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Nursery at Ashwell Primary School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Welly Wednesdays and Forest Fridays give Ashwell’s nursery a character beyond its morning sessions. Children take part in these activities to develop confidence, resilience and a willingness to try new challenges. The provision belongs to Ashwell Primary School’s early years phase, with 26 nursery places and entry normally in September following a child’s third birthday, subject to availability.
In the inspection report dated 9 June 2026, Ofsted judged early years to meet the Strong standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, including Nursery; it is not a separate nursery rating. The practical choice is between the shared morning core and a longer day with lunchtime or afternoon provision.
Everyone attends the morning core, from 8:45am to 11:45am on weekdays. Children can stay for Lunch Club or continue through the afternoon until 3:15pm. This gives the nursery a common morning group while allowing families to extend the day.
Development Matters and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework guide learning. In parent terms, these organise teaching around young children’s development and the learning appropriate to their stage. Language receives close attention: adults introduce accurate words, develop children’s answers and return to important vocabulary. In June 2026, children showed sustained attention during learning.
Early literacy combines teaching with practice through play. Reading and writing receive daily attention across early years, and Twinkl Phonics provides the nursery’s named phonics approach. HFL Education’s ESSENTIALWRITING is used from Nursery onwards. These give adults a planned structure for introducing skills rather than leaving early literacy entirely to incidental play.
Welly Wednesdays and Forest Fridays add opportunities to build confidence through practical experiences. The wider school grounds include a climbing frame and an outdoor classroom. These are school facilities, while the named activities establish nursery children’s participation in learning beyond conventional classroom work.
A teacher, an early years practitioner and an early years learning support assistant form the nursery team. In June 2026, early years children settled readily in a calm atmosphere. Relationships with families helped staff understand what children could already do, giving learning a starting point rooted in the individual child.
Support is adjusted for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as well as disadvantaged children. The early years findings describe teaching adapted to individual needs. Families can contact the SENCo at senco@ashwell.herts.sch.uk; an optional school email also shares local support, courses and webinars each week.
Food has clear choices. Hertfordshire Catering Ltd provides school meals, and families may send a packed lunch instead. Foundation Stage children aged 3 to 5 receive a piece of fruit or a vegetable through the NHS scheme. Drinking water is available in classrooms; milk for under-fives is free and must be ordered through CoolMilk.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Ashwell. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Hertfordshire County Council route and meet the deadline for their entry year. Choosing the nursery therefore needs to stand on the value of the nursery day itself, rather than an expectation of a secured school place.
The extended nursery provision can be paid for by parents or funded through the 30 hours entitlement. Discuss current charges with the school. Lunch Club runs from 11:45am to 12:45pm, providing a shorter extension than the full day.
Wraparound age limit. Premier Education’s school wraparound care accepts Ashwell pupils aged 4 and over. Families choosing provision for a three-year-old should plan around the nursery’s own hours.
For enquiries, contact info@ashwell.herts.sch.uk or telephone 01462 742297. Nursery applications use the school’s online application form. The school’s clothing guidance calls for practical clothes suited to the weather, waterproof hooded coats and footwear suitable for outdoor running and play.
Children normally join in September after their third birthday, subject to a place being available. There are 26 nursery places.
The weekday morning core is 8:45am to 11:45am. Lunch Club extends this to 12:45pm, while the full day ends at 3:15pm.
The extended provision can use the 30 hours entitlement or be paid for by parents. Contact the school for current charges.
No. Nursery and Reception applications are separate. Apply for Reception through Hertfordshire County Council by the deadline for your child’s entry year.
Yes. Families may choose a packed lunch instead of a school meal provided by Hertfordshire Catering Ltd.
