Thorn Grove Primary School Nursery

Weekly Woodland learning and an autumn full of singing, stories and conversation give Thorn Grove’s nursery its character. This is the school’s own provision for three- and four-year-olds in Bishop’s Stortford, with a morning pattern that finishes at midday. For families choosing a first experience of school, the combination is practical: a short day, with outdoor exploration alongside early language learning.

Play and teaching share the session. Children choose some activities themselves, while adults lead others and help them test ideas during play. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum spans seven learning areas, bringing communication, independence and knowledge into the same programme. Directed English, phonics and maths teaching sits alongside topic activities, so learning has both room for exploration and a planned structure.

Read Write Inc gives early reading a clear sequence. In autumn, nursery children spend time singing, talking and reading; individual letter sounds begin in spring, with attention to recognising and saying them. Spoken language comes first. That gives families a useful picture of the pace: the nursery starts with conversation and stories before introducing those sounds.

Indoors and outside, classroom activities support creative exploration. Children can use the outdoor area daily, and weekly Woodland learning takes them to the forest. Weekly PE adds planned physical activity. These are distinct parts of the programme, giving movement and outdoor experiences a regular place in the week.

Math Mastery shapes the approach to numbers and mathematical thinking. Adult-led games and practical activities use objects children can handle, making number, calculation and shape tangible. Circle time also addresses relationships and looking after the body, including toothbrushing and healthy eating. SCARF provides a named framework for personal, social and health learning.

Settling starts with relationships. Staff work with families and children’s previous settings, and the first half term concentrates on helping children become comfortable with the adults and their surroundings. During play, adults demonstrate turn-taking and sharing, and help children manage feelings. The support connects becoming settled with learning how to play alongside others.

Additional help can take the form of individual sessions or small groups. Examples include speech and language, fine motor skills and social development, as well as maths and phonics. For a child with special educational needs or a disability, families can contact the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator through the office or at senco@thorngrove.herts.sch.uk to discuss individual needs.

Attending Thorn Grove’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route and meet its deadline. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as separate decisions: joining the nursery is not an offer of a school place.

The morning learning period runs from 09:00 to 12:00, when the nursery day ends. Provision is organised as three hours daily across five days, with flexibility offered through the school office. Hertfordshire’s funded early years provision gives all three- and four-year-olds access to 15 hours each week.

For nursery enquiries or to arrange a school visit, call 01279 653002, option 2. Morning collection. The nursery finishes at midday. Families need to plan collection around that finish when considering how the sessions fit their working day.