St Philip Howard Catholic Primary School Nursery

Play, early reading and a Catholic outlook shape the nursery at St Philip Howard in Hatfield. Two nursery classes offer different rhythms: mornings for the 15-hour class and a full school-length day for the 30-hour class. This makes the choice of session a practical part of choosing the provision.

Children attend from age three. The nursery belongs to St Philip Howard Catholic Primary School on Woods Avenue, and welcomes families of any faith or belief; children do not need to be Catholic. The school identifies faith, creativity, outdoor learning and play as priorities in its early-years approach.

Children’s interests help shape their learning. Adults talk with them about what catches their attention, adapt activities around those interests and encourage them to bring interesting objects from home. That gives a child’s own discoveries a place in the classroom, rather than treating home and nursery as separate worlds.

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), creative work combines activities children choose with tasks adults guide. Children investigate materials, experiment with colour and practise using simple tools. Nursery projects include making self-portraits, printing with natural materials and creating artwork from shapes inspired by Kandinsky. These give children concrete ways to try ideas and choose how to express them.

Classroom RE boards have symbols representing Catholic Social Teaching, giving the school’s values a visible presence. Adults also use resources reflecting children’s cultural backgrounds and discuss home culture with families. The aim is for each child to recognise something of themselves in their surroundings.

In June 2024, Ofsted found that learning was ordered progressively from the start of early years. Nursery children began early reading by connecting letters with their sounds, giving them a starting point for later reading.

Adults play alongside children, listen to them and talk about life at home. When disagreements happen, the early-years approach involves discussing feelings, making amends and thinking about how to avoid a repeat. This turns everyday conflict into a chance to practise understanding other people.

For children with additional needs, early years uses individual learning plans and works with outside services, including Speech & Language. Parents concerned about learning or communication can speak to their child’s teacher or the SEND coordinators. School letters can be translated when needed, and interpreters support parent consultations, helping families take part in those conversations.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process by the relevant deadline. Treat that application as a separate task when planning your child’s next step.

Both nursery patterns run Monday to Friday: mornings are 9am to noon, while the 30-hour day runs from 9am to 3pm with a valid 30-hour code. The longer pattern therefore depends on that eligibility condition.

Breakfast Club runs from 7.30am to 9am for either nursery class. Children attending the 15-hour nursery can use Lunch Club from noon to 1pm; After School Club runs from 3pm to 5.30pm for those attending the 30-hour nursery. These different arrangements matter when matching care to working hours.

Return nursery application forms to the school office. For enquiries, telephone 01707 263969 or email admin@sphoward.herts.sch.uk. School tours can also be booked through the office.