St Margaret's School Nursery Review

Play has room to spread at St Margaret's: a bright, spacious nursery room and outdoor learning shape the provision for children aged 2 to 4. This is the nursery within the independent school in Bushey, with Lower Nursery, Upper Nursery and Pre-Reception stages. Children can start from their second birthday, including partway through a term when a place is available.

At the October 2025 ISI inspection, the nursery had 45 children across three classes. That is an attendance figure at the time, rather than a measure of capacity. The nursery operates during school terms, an important distinction for families planning childcare through the holidays.

Learning through play follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with attention to early number skills, language, literacy and becoming more independent. In October 2025, the early years curriculum was carefully planned around individual children's development. Sound activities helped children connect what they heard with letters, giving early reading a practical starting point.

Communication receives deliberate attention. Picture prompts, actions and signs for key words help children acquire language, so spoken instructions are supported by other ways of understanding. Specialist teaching adds movement, dance, music and foreign languages; children were singing and learning numbers up to five in Spanish. These activities give children opportunities to practise language through singing and movement.

Outside, children take part in outdoor education and use play apparatus to develop physical skills alongside dance and movement. Responsibility also starts small: early years children learn about community helpers, tidy their classroom and help plan activities for younger pupils. Everyday tasks become opportunities to practise independence and consideration for others.

Before starting, families meet the Nursery Manager and team to discuss development, medical information and what their child eats. An All about Me session gives parents and children time with the team before nursery begins. This makes the preparation personal, with care needs discussed alongside learning.

Messages travel between home and nursery through a Day Book, supplemented by online updates about the child's day. Staff organise time for children to eat together, making meals part of the social routine. Meals eaten during required school hours carry no additional charge.

In October 2025, relationships in the early years were positive, and children received help with recognising feelings, managing emotions and understanding appropriate behaviour. Staff had suitable first-aid qualifications covering the youngest children. Together, these details connect emotional support with practical care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. It does confer priority here: Reception offers go first to children attending St Margaret's Nursery, with just one third of places offered to external applicants. An offer remains a decision for the Head of Junior School, taking account of assessment feedback and nursery reports or references.

Reception has a separate registration and assessment process through the school. Families should plan for that admissions decision rather than assume progression is automatic. Registered candidates attend an age-appropriate assessment and taster session. Separately, summer-term activities for new starters help children prepare for the September transition; those activities support familiarity, rather than securing admission.

Morning sessions run from 8am to 1pm, afternoons from 1pm to 4pm, and the core day spans 8am to 4pm. Care can extend from 7.30am until 6pm Monday to Thursday, with a 5pm finish on Friday. The earlier Friday collection matters when arranging work commitments.

Lower and Upper Nursery require at least four sessions each week; six are recommended in Upper Nursery. Pre-Reception requires at least eight. Full-time applicants receive waiting-list priority, so session choices affect both the weekly routine and the allocation of nursery places.

Hertfordshire-funded provision covers 15 hours for eligible children aged 3 and 4, beginning the term after their third birthday and ending at Reception entry. Two places are allocated first come, first served without extra sessions being required. Other children using funding must attend at least 25 hours weekly. Ask the school for current charges when choosing the pattern.

Enquiries can be made through the enquiry form or Junior School admissions on 020 8416 4442. One-to-one nursery tours and Open Days offer opportunities to meet the team.