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 The Grove 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Greenway Spinney, weekly specialist music and a secure garden give The Grove Nursery a day that reaches well beyond carpet time. This is the school’s own nursery in Harpenden, for children aged three and four, with 36 full-time places or 72 part-time places. A qualified teacher leads the curriculum alongside Early Years Practitioners. The nursery occupies a purpose-built building with its own enclosed garden, giving outdoor play a space of its own.
At the Ofsted inspection on 7 and 8 November 2023, early years provision was graded Outstanding. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Small-group teaching and time to choose their own play form the session’s two strands. Phonics, music, circle time and superhero training feature in group work; adults also help children develop ideas as they play in the room or garden. Children register by recognising their name and discuss the timetable on the carpet. Each session closes with a story or singing after children have put things away. Outdoor play is available daily in all weathers.
The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, brings together seven connected areas. Relationships, talking and physical development sit alongside early maths, literacy, creative work and discovering how the world works. Here, adult-led activities share the day with children’s choices. Planning in the Moment means adults use questions, demonstrations and connections to earlier learning to build on the play already happening.
Forest School takes nursery children to Greenway Spinney throughout the year. A specialist music teacher works with them weekly, alongside weekly outdoor PE. These give children different ways to explore, listen and move. In November 2023, nursery learning used songs and music to develop recognition of sounds, while carefully planned early years activities kept children engaged across the curriculum.
Key workers teach smaller groups each day and track what children understand and need to learn next. Familiarity starts before the first session: staff visit a child’s previous setting or speak to their existing key worker. Parents are invited to a nursery presentation and stay-and-play sessions with their child at the start of the autumn term. That gives families time to become familiar with the adults and routines together.
Seesaw combines messages with a private learning journal containing photographs, videos and notes. Staff can talk at session endings or arrange a meeting. For additional needs, the Inclusion Leader works with families, and staff gather information from previous settings before nursery begins so support can be planned around the child.
Fruit is provided in each session, with water available and milk that parents can order free for children under five. Lunch means bringing a packed lunch, and the nursery is nut-free. Comfortable clothes, shoes children can manage themselves and a spare outfit support everyday independence.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Hertfordshire County Council’s school application route and meet the normal application deadline. Treat this as a fresh application, even when your child already knows the school.
Preparation and allocation are separate matters. Children joining Reception have a transition programme; for pupils needing additional transition support, strategies include extra visits, picture-based transition books and meetings with new teachers. Familiarisation helps a child prepare for change, but does not secure admission.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, with afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The nursery requests at least five mornings or afternoons. Session preferences depend on availability, and extended provision is booked rather than used casually.
Up to 15 funded hours each week are used in core sessions during term time. Eligible children using 30 funded hours attend from 8.30am to 2.30pm; extending to 3.30pm involves a charge. Families must supply their eligibility code and reconfirm it for each term. Lunch is included within the 30-hour entitlement but charged additionally for children using 15 hours. Additional sessions depend on space, and workshop contributions are voluntary. Ask the school for current charges.
Fusion handles separate wraparound bookings directly. Nursery breakfast care runs from 7.30am to 8.30am; after-school care finishes at 6.15pm Monday to Thursday and 5.15pm on Friday. Those differing collection times matter for working families. For nursery enquiries or a visit, contact the school on 01582 761849 or admin@groveinfants.herts.sch.uk.
Children aged three and four attend, normally starting in September of the academic year in which they turn four.
Yes. They can go outside daily, use the nursery’s secure garden and attend Forest School at Greenway Spinney throughout the year.
Fruit is provided in each session. Children staying for lunch bring a packed lunch, which must be nut-free.
No. Families make a separate Reception application through Hertfordshire County Council’s normal school application route.
Yes, through separate bookings with Fusion. Breakfast care is from 7.30am to 8.30am. After-school care runs from 3.30pm until 6.15pm Monday to Thursday, with a 5.15pm finish on Friday.
