Mount Carmel Kindergarten - Kinder Lodge

100a Sandpit Lane, St Albans AL4 0BX
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Top 20 award
10 132 Reviews
  • Mount Carmel Kindergarten - Kinder Lodge, St Albans
Mount Carmel Kindergarten is a leading nursery school in St Albans, combining preschool education and day care facilities to children aged two years and above.

This nursery school is set in its own purpose-built Norwegian log cabin and located in beautiful green belt countryside. It offers children four distinct activity rooms and a spacious all-weather garden to ignite their curiosity and develop a love of learning.

Mount Carmel Kindergarten has developed its own "carousel" method of teaching, providing children with a balance of structure and choice and ensuring that all their educational needs are met. The highly qualified staff offer children a balance of fun, exploration and challenging activities including weekly country walks and cooking as well as Christmas Nativity plays and summer sports days.   

Flexible all-day sessions are available to children aged two to five years during term time. Holiday clubs are also available to parents, run by Mount Carmel staff for Mount Carmel children.

Mount Carmel Kindergarten has excellent links with local primary schools in St Albans, Harpenden and the surrounding area including St Albans High School, Habasdashas, Aldwickbury and St Columbus.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Gabriella Spooner (Principal)

Admission Information

  • Flexible attendance

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 15

Total Places for Children

  • 50

Age Range

  • from 2 years 1 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • Children are eligible to join the nursery from the September following their second birthday. We accept all childcare vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare.


    Funding for working parents is only available for parents who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out if you are eligible and apply for the working parents funding you will need to visit the Government website Childcare Choices and apply through your HMRC childcare portal.


    Three year old universal funding is available to all children in the term after their third birthday.


    *Please note that the local authority funding rates for two-year-olds and three-year-olds are not the same. This is reflected in the price disparity between the different age groups.


    Nursery sessions are also available throughout the school holidays.


    To view our fees schedule please see our website.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-17:00
    Tuesday 08:00-17:00
    Wednesday 08:00-17:00
    Thursday 08:00-17:00
    Friday 08:00-17:00

When Closed

  • Never

Mount Carmel Kindergarten - Kinder Lodge Reviews (132)

10

Mount Carmel Kindergarten - Kinder Lodge has a Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Mount Carmel Kindergarten - Kinder Lodge has 132 reviews.

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Review from L J (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mount Carmel is the most wonderful place. My daughter has thrived in the warm, nurturing and caring environment. All the staff are excellent at putting the children at ease and I feel that they are truly preparing them for life at school. Well done Mount Carmel.
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Review from Helen J (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot fault this nursery, it is truly unparalleled. The building is purpose-built and spotless. The days are planned meticulously and the children are nurtured and encouraged and taught from day 1. The staff have listened to all my concerns and helped me where possible, giving advise and supporting
me as a parent. My son's confidence has come on leaps and bounds and he has made some wonderful friends.
The experiences Mount Carmel provide and teaching and environment are just wonderful. I also so pleased I found this nursery and have been lucky enough to have a place. I will be sending my two younger children also for what is such a special nursery and pre-school experience. I can't thank the management and teaching staff enough.
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Review from S W (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot rate Mount Carmel Kindergarten more highly. My son attended between 2015-2017 and my daughter is in her final year there. It really is a magical place to be a part of. Both my children have thrived in the warm, loving environment that's been created at Mount Carmel Kindergarten. It feels like
coming home every day the teachers and children alike are always so happy. It's been the best choice for our family.
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Review from Elizabeth S (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very grateful to have found a nursery that I am totally comfortable leaving my son at, knowing he enjoys his time there and is thriving as a result. He always comes home with stories of the different activities he has taken part in and constantly demonstrates how much he is learning. Can't recommend
it enough!
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Review from Anna G (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely, lovely nursery. We are very impressed with the provision for our son and he will for sure be very well prepared for reception next September. All the staff are amazing, very caring and extremely well prepared. We will miss all of them next school year. I'd definitely recommend Mount Carmel
Kindergarten to other parents.
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Review from Clare G (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was very anxious about my daughter starting nursery, however, I needn't have been as Mount Carmel have been amazing. The staff are wonderful and my daughter's teacher is just so caring and kind. All I want is for my daughter to be safe and happy and she truly is at Mount Carmel. Not only that but
they are preparing her so well for school. I can't recommend them enough.
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Review from Silvia S (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I chose Mount Carmel for my daughter because it came highly recommended by so many people and they were 100% right. My daughter absolutely loves going there. I have a lot of trust in the nursery and the staff. Everyone is so professional, caring, attentive and happy. I have no qualms in leaving my daughter
there and I know she is well looked after and is loved while she is at nursery. The nursery is spotless and a really happy environment for my child and I can honestly say that she has thrived since starting there. This nursery has certainly a "from the heart" feel and we could not be happier to have sent our daughter to Mount Carmel.
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Review from Matthew W (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mount Carmel has provided the best possible start for both of my children and has exceeded all of my expectations.
The teaching method and syllabus is a wonderful combination of learning and play and my daughter loves going to nursery every day, my son has since moved on to reception.
The teaching
is phenomenal and the staff take the time to understand each and every child and how best to get through to them. As a parent, I felt included by the nursery and teachers in these very important years and it's helped to build a fun bond around education with my children. The nursery is outstanding!
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Review from M C (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves his time in the nursery. He is always excited to see his friends and play and even more excited and animated to share with us his stories at the dinner table. I love the nurseries blog which gives us a glimpse and documentation of the children's activities. I commend how the nursery is
using the social media/technology. I love the photos and videos which I can keep and look back to when my son grows older. But most of all, I love how the nursery created an extended home to my son.


