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Nursery at Howe Dell 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Conversation gives Howe Dell’s nursery its clearest character: adults introduce new vocabulary and respond to children’s individual needs, making language part of learning from the start. The nursery has 60 places, with morning and afternoon sessions, and belongs to Howe Dell Primary School on The Runway in Hatfield.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 24 and 25 June 2025. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. For parents, the nursery-specific strength is the attention adults give to understanding children and adapting their responses.
Play is the starting point. The early years curriculum takes account of children’s experiences at home and in earlier settings, with the school aiming to build learning around their interests and needs. This gives familiar experiences a place in the nursery’s approach, rather than treating every child as starting from the same point.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach here includes learning through play, developing language and practising skills with adults. CUSP early foundations supports the provision, with adults demonstrating vocabulary and skills as children learn. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds also forms the beginning of the school’s early years reading pathway.
Outdoor learning has a defined purpose. The school sees its outdoor environment as a place for children to solve problems, develop their thinking and try taking risks. Alongside this, the June 2025 findings establish that adults teach new words deliberately and give children frequent opportunities to encounter them. The practical emphasis is on expanding what children can understand and express.
Responsive adult interaction is a strength of the nursery. In June 2025, children’s needs were recognised and addressed through the exchanges they had with staff. This matters for children whose communication or learning needs require an individual response.
The school’s Inclusion Team supports teachers, and parents can discuss their child’s progress or concerns with the class teacher or Inclusion Lead. The school makes adjustments and adds provision where appropriate, with possible involvement from an Educational Psychologist or Advisory Teacher. Families can contact the Inclusion Team through the school office, giving them a clear route for raising concerns.
Reception requires a separate application. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline; Hertfordshire County Council coordinates admissions and allocates places. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.
Five funded half-day sessions provide 15 hours each week. Eligible families can use the 30-hour childcare offer, running from 08:45 to 15:15; families can also top up their 15 free hours to 30 hours. Contact the school office about these arrangements and current charges at admin@howedell.herts.sch.uk or on 01707 263291.
For collection and drop-off by car, parking around school is restricted to Dragon Road and Cunningham Avenue, subject to the stated parking windows and double yellow lines. A valid Welwyn & Hatfield Council parking permit allows parking beyond those windows or on other surrounding roads. These windows are 08:00–09:30, 11:30–12:30 and 14:30–15:30. Plan journeys around those restrictions rather than assuming nearby roads are unrestricted.
The nursery has 60 places and runs morning and afternoon sessions.
Children are entitled to five free half-day sessions per week, totalling 15 hours. Eligible families can use 30 hours, and a top-up option is also offered.
The 30-hour childcare offer runs from 08:45 to 15:15.
No. Reception requires a separate application through the normal admissions process. Hertfordshire County Council coordinates admissions and allocates places.
Contact the school office to reach the Inclusion Team. Parents can also discuss their child’s needs and progress with the class teacher or Inclusion Lead.
