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Nursery at Woodlands 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sounds, small groups of objects and the hand control needed for writing give Woodlands’ nursery its learning focus. This is the nursery within Woodlands Primary School on Alban Crescent in Borehamwood, with a morning session running from 08:45 to 11:45. For families, that means planning around a morning finish rather than the primary school’s longer day.
In June 2026, Ofsted judged early years to be at the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating. Children in early years make secure progress from their individual starting points.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning. In everyday terms here, the initial emphasis is on children communicating, developing relationships and learning social skills. Nursery children practise distinguishing sounds and recognising small amounts, alongside developing the finger and hand movements that prepare them to write. These are foundations for later learning, with language and personal development given their own attention.
Stories also shape early years learning: shared reading supplies ideas that children take into their own play. Exploring earlier events in their lives introduces a sense of time, while looking for minibeasts in the woods connects learning about habitats with real discoveries outdoors. The woods provide a concrete setting for that exploration, rather than leaving the natural world entirely to pictures and conversation.
Technology has a place too. Nursery learning includes using a simple application on a computer or mobile device and recognising technology used at home and school. The early years approach to online safety pairs internet use with adult supervision and teaches children to tell an adult about anything on screen that worries them.
Settling starts with understanding the child. In June 2026, partnerships with families and previous settings helped staff identify needs before children started, supporting a happy move into school life. Staff and children develop warm relationships in early years. A key person keeps parents informed about behaviour, and recurring difficulties are considered jointly with families using observations to help decide a response.
Fruit is provided daily for children in the Foundation Stage. Communication extends beyond immediate conversations: parents are offered autumn and spring consultation appointments, followed by a written report in summer. Class Dojo messages and meetings provide further ways to discuss progress.
For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), support is organised around assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing its impact. The school’s teaching assistants have training in interventions including Wellcomm and speech and language support. Parents can contact the SENCO at senco@woodlands.herts.sch.uk, giving families a direct route for discussing additional needs.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council’s primary admissions service. Allocation criteria include siblings, medical or social needs and distance. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that cycle has passed.
Preparation for change is a separate matter. Planned transition sessions let pupils meet their next teacher and teaching assistant. Children on the SEN register receive a visual booklet showing their next classroom before the summer term ends, helping make the change more familiar.
The nursery morning runs from 08:45 until 11:45. Children must have an adult accompany them both to school and home, so collection needs to be part of the family’s morning arrangements.
General enquiries go to the office team on 020 8953 2717 or admin@woodlands.herts.sch.uk. The school is on Alban Crescent, Borehamwood, WD6 5JF. School closures include an inset day on 23 October 2026, a useful date to account for when arranging childcare.
The nursery runs from 08:45 to 11:45.
No. Nursery attendance does not confer priority or guarantee a place. A separate application is required through Hertfordshire County Council.
Children learn to distinguish sounds, recognise small quantities and develop hand control for writing, with an early emphasis on communication and social skills.
Parents can speak to their child’s teacher or contact the SENCO at senco@woodlands.herts.sch.uk.
Children in the Foundation Stage receive a piece of fruit each day.