The staff are lovely and caring and the principal is like a mother to everyone. The nursery definitely affected my son's learning and growth positively.

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Review from J L (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined Mount Carmel Kindergarten in September. She settled in so quickly and absolutely loves attending every afternoon. I have been really impressed with the staff and excellent facilities and have no hesitation in recommending the nursery to other families.
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Review from Natasha L (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my child joined Mount Carmel, he has never been happier. From it's safe and stunning premises, to the staff who run it, my son felt at home at Mount Carmel. He found it easy to make friends through the nurseries structured set up which had a massive effect on his confidence and wellbeing. When
he first joined, I was concerned whether he would fit in, but all the staff welcomed him in and introduced him to the staff and the children to get him settled straight away. Since then, he has never looked back and loves coming to Mount Carmel.
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Review from Alison E (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a wonderful preschool! I cannot fault them and that is saying something because I am extremely picky when it comes to the care of my children! The staff are extremely experienced, nurturing and supportive. The facilities are excellent, activities are very stimulating and there is a really nice
sense of community - like one big family. Parents are kept well informed and engaged in regular communication and weekly blogs. The overall management of the preschool is extremely professional, organised and consistent. My son really enjoys his time there and has excellent relationships with his teacher, support staff and his classmates. He has flourished in their care and is developing so well. I look forward to my younger son also attending once he is old enough!
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Review from R S (Father of Child) published on 6 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
For a nursery, Mount Carmel is just about as good as it gets, looking like a swiss ski chalet from the outside, the same good feeling runs through the building, functional purpose-built
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Review from Sonja S (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mount Carmel is definitely the best nursery around in my opinion and is best by far. From the very first moment we stepped outside the nursery we had a very good feeling about it. You will be greeted by the smiley face of one of the managers who are always ready to answer any questions you might have
and no matter how silly you think it is, nothing is too much for them. Our daughter loves Mount Carmel and is looking forward to the next day, disappointed that she can't go weekends!
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Review from G T S (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff are amazing and extremely nurturing.
I myself came to this playgroup over 30 years ago and now my daughter is enjoying it as much as I did - which is lovely to see! She loves her days spent there and is progressing well and making great friends.
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Review from Lucy W (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely, lovely nursery. We've been delighted with the provision for our daughter and are sad to be moving on. However, we know that she will be very well prepared for reception in September. I'd definitely recommend Mount Carmel to other parents.
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Review from Esther R (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves the nursery and the teachers. She loves going in and always has a great time. I feel totally relaxed knowing she is in safe hands and is well looked after.
It's a great nursery.
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Review from Andrew M (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, superb organisation and delightful staff.
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Review from Damon P (Father of Child) published on 17 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery, our son has thoroughly enjoyed his first year there, they have helped him immeasurably in his first year, helping him to make friends and we are looking forward to him enjoying his second year there. The Staff are communicative and supportive and there is a real community feel to the
place, it is clean and has great facilities.
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Review from Andrew J (Father of Child) published on 14 July 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mount Carmel is a wonderful nurturing place. Highly recommend.
Wonderful teachers and cannot fault a thing.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (10.000)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (10.000) out of 10 for Mount Carmel Kindergarten - Kinder Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 5.000 for Mount Carmel Kindergarten - Kinder Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (164 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 164 Ratings = 5
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Mount Carmel Kindergarten - Kinder Lodge is based on 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 50 number of registered child places is 10, which has been reached with 14 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (20)

Meet the Team (9)

Gabriella

Gabriella Spooner

Job Title: Principal/SENCO/DSO Joined: 2008

Gabriella Spooner (nee Federici) has worked in Early Years since 2008 and brings her experience from a number of different roles within the sector. Now as a mother of 2 children, she has gained a new perspective and understanding of the pressures on modern Mums. In her ‘spare’ time she enjoys singing and dancing with the St Albans Musical Theatre Company.


Qualifications: Early Years Professional Status (2013), BA (Hons) Educational Studies and Early Years (2013).

Stefano

Stefano Federici

Job Title: Administration Manager Joined: 2019

Stefano is responsible for admissions, enquiries and nursery administration. He is the go to person for questions regarding fees, funding and sessions. Prior to joining the family business, Stefano taught English to children in Rome and later worked as a commercial manager at Marks and Spencers.


Qualifications: BA (Hons) Italian Studies (2008), Cambridge Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (2009), Cambridge Certificate of English Language Teaching to Young Learners (2010).

Catherine

Catherine Tarelli

Job Title: Nursery Teacher Joined: 2019

Qualifications: Ba (Hons) Primary Education with Initial Teacher Training (2003)

Natalie

Natalie Rayment

Job Title: Nursery Teacher Joined: 2008

Qualifications: BA (Hons) Educational Studies (2014)

Stacey

Stacey Cannell

Job Title: Nursery Teacher Joined: 2012

Qualifications: CACHE Level 3 Childcare

Karen

Karen Connell

Job Title: Nursery Teacher Joined: 2019

Qualifications: CACHE Level 3 in Childcare

Ishanka

Ishanka Fernando

Job Title: Nursery Assistant Joined: 2018

Qualifications: CACHE Level 3 in Childcare.

Hannah

Hannah Axworthy

Job Title: Nursery Teacher Joined: 2019

Qualifications: Level 3 in CACHE Childcare Learning and Development, BA (Hons) Education Studies (2017).

Libby

Libby Carolan

Job Title: Nursery Teacher Joined: 2021

Currently studying level 3 in Cache Childcare.

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