Squirrels Nursery, Hatfield

A close connection with Hatfield Community Free School gives Squirrels Nursery, Hatfield its setting; sign-supported communication and sensory play stood out at its March 2023 inspection. The nursery occupies the school site on Briars Lane and has capacity for 50 children, accepting babies from 3 months through to children aged 5 years. Its school connection is useful context for families thinking ahead to Reception, but nursery attendance does not guarantee a school place.

At its March 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding overall, with strong findings on children's independence, communication and engagement in learning. That judgement is dated. The concrete examples behind it are more useful than the label alone: babies practised feeding themselves, older children managed their outdoor clothing, and staff extended conversations during imaginative play.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with bank holidays excluded.

Learning and Activities

The early years foundation stage provides the statutory framework for learning, development and care: for parents, this means education and everyday care belong together, with play providing opportunities to practise communication, movement and social skills.

In March 2023, language learning ran through practical experiences rather than being confined to a separate activity. Babies explored flowers in water while adults talked with them. In the mud kitchen, repeated words accompanied mixing; older children making scented dough encountered vocabulary about their senses. These examples show how an ordinary action could become a conversation, giving children words for what they were doing.

Makaton and British Sign Language supported communication in March 2023. Babies were also taught signs to communicate with one another. This added a route for expression alongside spoken language, rather than making speech the only way to take part.

Children's ideas shaped play. During March 2023, a garden parachute became an imaginary pancake, with children acting out toppings and staff adding language and mathematical ideas. Conversations about family preferences also gave children opportunities to explain differences between households. The learning started with something children wanted to discuss.

Outdoor and Community Life

In March 2023, garden activities included babies who were not yet walking: searching through sand gave them opportunities to use their bodies purposefully. Physical play took place indoors as well as outside. For a parent of a younger baby, that is a useful example of outdoor participation extending beyond children already able to run around.

Independence appeared in small daily tasks during the same month. Babies attempted to peel oranges and used spoons at snack time; older children dealt with shoes and coats before garden play. These are manageable steps towards doing things for themselves, embedded in the day rather than reserved for school preparation.

At the March 2023 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective and support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those learning English as an additional language, exceptional. The supporting detail included specialist advice, targeted help and an adapted sensory area for older children.

In March 2023, babies were comfortable with the adults caring for them, who responded sensitively to their needs. Behaviour support was equally concrete: adults spoke quietly at a child's level about feelings and the effect of their actions. A sand timer helped children manage turn-taking, and children sometimes proposed using it themselves. That made waiting something they could understand and participate in.

Parent communication in March 2023 included practical support for learning at home. Families received resources for learning at home, and workshops helped explain what children were learning. This gave parents practical ways to continue an activity or conversation outside nursery hours.

Food also became a learning experience in March 2023. Babies explored fruit through smell and taste, while older children discussed how food affected their bodies during shared meals.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is Hatfield Community Free School, Briars Lane, Hatfield, AL10 8ES. The nursery operates across the year, closing on bank holidays, and opens between 8am and 6pm on weekdays.

Applications can be made through the nursery's application route. Enquiries can go directly to the Hatfield team by telephone on 01707 260899 or by email at hatfield@squirrelsnurseries.co.uk.

Funding and Paid Extras

In March 2023, the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. That describes provision at the inspection date, rather than establishing a present entitlement or attendance arrangement.

Moving on to School

The nursery describes a partnership with Hatfield Community Free School, including work with Reception teachers. Sharing a site makes that relationship especially relevant to families considering the school, but attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families still apply through the local authority admissions process.

• The school connection. Squirrels works with Reception teachers at Hatfield Community Free School. Treat that as a transition relationship; a school application remains a separate decision and process.
• Learning for younger babies. March 2023 examples included sand exploration for non-walking babies and early attempts at self-feeding. During a visit, ask how today's baby provision adapts these experiences to your child's stage.
• Your attendance and costs. The weekday opening window runs from 8am to 6pm. Request a written quotation setting out your intended attendance, any funded hours, and responsibility for meals and consumables.

Squirrels suits families seeking care from babyhood to the preschool years on the Hatfield Community Free School site, especially those who value a connection with Reception staff. Its March 2023 strengths were practical and child-centred: communication woven into play, small steps towards independence and help adapted to individual needs. The school relationship adds continuity to consider, while leaving the Reception application firmly separate.