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Nursery at King's Hedges Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly themes, daily outdoor learning and a deliberate emphasis on language give King's Hedges Nursery School its character. This is nursery education built around talking, exploring and learning to be with other children, rather than simply filling the hours.
On Northfield Avenue in Cambridge, the nursery and primary are separate schools within King's Hedges Educational Federation, sharing one governing body. The nursery has 104 places, plus an additional 24 places for two-year-olds. Provision covers ages two to four, with eligible two-year-olds catered for alongside older nursery children. For the main nursery intake, places begin in the term following a child's third birthday.
Curiosity Corner – Success for All Foundation shapes the weekly themes. Each day combines carpet time, activities guided by adults in smaller groups and learning children choose themselves. New words and questions introduced together are then explored through practical activities. That gives children different ways to revisit an idea.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven areas of development. In parent language, these bring together communication, movement, relationships and emotions with early reading, maths, creativity and discovering how the world works. Communication and personal development receive the initial emphasis. Themes include Making Music and Roots and Shoots, giving vocabulary a recognisable context rather than treating it as an isolated exercise.
Learning takes place inside and outdoors. The outdoor learning space is used daily, including wet weather, so children can observe natural changes and apply ideas beyond the classroom. Weekly PE involves a specialist coach. During Science Week, nursery children explored water by washing clothes and watching them dry: a concrete way to connect an everyday task with scientific observation.
Teaching and assessment. At the March 2023 inspection, language teaching was a strength, but some activities moved children beyond basic skills before they had enough practice. Staff needed to use their knowledge of individual children more consistently when planning, including for children with SEND. For families, the relevant distinction is between a carefully sequenced curriculum and teaching paced to their own child's readiness.
Parents can join their children in the classroom on Fridays, explore learning activities and talk with staff. Weekly theme information and vocabulary go home, while personalised learning folders are shared at consultation drop-ins. These give families practical starting points for conversations and activities at home.
Support includes sensory circuits, Attention Autism, Play Circles and Touch and Taste. A speech and language teaching assistant works individually with children and in small groups. Two-year progress checks are shared with parents, linking the nursery's assessment to family discussions.
Preparation includes a Nursery Story Book to read with a new starter, alongside support for separation difficulties and toilet training. Full-time lunch choices include a school meal or a packed lunch. In March 2023, children were supported to try healthy foods, learn handwashing and recognise feelings; safeguarding was effective, and relationships with adults were trusting.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, meeting its deadline. Cambridgeshire's local authority admissions team handles primary admissions, with applications made online through the local authority.
Vocabulary teaching progresses from nursery towards Reception, providing continuity in learning. That educational connection is separate from the allocation of a school place.
Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am; afternoons run from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Full-time arrangements have finishes at 2:30pm or 3:30pm. Attendance is Monday to Friday across all five days, with no flexible attendance pattern. Families need a working week that fits those fixed sessions.
Some families qualify for 30 hours of funded childcare. The longer day includes charged lunchtime supervision and a school meal; the shorter full-time day offers either a charged school lunch or a packed lunch with no weekly charge. Ask the school for current charges.
Nursery tours can be booked through the office on 01223 518330. Enquiries can also go to office@kingshedges.cambs.sch.uk. The next nursery intake is January 2027.
Provision covers children aged two to four, including eligible two-year-olds. Main nursery places begin in the term after a child's third birthday.
Morning sessions are 8:30am–11:30am and afternoon sessions are 12:30pm–3:30pm. Full-time arrangements finish at 2:30pm or 3:30pm. Children attend all five weekdays.
Yes. Some families qualify for 30 hours of funded childcare. Lunch and supervision charges depend on the chosen arrangement, and the shorter full-time packed-lunch option has no weekly charge.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Cambridgeshire's local authority handles primary admissions and provides an online application route.
Call the school office on 01223 518330 to book a nursery tour.
