St Hilda's School Nursery Review

Puffins and Kittiwakes give the youngest children at St Hilda’s two distinct stages: Pre-Nursery for ages two to three, followed by Nursery for ages three to four. Both have classrooms and outdoor learning areas within this independent school in Harpenden. Girls are admitted, with a limited number of boys accepted to accommodate sibling requirements.

Staffing comprises two Early Years Practitioners in Puffins and three in Kittiwakes. The emphasis changes with age, too: younger children concentrate on communication, movement and social development before exploring literacy, mathematics and the world in greater depth.

Busy Fingers starts the Kittiwakes morning with activities that strengthen hands and fingers. Registration brings nursery jobs, weather and the days of the week into the routine, followed by an adult-led activity that might involve French, mathematics or Jolly Phonics. Outdoor play chosen by the children then occupies a substantial part of the morning. It is a balance of guided learning and time to pursue an interest.

Music has several places in the day: daily singing, movement, and specialist lessons twice a week. A specialist also teaches PE once a week. Stories and quiet reading bring the morning towards its close. Puffins begins more freely, with construction, puzzles, textured play and art activities, then moves through rhymes, outdoor exploration and indoor play before music, movement and books.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework. In parent terms, that means developing language, physical skills and relationships alongside early reading, number work, creativity and understanding the world. In February 2024, ISI found that early-years language development benefited from individual phonics tracking, daily stories and role-play that introduced words connected with emergency services. Play has a clear learning purpose here.

Learning also extends beyond the classroom. In June 2025, nursery children visited Mill Green Museum at Hatfield, made bread rolls and planted cress. Some also practised floating and blowing bubbles in the school pool that term, giving physical learning a different setting.

Healthy snacks are provided in both rooms. Children staying beyond the morning have lunch; in Puffins, a rest or nap follows before afternoon activities. This gives younger children a pause between sessions.

The February 2024 early-years findings described children learning to share and take turns through the considerate behaviour modelled by adults. Indoor and outdoor spaces underwent daily risk checks, accidents were recorded and parents were informed promptly. All early-years staff had paediatric first-aid training.

In February 2024, early-years speech and language intervention supported children identified as needing additional help. Families can arrange a discussion with the Learning Support Team through the school office. Before a nursery place is offered, children meet the Head of Early Years, providing an initial point of contact with the team.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should treat Reception as a separate application and use the school’s direct admissions route. Girls applying for Reception spend a day in class, with an informal assessment by teaching staff.

Familiarity with the wider school develops separately from admission. Later in the year, Nursery joins the other pupils at break time to support transition. That shared experience helps children become accustomed to a larger group; it should not be read as an admissions advantage.

Kittiwakes offers a morning from 8:15am to noon, with an afternoon session also running daily. Puffins afternoons run from 1pm to 3pm; full wraparound care between 7:30am and 6pm is available on request. Pre-Nursery requires at least two mornings each week, and requested sessions are accommodated where possible rather than guaranteed.

Funding begins in the term after a child turns three. The Nursery arrangement provides 15 hours across five days, with three funded hours daily. Families can choose 8:30am to 11:30am for funded hours alone, or the preferred 8:15am to noon session with a charge for the additional time. Changes are made termly, and a parent declaration is required. Ask the school for current charges.

Notice period. Nursery withdrawal requires a term and a half’s written notice to the Head. Notice must arrive no later than the first day of the term at whose end it takes effect. Insufficient notice creates liability for the following term’s full fees. Factor that commitment into childcare planning.

Enquiries go to admissions@sthildasharpenden.co.uk or 01582 712307, and personal tours can be booked. Parents of nursery children can say goodbye at the classroom door beneath the side canopy.