Victoria Church of England Infant and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Play, stories and purposeful conversation shape the nursery at Victoria Church of England Infant and Nursery School in Berkhamsted. This is the school's own nursery provision, on Prince Edward Street, with learning built around firsthand experiences. The emphasis is on developing the skills children need to take part, communicate and become more independent.

In May 2026, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision to be Strong standard. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Children chose activities confidently, and adults helped them understand how to handle materials and respect shared learning spaces.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives play a clear learning purpose. Language, movement and social and emotional development provide the starting points, alongside early mathematics, English, creative work and discovering the world. Victoria's own Curriculum Ambitions shape this provision around its children. For parents, the practical implication is that learning extends beyond a formal teaching activity into what children explore and discuss.

Little Wandle provides the phonics programme, with a short lesson each day. Topics and stories also draw children into activities across the early years learning areas. Adult teaching sits alongside opportunities for children to make choices themselves.

The May 2026 early years findings give substance to that balance. Resources were selected carefully, children sustained their involvement, and adults extended language and thinking during both teaching and everyday care. Staff assessed development closely to decide what each child should learn next. The classroom is therefore more than a collection of activities: adult conversation and observation help move learning forward.

Support reaches children who are less ready to join in. In May 2026, early years staff provided help promptly, involved outside professionals when necessary and kept parents closely involved. This matters for a child who needs additional encouragement or a different way into an activity.

Families can contact the special educational needs co-ordinator at senco@victoria.herts.sch.uk. Emotional learning also has a named approach: Zones of Regulations displays are used in classrooms, with activities about recognising feelings, reading expressions and practising calming strategies. Victoria aims to help children understand their emotions and regulate them.

For the September 2026 intake, Stay and Play sessions were scheduled on 19 and 23 June. These offered a practical introduction before starting. Safeguarding concerns can be raised through the school office with the designated lead or deputy lead.

School-wide improvement priorities in May 2026 concerned consistent teaching approaches, staff expertise in helping pupils participate independently, and deeper understanding of cultures in the wider community. These were wider school actions, distinct from the Strong standard early years judgement.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the relevant deadline. Victoria directs Reception applicants to Hertfordshire admissions. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a Reception place as separate decisions.

Golden Key Breakfast Club accepts nursery children and starts from 7.30am, with breakfast included. This gives families an earlier care option; current charges should be obtained from the school.

To arrange a tour or discuss a nursery application, contact 01442 865781 or admin@victoria.herts.sch.uk. Applications after the nursery's March 2026 closing date go through the office. The school follows a calendar with term breaks and staff training days, so families should plan care around those closures.