The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Swing Gate Infant School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Child-chosen play has a substantial place in the morning at Swing Gate, alongside phonics, group activities and songs. This is the Voles nursery class within Swing Gate Infant School and Nursery’s Early Years Foundation Stage unit on Swing Gate Lane, Berkhamsted. There are 32 nursery places, with a September intake.
For the 2026/27 intake, children’s birth dates run from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023. The core nursery session is a morning one; Little Ladybird Club adds a lunch club and afternoon care in the Voles classroom. That gives families a choice between collecting after nursery and extending the day on the same school site.
The morning has a clear rhythm. Children settle from 08:30, begin phonics at 08:55 and move into Child Initiated Play at 09:15. Snack comes at 10:30, followed by an adult-led group at 10:45. Stories and singing begin at 11:00 before collection at 11:30. There is time for children’s own choices as well as shared teaching.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for learning. In practical terms here, staff plan around children’s interests and developmental needs while covering the curriculum. Swing Gate calls its approach experiential learning: activities and imaginative experiences give children something to explore, question and try. Its early-years ambitions include making models independently, retelling stories and preparing a healthy snack with friends.
Phase 1 phonics develops listening through voice sounds, percussion, rhyme and sounds in the environment. Nursery children choose a book to take home each night, giving families a regular opportunity to share stories. Early number work uses games, songs and practical play. In December 2022, Ofsted found that language and communication developed well across the early years, with adults extending children’s vocabulary.
The school’s biodiversity garden provides a place to observe nature. Indoors, every classroom has a calm corner, giving children somewhere to pause when their feelings become difficult to manage.
Emotional learning has a named programme: Jigsaw PSHE runs weekly from Nursery onwards. Alongside this, each class has a worry monster. Younger children can hold it to signal that they need an adult’s attention, so asking for help need not depend on explaining a worry in words.
For children joining during the year, the school aims to help them settle quickly. Support for special educational needs and disabilities includes individual adjustments to provision and the environment, with links to other professionals. Families can contact the SEND coordinator at senco@swinggate.herts.sch.uk to discuss their child’s needs.
Snack is part of the nursery morning. Children receive fruit or vegetables through the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, and nursery milk is free through Cool Milk. Swing Gate is nut and egg free; children at risk of anaphylaxis need a medical plan shared with staff. With parental permission, dietary and medical information is also shared with wraparound staff. Medical Tracker emails families about head bumps or injuries requiring notification before collection.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under Swing Gate’s Reception criteria. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council. For entry in 2026/2027, the deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed; choosing the nursery and applying for Reception remain separate decisions.
Morning nursery runs from 08:30 to 11:30. Little Ladybird Club runs a lunch club followed by an afternoon session, with collection at 15:00. Early-years funding is available subject to eligibility, and parents can purchase additional time or sessions. Contact littleladybird@swinggate.herts.sch.uk about this provision and the school for current charges.
Breakfast Club runs from 07:30 to 08:30. After-school care runs from 15:05 to 18:00 Monday to Thursday and finishes at 17:45 on Friday. These extensions matter for families whose working day exceeds the nursery morning.
Children wear uniform. Parents must keep the school informed about who will collect their child; late arrivals and early collections go through the office. For nursery enquiries or to book a visit, email admin@swinggate.herts.sch.uk or call 01442 863913.
The morning session runs from 08:30 to 11:30.
Yes. Little Ladybird Club runs a lunch club and an afternoon session in the Voles nursery classroom, with collection at 15:00.
Yes, subject to eligibility. Additional time and sessions can be paid for; contact the school for current charges.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception priority and does not guarantee a place. Families apply separately through Hertfordshire County Council.
Contact the school office on 01442 863913 or email admin@swinggate.herts.sch.uk to book a nursery visit.
