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Nursery at Maple Grove 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play and conversation shape the nursery at Maple Grove: speaking and listening develop through exchanges with adults, rather than waiting for formal lessons. The provision has up to 30 places, with children able to join in the term they turn three. It sits within Maple Grove Primary School in Grove Hill, Hemel Hempstead.
Ofsted's May 2026 inspection judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school's early years provision; it is not a separate nursery rating. The nursery offers morning attendance and longer days for children eligible for 30 hours, giving families two distinct patterns to consider.
Language gets deliberate attention. In May 2026, nursery staff developed children's conversation skills through play and interaction. Children combined activities guided by adults with play they chose themselves, returning to earlier learning and trying it in different contexts. Adults helped sustain their interest. This gives play a learning purpose while leaving children room to explore.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together seven areas of development. For parents, that means learning includes movement, relationships and communication alongside early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. These are connected parts of a young child's development, rather than a timetable of separate school subjects.
In May 2026, children across early years became more independent and confident, cooperating with others and becoming familiar with daily routines. Their learning developed from their individual starting points. The emphasis is on building skills progressively, with staff recognising where a child needs help.
The school building has one storey and interconnected spaces. Wheelchair access includes a ramp into The Hive, the school's internal resource base. The Hive uses a sensory approach based on EYFS for children with autism or global developmental delay who may still be developing language. Discuss with the SENCo whether The Hive would form part of your child's support.
Home visits take place when children begin their Nursery Year. Stay-and-play activities and playgroup sessions also help families prepare; in May 2026, children in early years settled promptly and were comfortable with their routines. These opportunities give parents and staff time to get to know the child.
For additional needs, parents work with the class teacher and special educational needs coordinator (SENCo). Support follows Assess, Plan, Do, Review, with targets usually reconsidered each term. The school's staff training includes Herts Autism Training at Level 2, alongside training in trauma and attachment. Families can contact the SENCo at senco@maplegrove.herts.sch.uk to discuss their child's needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council admissions, even if they want their child to remain at Maple Grove. Treat that application as a separate decision and meet the deadline for the relevant entry year.
Preparation for a new class is a different matter. Children spend time with their next teacher in a transition session, and those needing more preparation can have extra visits. For children receiving additional SEN support, transition meetings help plan the next stage. Familiarity supports the change of classroom; it does not secure admission.
The 2026/27 nursery arrangements offer 15 hours through morning sessions during term time: 8.50am to 11.50am, Monday to Friday. A soft start allows children to be dropped off from 8.40am.
For children eligible for 30 hours, the longer day runs from 8.50am to 3.15pm, with funded attendance ending at 1.10pm on Friday. Families requesting this pattern must supply their eligibility code; otherwise, the offer is a 15-hour place. Additional attendance beyond funded sessions can be arranged for a charge. Contact the school for current charges.
Nursery enquiries and tours can be arranged through admin@maplegrove.herts.sch.uk or 01442 214966. Tours take no longer than one hour. Uniform is expected, and clothing should carry the child's name.
Children can attend from the term in which they turn three. The nursery admits up to 30 children.
The 15-hour pattern runs during term time, Monday to Friday, from 8.50am to 11.50am. Drop-off can begin at 8.40am.
Eligible children attend from 8.50am to 3.15pm, with funded collection at 1.10pm on Friday. Parents must provide their eligibility code to qualify for this pattern.
No. Parents must apply separately through Hertfordshire County Council admissions for a Reception place.
Email admin@maplegrove.herts.sch.uk or call 01442 214966. Nursery tours last no longer than one hour.
