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Nursery at The Lea Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Year-round Forest School and a shared all-weather outdoor area give The Lea’s nursery a clear outdoor thread. This is the school’s own morning provision in Harpenden, with 26 places and entry from the term following a child’s third birthday. Longer days bring a second provider into the picture: The Lea runs the morning nursery and breakfast club, while Noah’s Ark handles afternoon provision and after-school care on the same site.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Outstanding at its inspection on 1 and 2 October 2024. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery inspection or a judgement on Noah’s Ark.
Play and adult guidance work together here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects seven areas of development, with relationships and each child’s individual development shaping the approach. Children choose some learning activities themselves; staff direct others and use questions to extend their thinking. The practical balance is between exploring an interest and having an adult help take it further.
Daily phonics uses Little Wandle’s Foundations for Phonics guidance. Stories, rhymes and oral blending develop children’s language and their ability to bring spoken sounds together. Maths also runs through play: children investigate concepts independently or alongside an adult, rather than meeting number work only as a separate activity. Singing nursery rhymes and listening to music form part of early years learning too.
Outside, large grounds include an all-weather area shared by Nursery and Reception. Nursery children attend Forest School throughout the year, using a woodland setting for exploration. Some activities are planned, while others develop from children’s play and ideas. A member of staff holds Level 3 Forest School training. This gives outdoor learning its own approach, alongside the nursery’s everyday play space.
Settling has a social focus. In October 2024, early years children settled promptly into routines and began learning kindness and sharing from the outset. Personal, Social and Emotional Development also runs through nursery learning, making relationships part of the day’s work.
Snack time includes free milk and a free portion of fruit or vegetables. Children staying for lunch can bring food from home or have a charged cooked school meal. Families should notify the school about allergies and other dietary requirements; an allergy-specific catering menu requires medical evidence.
Communication is electronic, with Friday newsletters, emailed letters and reminders through email or Arbor. For additional needs, families have a SENCo contact at senco@lea-pri.herts.sch.uk. The safeguarding team includes the headteacher, deputy headteacher and SENCo, providing routes for raising concerns.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission to The Lea’s Reception class. Families must make a separate Reception application through Hertfordshire County Council at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions, following the normal application timetable. Treat that application as a separate decision from choosing nursery.
The shared Nursery/Reception outdoor area provides a physical link between the two stages. The nursery also has links with Reception and the wider school. Those connections belong to children’s experience of moving on; they do not secure a Reception place.
The Lea’s teacher-led morning offer runs from 08:45 to 12:30, including the lunchtime period. The school recommends five mornings each week but also offers flexible hours. Combined care with Noah’s Ark spans 07:30 to 18:00 on weekdays during school terms, allowing families to extend the morning on site.
Eligible children can use 15 or 30 funded hours. Lunchtime cover carries an additional charge, and cooked meals are charged separately. Ask the school for current charges. Nursery arrangements require a half-term commitment and advance payment; changes need two weeks’ notice. Breakfast club bookings use Arbor and can be made until midnight before attendance.
Nursery tours take place during January and February. Applications go directly to the school; enquiries can go to admin@lea-pri.herts.sch.uk or 01582 767939.
Children can start in the term after their third birthday. The nursery has 26 places, and applications are made directly to the school.
Yes. The Lea and Noah’s Ark provide combined care from 07:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday during school term time. Noah’s Ark runs the afternoon provision and after-school care.
They have large outdoor spaces, including an all-weather area shared with Reception, and attend Forest School throughout the year in a woodland setting.
Nursery children receive free milk and fruit or vegetables at snack time. Those staying for lunch can bring a packed lunch or have a charged cooked school dinner.
No. A separate Reception application must be made through Hertfordshire County Council at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions.
