Bedmond Academy Nursery Review

Stories, construction play and regular trips to Forest School give Bedmond Academy’s nursery its character. Children join Pine Class, a mixed nursery and Reception group, with learning shaped around their interests and carefully selected books. This puts the nursery within the school’s early years provision, rather than in a separate setting.

Children can join from age three. The nursery describes its approach as calm and purposeful, with play providing the starting point for learning. In the inspection published in February 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision.

Books set ideas in motion here. Stories inspire imaginative role play, while the creative area gives children opportunities to choose what to make. In the construction area, they work together on their ideas. These are practical ways to connect language, imagination and cooperation, rather than treating each as a separate lesson.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) learning takes account of what children can already do. Language receives close attention: adults introduce vocabulary through their exchanges with children, and nursery children explore sounds using rhymes and songs. The emphasis gives talking and listening a clear place alongside play.

Outdoor learning is a regular part of nursery life. Children use both Forest School and the Outdoor Classroom, extending their learning beyond the indoor areas. The outdoor classroom has a canopy that shelters activity from rain and sunshine, plus a rainwater harvesting system that creates a concrete starting point for conversations about sustainability.

There is an important qualification to the adult support. In February 2026, adults sometimes stepped into children’s activity too soon, limiting independence for a few children. Some children’s reading progress was also slowed by changing books before their earlier learning was secure. Families should weigh the language emphasis alongside the need to give children time to practise and make their own decisions.

Sharing, turn-taking and fairness form part of the daily routines. In February 2026, children felt happy and safe, developed friendships through playing together, and parents received regular updates about progress. That gives families a continuing connection with their child’s learning.

Class teachers meet parents at the beginning of the year to explain expectations and learning arrangements. For additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact and works with the SENDCo. Staff also involve families and external professionals when extra support is needed, giving parents a clear route into discussions about their child.

Lunch can be a packed meal from home or a separately charged school meal. Aspire Catering cooks lunches on site each day and uses a rotating three-week menu. Choices include vegetarian dishes, meat dishes and jacket potatoes. After-school care includes a light snack rather than dinner, so an evening meal is still needed at home.

Attending Bedmond Academy’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Hertfordshire County Council, using Herts Direct and meeting the deadline for their entry cycle. The dated application cycle ran from 1 November 2024 to 15 January 2025; those dates are past.

Pine Class already brings nursery and Reception children together. That offers continuity of classroom surroundings and familiarity with the older early years children. Keep that everyday connection separate from the application decision: sharing a class does not secure a future place.

Monday to Friday, term-time nursery starts at 8.45am. The morning finishes at noon; adding lunchtime club extends attendance to 1pm, and the afternoon option continues until 3.15pm. Families can choose lunch club alone or combine it with the afternoon session.

Both 15-hour and 30-hour funded schemes operate. For families using 15 hours, lunch club and afternoon attendance are payable additions. Children eligible for 30 hours attend until 3.15pm. School meals carry a separate charge; contact the school for current charges.

Breakfast care starts at 8am and after-school care finishes at 5pm. These clubs require advance booking and payment through Arbor. Nursery enquiries go through the office on 01923 262825; children aged three or over may sometimes join during the year when places permit.

Uniform includes grey bottoms, a white polo shirt and a dark blue school sweatshirt or cardigan. Named wellies and clothing suitable for mud and wet weather matter for the outdoor learning. Children are collected from classrooms.