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Nursery at Broadfield Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, structured talk and a wooded learning space give Broadfield Academy’s nursery its character. This is school-based early education in Hemel Hempstead, with a nursery admissions number of 32 and entry from age three. Children can attend mornings or stay into the afternoon, so families have a choice between a shorter session and a day that includes lunch.
Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 17 and 18 May 2022. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Books lead the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) nursery focus brings together movement, communication and children’s personal, emotional and social development. In parent terms, this means learning to express ideas, use their bodies and build relationships alongside early reading and maths. Children practise speaking before putting ideas into writing.
Little Wandle Foundations gives nursery phonics its shape, with daily practice in combining spoken sounds and developing language through rhymes and stories. Structured conversation follows the Voice 21 Framework, encouraging children to predict, explain and think through their ideas. White Rose Maths brings practical activities and discussion to number learning. These are specific approaches parents can recognise and support at home.
Learning extends across indoor and outdoor spaces, with a dedicated nursery area in the early years outdoor environment. Forest School takes place in the school’s own large wooded area through a programme run by Woodland Walkers, Forest School and Bushcraft. This adds a natural setting for exploration alongside classroom play.
Responsibility also has a place in the day. In May 2022, nursery children enjoyed taking a turn as special helper and managed the tasks capably. Children in early years listened attentively and sustained their concentration. The helper role gives young children a concrete way to contribute to their group.
The nursery team specialises in early years education. Across EYFS, staff use observation and additional support to respond to children’s needs, including SEND and English as an additional language. Workshops, reading breakfasts held weekly and online communication provide ways for parents to take part in learning beyond the session.
Lunch is part of the longer day. Children staying for the 30-hour pattern or a paid afternoon bring a packed lunch or have a charged hot school meal. Cool Milk supplies a daily carton for registered children, free while they are under five until the Friday preceding their fifth birthday.
Parent concerns. In May 2022, a significant minority of parents across the school were unhappy with how leaders handled concerns. Leaders were asked to address this, alongside unclear subject leadership responsibilities and insufficient checking of curriculum delivery. These were school-wide findings, relevant when considering how concerns are followed up.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and confers no nursery attendance priority under the 2027/28 admission criteria. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process, administered by Hertfordshire County Council, and meet the deadline for their entry year. Choose the nursery for the experience it offers now; keep the Reception application as a separate task.
Sessions run in term time, Monday to Friday. Morning Nursery covers 15 hours, from 8:45am to 11:45am. The 30-hour pattern runs from 8:45am to 2:45pm, with an all-day extension ending at 3:15pm. A paid afternoon can be added to the morning session. Eligibility applies to the 30-hour funding scheme, and lunch and extensions carry separate charges. Contact the school for current charges.
Wraparound care is available from 7:45am to 6:00pm. Nursery tours can be booked with a school leader, and applications are made online. For enquiries, call 01442 262103. Uniform includes a white polo shirt, a red sweatshirt bearing the school logo and grey or black bottoms; nursery PE uses a plain white T-shirt. Mapac and the school office supply uniform.
Children can join from age three. Mid-year entry is possible when places are available.
Term-time sessions run Monday to Friday: 8:45am to 11:45am for mornings, 8:45am to 2:45pm for the 30-hour pattern, or an extended day ending at 3:15pm.
Children attending the 30-hour pattern or a paid afternoon bring a packed lunch or have a charged hot school meal. Lunch is separate from funded childcare.
No. It does not guarantee admission or confer nursery attendance priority under the 2027/28 criteria. A separate Reception application is required through the normal process administered by Hertfordshire County Council.
Yes. Nursery tours can be booked with a school leader, with time to ask questions. The school office can be contacted on 01442 262103.
