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Nursery at Heritage House 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Communication takes many forms at Heritage House: signing, symbols, an iPad or a vocalisation can all be part of learning. Its nursery provision belongs to a community special school in Chesham whose learners start from age two. The school supports children with severe learning difficulties, including sensory and multisensory impairments; an education, health and care plan (EHCP) is a condition of admission.
That specialist context shapes the choice for families. The focus is on learning matched to an individual child, with communication and growing independence among the school curriculum's aims.
The school curriculum has 14 stages, with emphasis on communication, personal and emotional development, and maths. Learners follow one of three pathways according to how they learn. This gives families a useful picture of the wider teaching model surrounding the nursery: learning is organised around individual needs and practical skills.
Makaton, symbol exchanges and Grid on iPads are among the communication methods used across the school. Named teaching approaches include Rebound therapy, Intensive Interaction and Lego therapy. These are school approaches rather than a promise that each child receives each intervention. Bug Club Phonics is used where it suits the learner, and reading is encouraged daily.
The wider school timetable divides learning into five sessions. A morning snack and break falls between 10:30 and 11:00, followed by lunch from 12:00 to 13:00. Those pauses give the day a rhythm beyond classroom activity. Outdoor learning and water play also feature in the school's summer guidance, which asks families to apply sun cream before school and recommends a hat.
Joining learners have a six-week observation and assessment period. Each learner has an individual learning plan. This starting period identifies strengths and development needs in relation to the EHCP. The wider team includes teachers, therapists, learning support staff and a family advocate, bringing education and family support into the same school structure.
Food can be adapted. Lunch is cooked on site each day, with vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options alongside meat dishes and more specialised preparation. Parents can meet the catering team to discuss dietary requirements, making mealtime needs a practical part of the conversation.
Hobbies at Home extends play resources beyond school. Families can borrow building blocks, theraputy or threading resources, requesting an item through the communication book or by email. Loans are limited to one resource for up to two weeks. Teachers can help families choose something linked to classroom skills.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat nursery admission and the next placement decision separately. Heritage House takes no applications directly: Buckinghamshire Council's ISEND Service determines school admissions. Families should use that specialist route for enquiries about the next stage, rather than assume nursery attendance settles the decision.
Visits can be arranged by emailing Admissions@hhschool.org.uk. Initial placement enquiries go to the council's ISEND Service at sencsb@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or on 01296 383 293.
The school timetable starts with arrival at 08:50; home transitions run from 14:50 to 15:15. Collection arrangements therefore deserve attention when planning transport. On site, drivers must keep to 5mph and follow the designated circulation route.
Wheelchair access extends across both school buildings, with adapted toilet facilities and two disabled parking bays near the main reception entrance. The school uniform combines a green cardigan or sweatshirt with a white logo polo shirt and a choice of skirt, shorts or trousers. Clothing should be labelled permanently.
It sits within a special school admitting learners from age two who have an EHCP. Heritage House supports severe learning difficulties and sensory or multisensory impairments.
No. School admissions are determined by Buckinghamshire Council's ISEND Service, so families should address the next placement decision through that service.
Email Admissions@hhschool.org.uk to arrange a school visit.
The school prepares lunch on site and provides dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and meat menus, as well as specialised preparation. Families can discuss requirements with the catering team.
The school uses a six-week assessment and observation period to identify strengths and development needs. Each learner has an individual learning plan.
