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Nursery at The Reddings 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Construction, role play and outdoor investigation give the nursery at The Reddings its practical, exploratory character. Children have spaces for making, imagining and early learning within the school's early years provision in Hemel Hempstead.
Nursery age begins in the September after a child's third birthday, with places continuing until the end of August following their fourth birthday. For the 2025–2026 entry year, the nursery admission limit was up to 26 children. This is provision within The Reddings Primary School, rather than a separate nursery setting.
Play has a clear learning purpose here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven areas, bringing speaking and listening, relationships and independence together with movement, literacy, maths, understanding the world and creative expression. For parents, that means early learning extends beyond letters and numbers: managing feelings, developing physical skills and exploring the natural world also belong in the day.
Inside, children can use construction and role-play areas alongside spaces for reading, writing, maths and creative work. Small-world play and materials for shaping and manipulating add other ways to explore. These distinct areas give children opportunities to choose activities and practise different skills.
Outdoor learning extends the indoor activities, with investigation and imaginative play continuing outside. Music has a named structure too: Get Set 4 Music nursery themes include Nursery Rhymes, Walking in the Jungle and Traditional Tales. Familiar stories and imaginative topics give musical learning a focus children can recognise.
Settling starts before the first nursery session. Two staff members visit the family at home, allowing children to meet adults in familiar surroundings. Summer Stay and Play visits and information meetings introduce the next stage; start days may be staggered into groups depending on numbers, giving staff time to work closely with new children.
Learning Journeys provide evidence of nursery children's development for discussions with parents. Across the school, the class teacher is the first contact for concerns about additional needs, with an Assistant Head for Inclusion supporting staff and families. Individual Learning Plans may be agreed, then reviewed with parents each term. The school building has wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities, practical features for families with mobility needs.
Food arrangements require some preparation at home. Children staying for lunch bring a packed lunch, including those attending full time. Morning sessions include a funded fruit portion, while free milk requires advance ordering. Lunch cover and the food itself are separate arrangements.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place at The Reddings. Parents who want their child to remain must make another application. School admissions are coordinated through Hertfordshire County Council, so families need to use that separate route.
Preparation for a new class is a different matter from securing admission. Children have a July morning with their next teacher in the classroom they will join. Some children receive extra visits, and transition photo books can go home for those anxious about changing class. Support depends on the child's needs, age and development.
For 2025/26, the morning pattern was Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 11.45am, providing 15 funded hours. Eligible families could access additional funded sessions, with full-time attendance running from 8.45am to 3.00pm. Continuing eligibility required parents to supply a code at each term's end.
Paid afternoons for children without the additional funding ran from 12.30pm to 3.00pm and included lunchtime cover. These sessions were available Monday to Friday during term time only. Bookings were made for the following half term and could only be changed at the next booking period. Absence did not remove the charge for a booked afternoon. Ask the school for current charges.
Nursery closes during the main school holidays and training days. Applications go directly to the school. To enquire or arrange a nursery visit, contact the office on 01442 406500 or admin@reddings.herts.sch.uk.
Nursery age begins in the September following a child's third birthday. Places continue until 31 August after their fourth birthday.
Children use areas for construction, role play, creative work, reading, writing and maths. Outdoor learning includes investigation and imaginative play.
A home visit involves two staff members. Families are also invited to summer Stay and Play visits, and children may start in staggered groups depending on numbers.
No. Parents must apply again for Reception through the separate school admissions route coordinated by Hertfordshire County Council.
Yes, children staying for lunch bring their own packed lunch. Morning sessions include fruit, and free milk must be ordered in advance.
