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Nursery at Highwood 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, conversation and following children’s interests shape Acorns Nursery at Highwood Primary School in Bushey. It sits within the school’s early years provision, with a class teacher and teaching support staff. For the September 2026 intake, eligible birth dates ran from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023, subject to space.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 27 and 28 June 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Children have opportunities to choose their own activities alongside learning directed by adults. Staff demonstrate, guide and teach, while children also learn by watching one another. Plans can change as interests develop. This gives children room to pursue an idea while adults help extend what they understand.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven connected areas of development. Communication, movement and emotional development provide the foundations; mathematics, literacy, creative expression and exploring the world build on them. In practical terms, learning includes how children talk, relate to others and approach a challenge, as well as what they know.
Stories have a daily place in early years. Children join in familiar tales through repetition and echoing, with conversation, storytelling and role play providing further opportunities to practise language. Read Write Inc is the school’s phonics programme, linking letters with sounds to support reading and writing.
Science combines adult guidance with exploration chosen by children. Stories and opportunities to observe and investigate encourage questions about the world. Nursery history starts closer to home: children talk about memorable experiences, family customs and their own life stories. These are recognisable starting points for young learners.
In June 2023, children across early years persisted with unfamiliar learning and showed consideration for others during shared activities. Learning behaviours matter here alongside curriculum content.
During June 2023, early years children were happy and settled. Adults used questions and tailored help to extend learning, including for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The practical strength was support within learning itself, helping children participate and develop their understanding.
Additional early years staffing includes work on the NELI Programme and interventions. Across the school, speech and language support involves the special educational needs coordinator and an NHS Mainstream Speech Therapist. The school also works with an attached Educational Psychologist to identify learning needs and organise support.
Nursery parents can attend workshops about sharing stories and listening to their child read. This gives families a specific way to support language and reading at home.
Attending Acorns Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Reception admissions are managed by Hertfordshire County Council; applications can be made through the council or by returning a paper form to its Admissions and Transport team.
Attendance follows a five-session pattern: mornings, afternoons or full days across the week. Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am. The full-day option starts at 8:45am and finishes at 2:45pm, with a charged extension to 3:15pm. These fixed patterns matter when arranging work and collection.
The 30-hour funded option requires parents to check eligibility and supply their funding code. Eligibility is checked each term; charges become payable if a child loses eligibility during a term. Families can alternatively use government funding for the morning and pay privately for the afternoon. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries about remaining spaces go to admin@highwood.herts.sch.uk. The school is on Mead Way, Bushey, WD23 2AW.
Children attend five mornings, five afternoons or five full days each week. Morning sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am.
The full-day option runs from 8:45am to 2:45pm, with a charged extension to 3:15pm.
The EYFS combines adult-led learning with activities children initiate themselves. Early years activities include daily stories, role play and scientific exploration; nursery history includes family customs and personal experiences.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through Hertfordshire County Council’s admissions process.
Email admin@highwood.herts.sch.uk to enquire about remaining nursery spaces.
