the details
We provide superb year-round care and education for children aged from 3 months to 4 years 11 months. Our activities are creative and fun, allowing every child to thrive and grow at the rate right for them.
Starting Nursery
It’s exciting and maybe a little daunting but we’ll be with you every step of the way. Our years of experience and the way we get to know your child as an individual means that we can help - do always ask.
All ‘settling-in’ sessions are free and individually tailored to the needs of your child. You’ll get a warm welcome from the staff and a big smile from the other children. We are very flexible and will ensure that you and your child are happy.
Payment is due one month in advance and includes lunches, teatime meals and snacks for all, breakfast is included for the under threes.
We currently accept Childcare Vouchers and Early Years funding. All 3 to 4-year-old children in England can get 570 free hours per year, with some 3 to 4-year-old children being eligible for 30 hours free childcare a week (eligibility calculator available on the Government website).
The personal development of the children is outstanding
— ISI Report, November 2023
Opening Hours
Our lovely Day Nursery is situated in Pittville Circus Road and is open Monday - Friday from 8am - 6pm, year round. We close on only Bank Holidays and over the Christmas period, when we finish at 1pm on Christmas Eve until the first working day in the New Year.
Session Times
Choose from any of the following options for what suits your needs best, and add to the number of sessions as your child grows:
| Mornings | Afternoons | Full Day |
|---|---|---|
| 8am - 1pm | 1pm - 6pm | 8am - 6pm |
Far from seeing nursery as just something we have to do so that I can work, I see it as a very positive influence in Ben’s life, development and socialisation.
— Current parent
Pricing (from 1 April 2024)
Early Years Funding
Starting from April 2024, existing childcare support will be expanded in phases with most working families with children under the age of 5 being entitled to 30 hours of childcare support by September 2025:
From April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours childcare support.
From September 2024, 15 hours childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents of children from the age of 9 months to 3-year-olds.
From September 2025, eligible working parents of children under the age of 5 will be entitled to 30 hours of childcare a week.
You have all taken so much time to understand him and know him as a person. Your methods of teaching and caring at the same time have really impressed me and have suited our little boy down to the ground.
— Former parent
Safety
We take the safety of your child very seriously, staff are very well trained in Child Protection and in Paediatric First Aid and all have regular training updates. Our building and grounds are secure and doors are only answered by a member of staff.
I continue to be impressed with the standards of welfare and security at Berkhampstead
— Current parent
Communication
It’s a vital two way process and we welcome parents’ input.
Face to Face
Your child’s Key Person will update you on a daily basis and is available for a more in depth chat by appointment if necessary. Parents’ Evenings will give you the chance to talk in depth about how your child is doing.
Written
Your child’s personal Learning Journey booklet includes pictures and comments about their life at Berkhampstead. Day Nursery newsletters are emailed to keep everyone in touch. They include notes from the office, reports from the rooms, pictures of all of the fun and reminders, so that everyone knows what’s happening!
Via Our Famly App
The Famly app provides parents with their child’s individual learning journal. It records each child’s assessments, observations, photographs, next steps and achievements. It also provides a place to log holiday, attendance, nursery events and other updates.
Text
We use a text messaging system, Clarion Call for quick reminders.
Social Media
Keep in touch with the school and day nursery news on our Instagram feed (berkhampstead_school)
Inspection Report
For the full report click here.
Policies
Up to date copies of all policies are available in the Day Nursery Office, and can be found here.