Leverstock Green Church of England Primary School Nursery

A mud kitchen, a reading shed and stories beside a Forest School fire pit give this nursery a distinctly outdoor character. It is the school's own Nursery class, taking a maximum of 30 children from the term after their third birthday. Families can choose 15 or up to 30 hours, arranged within three-hour sessions.

A qualified teacher leads the provision. The school has a Church of England character, with love, forgiveness and respect as its core values, and welcomes families with any faith or none. For parents, the combination is a nursery classroom within a larger school, with access to spaces beyond its own garden.

Outdoor learning is part of the weekly rhythm through Forest School. The garden has space for climbing and games, with hang bars and a climbing frame alongside a mud kitchen and reading shed. A covered section keeps outdoor activities possible throughout the year. Children also use the school's outdoor classroom, fields, hall and dining hall, giving them different settings for movement, exploration and shared activities.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes indoor and outdoor provision across seven learning areas. In practice, children develop musical skills through simple songs and percussion, while Forest School helps them learn about nature and safe behaviour around fire. Six topics organise the year, with themes adjusted to children's responses and needs. This gives learning a structure while leaving room for children's interests. During time when children choose their own activities, Nursery and Reception children can move between both classrooms and the garden, selecting activities prepared by adults.

The everyday detail is hands-on: children help make playdough, explore percussion instruments and learn simple songs. Forest School includes learning about fire safety for storytelling around the fire pit. Workshops, a nativity and a summer trip add experiences beyond the usual classroom routine.

In July 2024, Ofsted found that early years provided a sound foundation for learning, with a cheerful, purposeful Nursery classroom and adults helping children build knowledge and skills. That finding supports the emphasis on learning through adult interaction as well as exploring independently.

Starting Nursery includes a home visit. Preparation focuses on everyday independence: managing shoes and coats, washing hands after using the toilet, taking turns and telling an adult when help is needed. These are useful routines to practise together before the first sessions, rather than academic tasks to complete.

Children staying for lunch are encouraged to bring a balanced, healthy lunchbox. This is a practical part of preparing for the longer day. Nursery letters provide a route for updates to families, while the school's SENCo can be contacted through the office to discuss additional needs.

The July 2024 inspection also identified school-wide weaknesses in correcting misunderstandings promptly and tailoring some teaching precisely enough for pupils with SEND; these were not identified specifically as Nursery findings. For families needing additional support, the useful question is how teaching will be adjusted to their child's individual needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council Admissions and meet the normal application deadline. Choosing the Nursery therefore needs to work for your child's nursery experience in its own right.

Familiarity is a separate benefit. Shared activity time gives Nursery children contact with the Reception classroom, garden and older children. Across the school, a summer moving-up morning and teacher-made transition booklets help children prepare for their next class. These practices support the change of routine; they do not secure admission.

The day starts at 8:40am. The 15-hour morning pattern finishes at 11:40am, while children registered for 30 hours finish at 2:40pm. Families can also select sessions flexibly, using their hours within the three-hour slots. An additional 35 minutes can be booked and paid for, extending collection to 3:15pm.

Fifteen hours are funded, with 30 funded hours available to families holding an eligibility code. Families eligible for only 15 funded hours can pay to extend attendance up to 30 hours. Contact the school for current charges.

Since summer term 2026, The Zone has offered eight Nursery places per session for term-time breakfast and after-school care. Nursery bookings must be made half a term ahead through Arbor. Breakfast includes fruit, cereal and toast; afternoon care includes snacks.

Uniform is optional for Nursery children. Tours are available most Thursday mornings, booked through the office on 01442 406520 or admin@leverstockgreen.herts.sch.uk. Green Lane can be congested in the morning, so allow time for the journey.