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 Elmtree 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Home visits before starting, a familiar Key Person and a choice of morning, afternoon or whole-day attendance give Elmtree’s nursery a clear practical character. Children can start in the term following their third birthday. This is the nursery within Elmtree Infant and Nursery School in Chesham, with its own Nursery Lead and oversight from an Early Years Leader.
The nursery occupies the ground floor, with ramp access through the outdoor area. That is a useful physical detail for families considering access: the nursery’s arrangements differ from those of the main school, which cannot accommodate wheelchair access.
Talking, stories and songs are substantial parts of learning here. In March 2025, Ofsted found that language development was supported effectively from Nursery: adults demonstrate speech and help children describe their activities. This makes conversation part of learning rather than something reserved for a separate lesson.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach includes adult-guided art activities alongside materials children can explore during their own play. Children practise a technique, then have opportunities to use it independently to express their ideas. Nursery practitioners meet to organise learning indoors and outside, share observations and discuss children’s development; planning responds to children’s needs and earlier experiences.
March 2025 early-years findings also described children handling scissors independently and making drawings on large sheets while exploring a hen’s life cycle. These activities develop hand control and coordination for drawing and using writing tools. Children communicated confidently with adults and one another. Wednesday brings PE for nursery children attending either session or the whole day, adding a specific movement activity to the week.
Settling starts before the first session. All children have a home visit during the preceding term and an invitation to explore the nursery, meet their Key Person and get to know other children. During that visit, parents have time with the Early Years Leader or a Key Person to exchange information. The Key People have training and qualifications to lead nursery groups, giving families an identified adult connection before attendance begins.
Every session includes a snack, with children choosing seasonal vegetables or fruit and having water or milk. Parents are asked to contribute breadsticks, dried fruit or crackers to supplement the selection. Whole-day children bring a packed lunch. Toileting support is collaborative: staff work with families at a pace the child can manage, and tracksuit bottoms are permitted during toilet training.
Parents can speak with the team at collection or drop-off, and progress is discussed regularly. For SEND concerns, the class teacher is the initial contact, with the SENCo involved as needed. Support planning includes parents, and progress towards agreed outcomes is reviewed termly. For children with known SEND, additional settling sessions or gradual entry may be arranged according to individual need and parental preference.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Elmtree. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority. For September 2027 entry, the application window opens at the beginning of November and closes in January. The 2026 oversubscription criteria did not give priority for nursery attendance; families should treat nursery enrolment and Reception admission as separate decisions.
Preparation for the next classroom is a different matter. Nursery staff work closely with the Reception team, especially during the term before children move on. This supports the change in learning setting but does not secure admission.
Morning attendance runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. The whole-day option is 8.45am to 3.15pm. All three patterns operate Monday to Friday, making the collection time an immediate consideration when matching nursery to work or other childcare.
The 15 funded hours are taken as five mornings or five afternoons. Some 30-hour funded sessions are also offered, and extra sessions may be possible with a charge. Contact the school for current charges. Children join each term, with registration forms returned to the office.
Uniform combines a red cardigan or sweatshirt, a white polo or shirt, and grey or black trousers or a skirt. Shoes should be manageable independently. For Wednesday PE, children attend in suitable clothing. Nursery enquiries can go to office@elm.odbst.org or 01494 771474.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday. Nursery admissions take place each term.
Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am, afternoon sessions are 12.15pm to 3.15pm, and whole-day attendance is 8.45am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday.
A home visit takes place in the term before starting. Children are also invited to visit the nursery and meet their Key Person, with time for parents to share information with staff.
Yes, children attending for the whole day bring a packed lunch. Snacks, milk and water are provided during sessions, with parents asked to contribute additional snack items.
No. A separate Reception application is required through the home local authority. For September 2027 entry, applications open at the beginning of November and close in January.
