Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery

Oxlease Methodist Church, Woods Avenue, Hatfield AL10 8NA
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8.7 12 Reviews
  • Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery, Hatfield
Little Lions is a privately run pre-school and nursery in Hatfield. They opened in March 2015 and received their first 'good' Ofsted rating in March 2017. They treat every child as a unique, individual learner and follow children's own learning styles to enable them to reach their full potential.

The knowledge and passion from all the staff towards child development and emotional well-being, is their foundation to supporting children throughout their early years education.

The focus on children feeling safe and secure is at the forefront of their ambition. This empowers children to build their own confidence and self-belief. With this belief and life skills each child can thrive. As a pre-school/nursery they focus on preparing each child for their future in education by turning every child into a learner, ready to be taught.
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Type of Service

  • Nursery School
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Sarah Heywood and Jo Rochford
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Sarah Heywood and Jo Rochford (Owners/Managers)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 9

Total Places for Children

  • 38

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • Under two's sessions
    Morning session: 9:15am-12:15pm Monday-Friday: £30 per session
    Afternoon session: 12:30pm-15:30pm Monday-Friday: £30 per session
    All day session: 9:15am-15:30pm Monday - Friday: £60 per session


    Pre-school and Nursery sessions:
    Morning session: 9:15am-12:15pm Monday-Friday: £22 per session
    Afternoon session: 12:30pm-15:30pm Monday-Friday: £22 per session
    All day session: 9:15am-15:30pm Monday - Friday: £48 per session

  • We accept all government funding schemes including: 9months working families funding, 2 year working families funding, 3 & 4 year 30 hours working families funding, 2 year supported families funding plus paying privately places.


    We only ask for a £3-£4 contribution towards snack per week or give you the option to supply your own snack each day.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:15-15:30
    Tuesday 09:15-15:30
    Wednesday 09:15-15:30
    Thursday 09:15-15:30
    Friday 12:30-15:30

When Closed

  • School Holidays

Parking

  • There is a large car park within the grounds, which is accessible from Woods Avenue. Please drive carefully as there can be large amounts of children walking through the car park on their way to nursery.

Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery Reviews (12)

