Tanners Wood Junior Mixed and Infant School Nursery

Books chosen each week and play shaped by children’s interests give Apple, the nursery class at Tanners Wood, its character. This is early education within the school on Hazelwood Lane in Abbots Langley, with adult support alongside children’s own choices.

Children can join in the term following their third birthday, subject to an application and space. For the September 2026 intake, the provision offers 60 half-day places, split between 30 morning and 30 afternoon places. Afternoon provision depends on sufficient take-up.

Play provides the starting point for learning. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), adults use a different text each week to support children’s interests and introduce skills appropriate to their age. Children help decide the direction of activities; adults join their play and demonstrate ways to extend it. The school aims to help children express their ideas and manage their needs.

Ten core skills organise the EYFS approach. They connect early number and writing with relationships, movement, emotions and practical independence. Learning includes making marks to convey meaning, using number language during play and talking about books. These are recognisable steps towards communicating and doing things for themselves.

Practical work includes learning to handle scissors, pencils and tools, while movement activities develop balance and coordination. Exploring the natural world and asking questions about it also feature in the core skills. Technology has a place too: early years children have access to Beebots and iPads. The emphasis is on using resources for a purpose, alongside physical play and conversation.

Summer-term Stay and Play sessions introduce new nursery starters to the setting. An information meeting gives parents another opportunity to prepare. For children with SEND joining from pre-school, the SENDCo and teaching team gather information through a visit where possible, or by telephone; the SENDCo can also join home visits where applicable. This connects preparation with the child’s existing needs.

Assessment begins when children join nursery and continues through discussion with families. Where additional support is needed, an Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) plan can set termly targets, with parents involved in discussions about support. Support may include a small intervention group or specialist advice, depending on need. Early years staff have paediatric first aid training.

Physical access includes a wheelchair-accessible interior and adapted toilet and changing facilities across the school. These features support children whose care or mobility needs require adjustments.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application the following year through the normal Hertfordshire admissions process. Choosing nursery therefore leaves a further application to complete.

Preparation for changing classes is a separate matter. Teachers exchange records and information annually, and children have an opportunity to spend at least a day with staff in their new class. Transition books support children with individual adult support or difficulty managing change.

Morning sessions run from 8:50am to 11:50am across five days. Lunch Club can extend the morning to 12:05pm. Full-day models run from 8:50am to 3:10pm, Monday to Friday, or Monday to Thursday with a Friday morning, subject to availability and sufficient afternoon bookings.

Children aged three or four have a 15-hour funded entitlement during term time. Longer attendance models include options for families eligible for 30 hours, with Lunch Club charges; families using 15-hour eligibility can also pay for afternoon attendance and Lunch Club. Eligibility depends on government criteria. Ask the school for current charges. Payments are required in advance, and missed sessions, including illness or holidays, are non-refundable.

For nursery enquiries, call the office on 01923 262229 or email admin@tannerswood.herts.sch.uk.