St Mary's CofE Primary School, Northchurch Nursery Review

A sound table stocked with children's own finds, Monday Forest School and Friday library choices give St Mary's nursery its character. Play supplies the starting point; conversation extends it. The nursery class serves three- and four-year-olds within St Mary's CofE Primary School in Northchurch. Its school setting has a Church of England character, with early-years religious education focusing on Christianity and local beliefs.

Objects brought from home become material for learning. Later in the year, a Friday video introduces a sound for families to explore together, with an optional hunt for matching objects. Children can bring their discoveries on Monday for the sound table, then take them home on Friday. The nursery uses these contributions to spark discussion and extend vocabulary, giving children something personally meaningful to talk about.

Forest School takes place on Mondays. On Friday mornings, children select a book from the EYFS library trolley to share at home. These are distinct parts of the routine: outdoor learning and a child-chosen book to carry into family reading.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning through play with adult teaching. In March 2023, Ofsted found that early-years activities developed language and communication, while stories, play and direct teaching helped children understand number. Adults used questions to extend curiosity, and children joined in readily. Read, Write Inc is the school's named EYFS phonics programme. At school level, however, March 2023 findings identified inconsistent delivery of parts of phonics and a need for further staff training. Families should keep that distinction in mind alongside the positive early-years findings.

Preparation for joining includes visits to children's existing settings by a Nursery or Reception teacher. This gives staff an opportunity to learn about children before the move. In March 2023, early-years children were settled and calm, with familiar classroom routines and adult support across their learning.

Tapestry carries observations, learning and next steps each week, helping parents follow what their child is working on. Nursery queries can go directly to nursery@stmarys916.herts.sch.uk.

For additional needs, the first conversation is with the class teacher, with the SENDCo involved where appropriate. The SENDCo holds the National SENDCo accreditation. Support can include adapted teaching, individual work or group interventions; Pupil Passports and Support Plans involve families and receive termly reviews. A school-level caution remains relevant: in March 2023, the impact of some intervention groups was not being checked, so staff could not establish whether all the extra teaching was helping.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council's online application form. For applications under Rules 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7, a Supplementary Information Form must also go to the school office.

Transition support is a separate matter. Children moving between classes have transition mornings, while staff hold handover meetings. For children with SEND, more detailed planning can include photographic transition books and Social Stories. These help prepare children for change; they do not secure admission.

Nursery places for three- and four-year-olds are covered by the Government's 15-hour early-years funding. There are no chargeable extras for those nursery places, although voluntary contributions may be requested for workshops or trips.

St. Mary's Pre-school provides extensions in the nursery classroom: lunch club runs from 11.45am to 12.30pm, followed by an afternoon session from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Families can choose either or both, subject to space. Contact stmaryspreschool.northchurch@gmail.com for current charges and availability. This is a separate arrangement from the funded nursery place.

Visits can be arranged through the school office on 01442 389040 or admin@stmarys916.herts.sch.uk. Everyday uniform includes a light blue polo, grey bottoms and a branded navy jumper or cardigan. EYFS children should bring a named book bag, making the Friday library routine easier to organise.