The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Hatfield Peverel Infant and 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two indoor learning spaces, an outdoor area of its own and access to the school garden give Duckling class a footprint beyond its classroom. This is the nursery at Hatfield Peverel Infant and Nursery School, on Church Road. It forms part of the school community, sharing its values and facilities.
The provision has 29 places for three- and four-year-olds, with limited places for children aged two. That younger intake matters: families can consider a school nursery before their child turns three.
Play and practical activities shape learning through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In parent language, this brings together learning to communicate, managing feelings and developing physical skills with early literacy, maths, creative expression and discovering the world. The school aims to connect these areas through topics, rather than treating them as separate classroom subjects.
Art gives a concrete picture of the nursery curriculum. Children practise controlling the marks they make, explore mixing colours and shape playdough. These activities connect making something with developing hand control and language. The nursery also has use of the hall and playground, while the garden provides opportunities for planting, finding bugs and building dens.
ERIC, the school mascot, introduces communication, independence, respect and effort from nursery onwards. Tokens recognise children demonstrating those values, giving abstract ideas a practical form.
Curriculum development. In October 2022, inspectors identified insufficient precision in the nursery's intended knowledge and skills, and asked leaders to make its curriculum more ambitious across the learning areas. For families, the important distinction is between an appealing choice of activities and a clear sequence of learning.
A nursery class teacher sits within a wider team that includes an EYFS leader, learning support assistants and a special educational needs coordinator (SENCo). In October 2022, inspectors found nursery children content and enjoying activities, with their care needs met, including those of two-year-olds.
Tapestry links home and nursery through an online learning journal. Parents can add photographs, observations and comments, so learning and interests at home can become part of the conversation. Brief conversations with staff are possible at the start and finish of the day; longer discussions can be arranged by phone or face to face.
Morning snack includes fruit or vegetables through the national Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. Nursery children are also offered milk, free until age five. Children bring a named bottle containing water, with access throughout the day. The school is nut free, an important constraint when preparing food.
For additional needs, the school uses graduated support and works with parents and other agencies. This provides a route from identifying a difficulty to arranging help.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and does not confer priority under the school's oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through Essex County Council School Admissions. For the September 2026 intake, the closing date was 15 January 2026. Children who already have an Education, Health and Care Plan follow the SEND Operations Team route instead of the main application process.
Once a school place has been offered, families are invited to a summer New Intake Meeting. Children meet their future teachers and try activities during the preceding term. Those introductions support familiarity; they are separate from the allocation of places.
Contact the school office on 01245 380220 or email office@hatfieldpeverel.essex.sch.uk for nursery enquiries or to arrange a visit. A nursery application form is available.
Clothing should allow children to manage dressing independently. The uniform combines a gold or royal blue polo shirt with a royal blue cardigan or jumper; plain versions are acceptable. Send wellington boots for outdoor use, and label clothing. Jewellery, including earrings and watches, is prohibited in nursery.
Parents cannot park on the school premises. If someone other than a child's primary carer will collect them, give the office advance notice by telephone, email or in writing.
There are 29 places for three- and four-year-olds, with limited places for two-year-olds.
They have a dedicated outdoor learning area and access to the school playground and garden, as well as the hall.
Parents can add observations, photographs and comments to Tapestry, the online learning journal.
No. Nursery attendance gives no priority under the oversubscription criteria. A separate Essex County Council application is required, with a different route for children who already have an EHCP.
Contact the school office on 01245 380220 or office@hatfieldpeverel.essex.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
