Little Raccoons Day Nursery (Apsley)
Good★ 5.0 on GoogleBirth to 5Long established
A day nursery in Hemel Hempstead for children from birth to 5, open 07:30 to 18:30, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in May 2023. Open since 2016, with 36 places.
What you might pay
This setting does not publish its fees, and no national dataset holds them. This is what childcare costs across the council, as a starting point for the call.
What childcare usually costs in Hertfordshire
This is not this setting's price. It is the median hourly fee across all providers in Hertfordshire from the Department for Education's 2025 provider survey. No national data holds what an individual nursery charges, so ring and ask.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
HP3 9XEWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 4 May 2023 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children build close relationships with staff, who know them well and are responsive to their needs. This helps children to feel safe and secure in their care.
Staff provide a language-rich environment, introducing new words and sharing knowledge on children's topics of conversation. Children enjoy listening to stories and singing songs. Babies lift the flap in the book and giggle when staff reveal what is under it. Children eagerly investigate the activities provided outdoors and relish their time in the garden. They work together to make obstacle courses, using planks, tyres and slides. They are well supported by staff, who engage children in meaningful conversations, challenge their thinking and providing a running commentary as they make structures. Babies develop increasing physical skills, pulling themselves up to standing, using the well-positioned equipment.
Children behave politely and kindly towards others and quickly help their friends to overcome difficulties. They are confident to speak to visitors and staff. They show positive behaviours and respond well to staff's gentle guidance. Staff support children to develop independence. Older children serve themselves snack, pour their drinks and clear away after lunch. Children know that they need to wash their hands before eating and after wiping their noses.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- enhance staff knowledge and understanding of adapting practice to support younger children and meet their specific needs n review the organisation of adult-led group times so that all children remain focused and engaged in their learning.
- 4 May 2023Good
- 17 November 2017Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 2 of the last 2 graded inspections.
Still missing for Little Raccoons Day Nursery (Apsley)
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.