St Catherines C of E Private Nursery

In October 2024, balance beams, storytelling and pretend medical play gave this Hoddesdon nursery a recognisable character: physical activity sat alongside language and learning to play with others. St Catherines C of E Private Nursery has capacity for 26 children.

At its October 2024 inspection, Ofsted judged the nursery Good, found safeguarding effective and reported that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities were progressing well from their starting points. Children attending then were aged two to four. The strongest thread was emotional security, with familiar adults helping children feel comfortable enough to join in.

In October 2024, the curriculum followed a deliberate sequence, giving children opportunities to build on earlier learning. The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for learning, development and care; here, conversation, imaginative play and physical challenges showed how these translated into children's experiences.

Storytelling and songs encouraged vocabulary, while Makaton signs supported communication. Staff adapted activities to children's interests: balls travelling through chutes into a bucket introduced capacity, and beanbag throwing gave children a safe outlet for an interest in throwing.

Outdoor space included balance beams, with opportunities to climb, run and practise balance. Visits to the supermarket and library connected learning with everyday community life. Diwali and Harvest Festival introduced children to different celebrations. These were experiences recorded in October 2024, rather than a timetable of current activities.

In October 2024, a key-person arrangement helped children build trusting relationships with staff. A calm settling period included bucket time, an activity in which children waited to discover the next object, practising attention and listening.

Adults helped children handle disagreements calmly and encouraged friendships through shared play. Children also praised one another's achievements. Parents contributed to decisions and learning, and received information about their children's development.

Independence needed more room. Children were learning to manage handwashing and toileting, but adults sometimes helped too soon with tasks such as dressing up. Allowing a child time to struggle and try again was the specific improvement required. Staff training had also prompted leaders to reconsider teaching and the curriculum, while staff described feeling valued and supported.

The nursery's address is Haslewood Avenue, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 8HT, at St Catherines primary school. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

In October 2024, attendance was term-time only, Monday to Friday, with sessions running from 8.30am to 3pm and an optional lunch club. Funded early education was provided for children aged two, three and four. These arrangements describe that inspection period.

• Time to try independently. In October 2024, adults sometimes intervened before children could complete tasks themselves. On a visit, look for how practitioners give children time to manage dressing and other everyday jobs.
• Term-time attendance. The October 2024 pattern ran Monday to Friday during term time, with an optional lunch club. What attendance pattern and lunch arrangements would apply to your child now?
• Reception applications. The nursery is based at St Catherines primary school. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place, so treat the two as separate decisions.

This nursery merits consideration for families drawn to practical learning, language activities and supported friendships. Its October 2024 provision suited families seeking term-time sessions, with an optional lunch club. The balance beams and communication activities give that picture substance; the need to let children attempt more tasks independently is the clearest point to weigh alongside it.