Squirrels Nurseries (Welwyn)
Outstanding★ 4.5 on GoogleBirth to 8+Open for decades
A day nursery in Welwyn Garden City for children from birth to 8+, open 08:00 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in July 2025. Open since 2003, with 86 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
AL7 3RPWhat 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, 23 July 2025 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children of all ages flourish in this vibrant environment. Leaders and staff construct and deliver a curriculum that provides children with an abundance of opportunities to support their future learning. Babies develop their physical skills and curiosity, exploring sensory and climbing equipment. Older children learn to manage risks and take turns exploring their vast and interesting garden. Mathematical and language teaching is threaded through every aspect of nursery life in ageappropriate ways. Babies and young children stack objects with staff expertly role modelling simple mathematical language. Older children engage in enthusiastic discussions comparing their different heights and shapes when drawing around their friends using chalk.
Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure right from the beginning of their journey. Babies form exceptionally close bonds with caring staff, who are always on hand to soothe them with cuddles and nurturing interactions. Older children confidently show visitors around their learning environment. They discuss their favourite activities, explaining what they learn and why. For example, children recall making healthy lemonade. They enthusiastically explain how squeezing lemons and pouring fizzy water helps their hands grow strong, preparing them for holding pencils and writing at school.
A highly effective key-person system ensures all children are cared for by strong role models who have a deep understanding of children's individual circumstances.
- 23 July 2025Outstanding Safeguarding: Yes
- 13 December 2019Outstanding
- 26 May 2016Outstanding
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Squirrels Nurseries (Welwyn)
- 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.