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Nursery at De Havilland Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Acorn Class gives the nursery its own identity within De Havilland Primary School in Hatfield. There is a maximum of 30 children per class, with morning, afternoon and all-day patterns. For families choosing between a shorter session and a day that includes lunch, that distinction matters.
Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Good at its inspection on 19 and 20 September 2023. This judgement covers early years within the school. In September 2023, nursery children showed enthusiasm and confidence in their learning, with adults helping them develop independence and persistence.
Stories, making and exploration give the curriculum its shape. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) groups learning into seven areas rather than separate school subjects. In practice here, children explore materials, develop conversation and learn to play together alongside themed projects. These connect learning to things young children can handle, observe and talk about.
Talk for Writing includes The Little Red Hen in the nursery sequence. Once Upon a Time brings familiar tales into children's play through acting and retelling. Marvellous Machines introduces building and creating machines; its science activities include investigating magnets, simple circuits and the distance toy vehicles travel. These give children something concrete to discuss as they explain what happened.
Ready Steady Grow takes learning towards seeds, plant care and the needs of growing things. Outdoor exploration also includes studying the nursery and school surroundings and making maps of imagined journeys. Art activities bring dough, printing and colour mixing into the same themes, giving children different ways to express an idea.
Social learning has a named approach, too: Jigsaw. Children explore friendship and feelings, and practise Calm Me to help with anger or upset. In September 2023, adults also helped nursery children tackle problems and disagreements, making learning to get along part of the educational work.
Before starting, families offered a nursery place are invited to discuss questions with the nursery team. School visits are usually offered in November, with home visits in September. Early years joining arrangements also include a session where parent and child can stay and play, including lunch, and an evening for parents. This gives families opportunities to prepare together.
Children staying for lunch need a packed lunch from home. Across the school, each classroom has a self-regulation station and a comfort zone thermometer, giving children resources and a visual prompt for talking about feelings.
If an early years child's development causes concern, staff discuss it with parents or carers and agree support. The SENCo considers whether specialist assessment or help is needed. That creates a route from a concern raised in the classroom to a shared plan with the family.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no priority under the 2027/28 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council's common application form. For September 2027 entry, the deadline is 15 January 2027.
Preparation for changing class is a separate matter. Children receive a transition book and take part in transition activities; additional individual support can be arranged according to need. Familiarity and preparation help with the move, but do not change the admissions decision.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45, Monday to Friday. The afternoon nursery pattern is 12:15 to 15:15; the all-day pattern runs from 08:45 to 15:15. Afternoon provision including lunch starts at 11:45, so families need to distinguish the afternoon classroom session from the lunch-inclusive booking.
The nursery offers 15-hour and 30-hour places. Morning provision is government funded for all children. Lunch provision and afternoon sessions can be funded through an eligible 30-hour code or paid for, with current charges available from the school. Funded codes must be renewed every three months and before each term starts.
Booking commitment. Afternoon attendance is chosen each term, and bookings using a 30-hour code stay fixed for that term. Hourly and ad hoc childcare are not accommodated. Written notice of 30 days is required to reduce or cancel sessions, so this suits planned attendance.
Nursery enquiries and application forms are handled directly by the school: email admin@dehavilland.herts.sch.uk or telephone 01707 273542.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee admission or confer priority under the 2027/28 criteria. A separate Reception application is required.
For September 2027 entry, apply through Hertfordshire County Council's common application form by 15 January 2027.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 11:45 and all-day attendance from 08:45 to 15:15, Monday to Friday.
Yes, families provide a packed lunch when children stay through lunchtime.
Hourly and ad hoc childcare are not accommodated. Families choose afternoon sessions each term; bookings funded with a 30-hour code are fixed for the term.
