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Nursery at Heathcote 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A mud kitchen, specialist French teaching and a place in school productions give Heathcote’s nursery a distinctly school-connected day. Children join from age 2, with the nursery positioned centrally within Heathcote School in Danbury. Assemblies and celebrations bring them into the wider school’s activities, so their experience extends beyond the nursery room.
Care spans up to 48 weeks through school terms and holiday club. That gives families an option for care beyond term time, although holiday opening hours are shorter.
Play and guided learning share the timetable. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum takes shape through children choosing activities and exploring their interests, alongside tasks led or supported by adults. Staff observe development and use those observations to plan what each child tackles next. Specialist sessions include music and PE, as well as French and Phonics.
Indoors, an open-plan room contains different learning areas. Outside, the enclosed Early Years garden has a covered all-weather space, making outdoor activity part of the daily routine. Children can use climbing equipment and bicycles, experiment with water and sand, or play in the mud kitchen and play house. These give them opportunities to practise movement, make choices and explore materials. Outdoor Learning also takes children into the surrounding rural environment; the nursery is also positioned to access the local library.
At the November 2023 ISI inspection, early-years children progressed rapidly from their individual starting points, with adults using questions to build vocabulary and extend understanding. Tasks allowed different ages to participate at an appropriate level, while children developed listening and concentration. These findings cover the school’s early years, including its nursery.
The Nursery Manager holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood, and all nursery staff have at least NVQ Level 3 qualifications. The manager also holds the Early Years Designated Safeguarding Lead role. A sleeping area and nappy-changing facilities accommodate care needs alongside learning.
Tapestry, the online Early Learning Journal, lets parents follow their child’s development electronically. Daily conversations and feedback sheets provide more immediate contact. Consultations take place in the Autumn and Spring Terms, with reports each term, giving families both everyday updates and scheduled opportunities to discuss progress.
Lunch is cooked in the on-site kitchen, with a packed lunch also an option. The rotating menu runs over 2 weeks; vegetarian and gluten-free choices are offered daily, and the school can accommodate most diets. Heathcote is nut free. Breakfast Club provides cereal or toast and a drink, while Twilight Club supplies a light snack and drink.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception admission arrangements directly with Heathcote. Heathcote expects children entering early years to continue into the main school; families should distinguish that expectation from a guaranteed place.
Continuing at Heathcote. If a child leaves Pre-school rather than continuing into the main school, Heathcote may ask siblings in Nursery to leave so places can be used by children progressing to Reception. This matters for families considering different schools for their children.
Preparation for the next stage is woven into the nursery routine through guided activities and participation in school events. Familiarity with school life is useful preparation, separate from the admissions decision.
During term time, the nursery opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm. Holiday hours are 9am to 4pm. Morning and afternoon sessions have a minimum booking of 2 sessions; additional nursery sessions, lunchtime sessions and wraparound care carry separate charges. Contact the school for current charges.
For 2025/2026, Heathcote offered 15 funded hours per week for eligible children aged 3 or 4 and did not participate in the extended 30-hour entitlement for that academic year. Participation is reviewed annually, so that dated arrangement should not be treated as confirmation for a later year.
Breakfast and Twilight Club use their own entrance for collection and drop-off. To arrange a nursery visit, call 01245 223131, email enquiries@heathcoteschool.co.uk or use the contact form. One whole term’s notice is required when leaving Nursery or Pre-school, otherwise fees are charged in lieu.
Children can join from age 2.
Daily outdoor sessions combine freely chosen play with organised activities. The enclosed garden includes a covered all-weather area, a mud kitchen and climbing equipment.
Yes. Children can bring a packed lunch instead of the hot lunch cooked on site. Heathcote is nut free.
No. Heathcote expects early-years children to continue into the main school. Confirm Reception admission arrangements directly with Heathcote.
Parents receive updates through Tapestry, daily conversations and feedback sheets, alongside termly reports and consultations in the Autumn and Spring Terms.
