Saint Nicholas School Nursery Review

Two early years stages give Saint Nicholas its starting point: Rocking Horse Nursery for younger children and Little Saints Pre-School for children aged two and a half to four. Nursery entry begins at three months. Both belong to Saint Nicholas School on Hobbs Cross Road in Old Harlow, with a Head of Nursery and Pre-school overseeing the provision.

The distinction between the stages matters. The registered nursery was outside the April to May 2025 ISI inspection; its findings about early years apply to the school's non-registered provision, including pre-school. Families should keep that boundary in mind when weighing the learning findings below.

Music sessions, cooking and muddy play give the nursery day concrete activities around which children can explore. Consumables include ingredients for messy play as well as cooking, so practical experiences sit alongside everyday care.

For pre-school, the April to May 2025 early years findings show what the Early Years Foundation Stage means in practice: children build confidence in conversation, explore letter sounds and begin to understand numbers. Literacy and numeracy developed effectively. A mud kitchen supported practical learning and social development, giving children a place to practise skills together.

Specialists taught PE and music within the weekly early years timetable. Collaborative play also helped children practise sharing, waiting for a turn and treating others considerately. These are useful foundations for participating in a group, alongside the first steps in reading and mathematics.

A key person uses knowledge of each child's development, circumstances and temperament to support emotional needs. During small disagreements, adults help children think about their actions and manage their feelings. For a distressed child, a quiet area with their key person provides time to calm down. The emphasis is on understanding the child and teaching ways to handle conflict.

Parents participate when behaviour needs further support. The key person and Special Educational Needs Coordinator agree adjustments and next steps with families, with specialist services involved where concerns persist. Nursery educators also work with the coordinator to identify additional needs.

Food is prepared freshly on site, with allergies and dietary requirements accommodated. Nursery fees include food, snacks, nappies and reusable wipes; pre-school has a different structure, with lunch and snacks charged separately. That distinction affects what families need to budget for.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Progression from nursery to pre-school, and then to Reception, depends on the child's behaviour and progress meeting the school's expectations. Treat that as a condition to discuss before committing to a longer pathway.

Reception registration is handled directly by the school. Existing pre-school families should discuss progression requirements with admissions; moving to Reception depends on the child's behaviour and progress meeting the school's expectations. Registration can begin after birth, and a waiting list may be used when an age group is full.

Rocking Horse Nursery has a full-day pattern from 8.30am to 4.30pm and half-day options from 8.30am to 12.30pm or 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 8.30am, providing an earlier start.

Funded nursery arrangements distinguish childcare hours from voluntary additions for food, consumables and activities. Parents can supply consumables themselves, although opting out can exclude children from cooking, messy play or additional activities; meal opt-outs go through the office. Little Saints offers up to 15 free hours weekly once a child turns three, continuing through the term of their fifth birthday.

Pre-school children are expected to be toilet trained and out of nappies. Uniform and optional care clubs are separate extras. Contact admissions on 01279 429910 for current charges or book a nursery and pre-school tour.