It can be nerve-wracking leaving your little ones behind, so we compiled a breakdown of what Ofsted inspectors thought of local nurseries to put your mind at ease.

Most places scooped ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ ratings during visits by the school watchdog.

Here are some places that received ratings within recent months:

Monkey Puzzle Day Care Nursery Watford

The nursery was told it requires improvement in all factors examined – the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management – after an inspection in September 2021.

It was said that children’s learning needs are not met consistently, and they do not develop the skills they need.

However, children enjoy their time at the nursery and learn to keep themselves safe.

To read the full report, click here: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50171050

Little Gems Day Care Nursery

After an inspection in October 2021, the report published in November showed that all aspects inspected were ‘good’.

It was said children demonstrated a “positive attitude” and developed “key skills”.

Younger children snuggle up to staff and listen attentively to stories.

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50172399

Honey’s Nest

The nursery has told it was good in all aspects inspected after a visit on December 1.

Children demonstrated they are happy and feel safe and they are well supported.

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50174757

Oxhey Early Years Centre

The centre continues to be rated ‘outstanding’ in a report published December 15 after a check-up inspection on November 9.

However it was noted evidence suggested the grade might not be as high in a full inspection.

But it was noted it was a “warm and welcoming place” where children feel safe and are given “lots of interesting and exciting things to do”.

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50174145

Knutsford Community Pre-school

After a visit in November, the December 24 report ranked the pre-school ‘outstanding’.

It stated children thrive in the “extremely well-resourced and inviting” environment.

“Children at the pre-school have a big voice,” read the report.

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50174707

St Michael’s Pre-School

Inspected in December, St Michael’s managed to redeem itself from an ‘inadequate’ rating to a ‘good’ one.

The report stated children all settle well, staff support children closely and they take pride in their environment.

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50175845

Rickmansworth Nursery School

After an inspection in January, the school was told children “clearly feel safe, happy and secure” in the “high-quality, child-oriented” nursery.

According to inspectors, children anticipate the day and describe their art “masterpieces” using extensive vocabulary.

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50178028

Bushey Gan Nursery and Pre-School

In January 28, the overall rating downgraded from ‘outstanding’ to ‘good’.

It was said children make good progress in the “welcoming and engaging” environment.

Staff were described as ambitious, and children were enthusiastic.

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50178469

Boys & Girls Nursery (Croxley Green)

In January, it was found the nursery was ‘good’.

Children arrive happily at the nursery and their emotional needs are met well, as staff sing soothingly to babies and siblings cuddle in the garden.

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50178527

The Hall School Baby Unit

A recently published report in March has revealed that the baby unit was ‘inadequate’ after a visit in November.

According to the report, the quality of education is poor and the curriculum lacks challenge.

Inspectors said some children showed poor progress in learning and development.

To read the full report, visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50178789