthy waits and became restless, reducing opportunities to talk with adults and one another. Improving the organisation of meals was therefore a care and social-learning issue, as well as a matter of timing.

Sessions and Attendance

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The nursery operates across the year, closing on bank holidays, for two weeks at Christmas and for two weeks in August. Those longer breaks matter for families whose work continues through the holiday periods.

Applications can be submitted through the nursery's application route. The Broxbourne contact is broxbourne@squirrelsnurseries.co.uk, or 01992 845485.

Getting There

The address is Broxbourne Centre, High Road, Turnford, Broxbourne, EN10 6AE, on the Hertford Regional College Broxbourne campus.

Funding and Paid Extras

In January 2024, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. College students may qualify for help with childcare fees through Hertford Regional College; this is a conditional source of support for student families.

• Group activities. In January 2024, some activity timings made it difficult to keep children engaged. At a visit, ask how staff now organise group learning around children's attention.
• Mealtime routines. Lengthy waits affected children's experience of meals in January 2024. Ask how meals are organised now and how conversation is encouraged while children eat.
• Holiday cover. Closures include two weeks at Christmas and two weeks in August, as well as bank holidays. Families need to fit those breaks around their own commitments.
• Your attendance costs. Before committing, request a written quotation for the attendance pattern you need, covering funded hours, meals and non-food consumables.

Squirrels suits families who value substantial outdoor space, accommodation organised by age and a nursery connected to a college campus. The Christmas drama-studio performances give that connection a tangible benefit for children.

The January 2024 findings offer useful detail about reading, settling and independence, alongside specific weaknesses in group timing and mealtime organisation. Those two routines deserve attention when weighing the nursery's daily experience against your child's needs.