8.7

Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.691) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery has 12 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery
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Total of 12, showing 1-12
Review from Victoria M (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is very happy in Little Lions. The entire staff is just incredible, teachers kind and polite, they love kids and kids reciprocate them.
I feel like Little Lions is a one big family where everyone is cared and loved.
Reply from Sarah Heywood, Owner at Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery
Thank you so much for your beautiful words! Were truly delighted to hear that your daughter is happy at Little Lions. Our team works hard to create a caring, joyful environment, and knowing that it…read more
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Review from H D (Mother of Child) published on 26 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at little lions go above and beyond to provide the best child centred support, enabling them to thrive. They are all always happy friendly and the children run in as soon As the doors open, showing how much they enjoy the space and their time at this nursery. My older child attended up
until she left for reception, they helped her with her speech amongst other things, my son is sen and they are really good with him helping as well with his speech and his behaviour whilst allowing me a relief knowing he is safe. they're always there when I need advice and I am 100% grateful to them for all the help and support they provide to both my children and myself. Thankyou little lions you're doing a wonderful job.
Reply from Sarah Heywood, Owner at Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. We are truly grateful for your feedback and are so pleased to hear how much your children have enjoyed their time at Little Lions. It means the…read more
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Review from I M (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Little Lions is an outstanding nursery. Staff are so caring and attentive to each child and promote fantastic learning and social development opportunities. Two of my children have attended Little Lions and have both enjoyed it there and it has prepared them so well for transitioning to school.
Reply from Sarah Heywood, Co-Owner at Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery
Thank you so much for your kind words! Were absolutely delighted to hear that both your children had such a positive experience at Little Lions. It means the world to us to know that our caring…read more
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Review from A Y (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The school has really taught him a lot of things which he practices at home, like using the washroom by himself and being able to use words like, I mean nice or friendly words, like thank you, you are welcome and appreciated when given something. Socialising with others around him makes him comfortable.
The school is the best for every child to attend.
Reply from Sarah Heywood, Owner at Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! Its wonderful to hear how much your child is growing in confidence and independence, both at nursery and at home. Were so proud to support children as they…read more
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Review from G D (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Lovely and friendly nursery, staff are very welcoming, communication is great and my child is very happy here and learning so much. It’s been a wonderful and positive experience so far, I highly recommend this place.
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Review from Mark S (Father of Child) published on 6 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fab nursery. Two of my children have attended and had positive experiences. Staff are exceptional and always happy to offer advice and help wherever needed. Also, great selection of learning activities for the kids.
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Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An absolutely outstanding nursery, the staff are all fantastic, caring and compassionate to each and every child. Two of my children have attended this nursery and I've always been pleased with the childcare services they provide. I would recommend this nursery to anyone!
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Review from J F (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are amazing and friendly. We have no issues in talking to them.
Our daughter has the best time there. She comes out so happy and is always wanting to go when it's the weekend.
Overall, I really recommend this setting and can't wait for her to have at least another year there.
Reply from Sarah Heywood, Owner at Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery
Thanks so much for leaving a review. We absolutely love looking after and teaching your daughter, she makes us laugh daily! We can’t wait to watch her grow and flourish over the coming year!
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Review from Nicole (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fantastic nursery. My daughter joined this nursery at 24 months old. She learns something new every day and I can see she really enjoys going to Little Lions. Also, the outside playing area is big that is really appreciated. Even though my daughter was the youngest one in the nursery, the
staff are professional to help her join in activities. They are kind and friendly.
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Review from Leanne J (Mother of Child) published on 22 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter previously went to this nursery for two years and she was well looked after and had a brilliant relationship with all teachers. My son is now going to the nursery and has been enjoying himself. He runs into the nursery and is very happy to be there. He always comes out smiling, I know he
loves it there. The staff are very helpful and are always there if you need them. Brilliant nursery!
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Review from Leah J (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely amazing with the children. My son settled in so well and is so happy to attend. Very polite and keep parents up to date with everything needed. Would highly recommend!
Reply from Sarah Heywood, Owner at Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery
Thank you so much for your review and kind words. We are so proud of the way he has settled in, he’s a superstar!
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Review from Nikki D (Mother of Child) published on 30 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely place. They have done a fantastic job with both of my boys. Lovely staff, lovely place, couldn’t fault it, very professional.
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Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.691)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.691) out of 10 for Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.2 out of 5 from 5 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 4.533 for Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (35 Excellents x 5) + (24 Goods x 4) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 4.533
  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 4.158 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery is based on 5 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 = 3.5
    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 38 number of registered child places is 7.6. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 7.6 = 0.658
  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 (0)

Meet the Team (2)

Jo

Jo Rochford

Job Title: Owner/Manager- SENco Joined: 2015

Level 4 childcare qualified
First aid trained
Health and safety trained
Food hygiene trained
Safeguarding
SENco trained
Child protection trained
15 year experience in childcare through childminding and working in pre-school/nurseries. I also have my own children aged 15 years and 10 years old

Sarah

Sarah Heywood

Job Title: Owner/Deputy Manager - Designated Person Joined: 2015

Level 3 Dipolma in children and young peoples workforce.
11 years experience in childcare.
First aid trained
Heath and safety trained
Safeguarding trained
Child protection lead
Previous experience working in a pre-school/nursery and teaching assistant in a nursery within a school. I have my own children also, aged 15 and 11 years old

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery accepts?

Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery Open?

Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery is open: Monday 09:15-15:30, Tuesday 09:15-15:30, Wednesday 09:15-15:30, Thursday 09:15-15:30, Friday 12:30-15:30.

How many Children does Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery have capacity for?

Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery has capacity for a total of 38 Children.

How far is Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery to the centre of Hatfield?

0.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Little Lions Pre-School & Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.