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Nursery at New Hall 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Farm visits, woodland learning and children pouring their own drinks gave New Hall’s nursery a character that reached beyond classroom activities at the February 2024 inspection. The Nursery Division welcomes girls and boys aged one to four within this independent Catholic school in Boreham, Chelmsford. Its Catholic values take practical form in children leading prayer, sharing responsibilities and learning consideration for others.
The ISI inspection of 6 to 8 February 2024 judged the registered early years provision good overall, with outstanding behaviour and attitudes. Those judgements concern the early years provision specifically. For parents, the detail behind them matters: familiar adults help children attempt challenges, while everyday routines build independence.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) turns early learning into practice with language, movement, relationships and numbers. In February 2024, teaching built from younger children connecting words to express their needs towards older children sustaining conversations. Stories involved matching dinosaur toys to illustrations, giving children something concrete to connect with the language they heard.
Mathematics also appeared in play. Loading sticks into a toy truck became a counting activity; moving little elastic bands onto chopsticks exercised fine finger control. Jumping and climbing worked larger muscles. These are small tasks with clear purposes, helping children develop the coordination and understanding they will use in later learning.
The on-site farm brought animals and their life cycles into children’s experience. Woodland activities, French, rugby and dance extended learning beyond the room. Outdoors, hoops and movement through spaces helped children practise balance. Play activities recorded in February 2024 included painting, construction with cylinders and an improvised toy-car wash, allowing children to test their own ideas.
Using resources. In February 2024, staff sometimes missed opportunities to help children make fuller use of equipment and materials. Strengthening that support was the early years improvement priority, a useful point for families to consider alongside the varied activities.
Settling began with conversations about children’s interests at home and their usual care routines. Staff used this information in planning and kept discussing changes with parents through an online learning journal. That connection helped make the nursery routine familiar rather than abrupt.
In February 2024, the key-person arrangement gave children the reassurance of an adult they knew, including when attempting climbing challenges. Regular observations, discussions with families and involvement from external services supported additional help, including speech and language intervention. Safeguarding was effective in the nursery, with practitioners understanding their responsibilities and refreshing their knowledge through training.
Meals were another opportunity to practise independence: children spread butter on toast, served themselves water and tidied afterwards. Dietary requirements were managed using wrist bands and plates in different colours. Learning to recognise feelings also had a concrete form, with colours linked to emotions and adult support for children who found managing them difficult.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at New Hall. Existing children receive priority, subject to the relevant entry assessments, but transfer between divisions is not automatic. Moving into the Pre-Prep Division requires a separate offer and acceptance, and entry depends on meeting the relevant criteria. Families should pursue Reception admission separately through the school’s admissions team rather than assume progression is automatic.
In February 2024, children’s progress, communication skills and growing independence prepared them for their next learning stage. That preparation is an educational benefit; it does not settle the admissions decision.
For full-year nursery attendance, payment is monthly and withdrawal requires one month’s notice. Families should check the contractual notice requirement before changing their plans.
Nursery fees for 2026/27 include lunch, snacks in the morning and afternoon, and supper according to attendance. Pre-School specialist lessons are included. Parents supply nappies and formula milk in cartons. A separately charged Holiday Activity Scheme offers full-time or part-time attendance for Pre-School pupils. Ask the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries can go to Nursery@newhallschool.co.uk or 01245 236 144; the admissions team uses admissions@newhallschool.co.uk.
The coeducational Nursery Division caters for children aged one to four.
In February 2024, children visited the on-site farm, took part in woodland learning and practised physical skills outdoors, including balance with hoops.
At the February 2024 inspection, staff discussed home interests and care routines with parents, used these in planning and maintained communication through an online learning journal. A key person provided a familiar relationship.
Meals and snacks are included according to attendance, covering lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, and supper. Parents provide nappies and formula milk in cartons.
No. Existing children receive priority subject to the relevant entry assessments, but transfer is not automatic. Entry to the Pre-Prep Division depends on the school’s entry criteria and a separate offer and acceptance. Families should handle Reception admission separately with the admissions team.
