Westbrook Hay Nursery

Guinea-pig care and creative dance featured in early-years learning during the November 2024 inspection. Nature exploration adds to Westbrook Hay’s nursery activities beyond the classroom. This is provision for three-year-olds within an independent school’s Pre-Prep, on a site with 26 acres of parkland overlooking the Bourne valley near Hemel Hempstead. The grounds provide a setting for exploring nature, while creative work also takes children into the Performing Arts Centre.

In November 2024, the nursery had 25 children across two classes. That is a dated roll, rather than a measure of places available now. Nursery belongs to the school’s youngest section, with its own Head of Nursery and support from the wider Pre-Prep team.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Here, classroom work on literacy and numeracy sits alongside nature exploration and activities in the Performing Arts Centre. In November 2024, children took part in adult-guided and independent activities, practising working with support and on their own.

In November 2024, early-years children were making good progress through a stimulating curriculum. Language development had concrete outlets: children performed in a house poetry competition, asked questions about their work and practised letter writing. Adults demonstrated language and introduced vocabulary, linking conversation with the beginnings of written expression.

During the November 2024 inspection, movement had an imaginative purpose too. Nursery children used dance to represent winter weather, changing their movements to suggest melting or freezing. Across the early years, buying and selling through pretend play introduced financial ideas, while taking turns caring for guinea pigs and helping tidy creative activities developed responsibility. These were small, practical ways to learn cooperation.

Each nursery child has a Key Person in their class who supports everyday needs. The wider Pre-Prep structure includes teaching assistants, class teachers, a pastoral lead and Youth Mental Health First Aiders. Parents can email staff, and consultation meetings provide another opportunity to discuss their child.

Learning support starts with a teacher raising a concern and referring it to the Head of Learning Support. After observation or assessment, parents discuss the findings and next steps with the school. Support may be individual or in a small group, with arrangements adjusted as the child progresses. In November 2024, inspectors found that identified SEND strategies were not applied consistently across all subjects or year groups. Families needing support should discuss how agreed strategies are carried into daily activities. Specialist teaching can carry an additional charge.

Safeguarding requires a dated account. In November 2024, leadership and safeguarding requirements were unmet, including EYFS requirements: weaknesses involved the safeguarding lead’s authority, staff understanding and policy updates. At the non-routine ISI visit on 1 to 2 May 2025, all relevant requirements examined were met. The safeguarding lead belonged to the senior Executive Group, and five deputies included one responsible for early years; staff training covered early years too.

Lunches are included in school fees. For children staying later, Westbrook + includes a cooked tea option, with meals charged separately within that provision.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the school’s admissions process. For Reception 2027, the route is an online registration followed by a nursery taster session; a formal offer follows in most cases. Registration itself secures consideration for entry, rather than a place. Keep the nursery decision and the Reception application separate.

Morning and afternoon nursery sessions are charged by the term, with a full-time option too. The nursery school day ends at 15:30. Westbrook + extends care from 7:30 to 18:00, booked beforehand through the Parent Portal. Care is included in termly fees, while meals and activities delivered by visiting staff attract charges. Ask the school for current charges.

Collection options include 15:30 and 16:30, followed by a late collection window from 17:00 to 17:55. For enquiries, call 01442 256143 or email westbrookhay@westbrookhay.co.uk. Individual tours can be booked through an online form. School uniform is supplied by Stevensons, including its St Albans branch and online shop.