Yewtree Primary School Nursery Review

Morning sessions and a complimentary bagel breakfast give Yewtree’s nursery a clear daily shape. This is the school’s own morning-only provision on Fletcher Way in Hemel Hempstead, within a primary school with extensive grounds. It suits families whose childcare plans fit around a lunchtime finish.

For the September 2025 intake, the school planned to admit 26 children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022. That describes a particular intake, rather than a current vacancy count. Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good following its inspection on 22 and 23 March 2022; this judgement covers early years within the school.

Five mornings give the week its rhythm: nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am, Monday to Friday, providing 15 hours each week. Doors open at 8.30am for the bagel breakfast, giving children time to eat before the session begins.

The Early Years Foundation Stage includes practical exploration. One early years activity involves investigating what happens to chalk in puddles: a concrete example of children experimenting with materials. Mathematics uses the Herts for Learning Essential Maths Program from early years, giving this part of learning a named teaching framework.

In March 2022, early years staff established reading habits promptly and expected children to listen and make an effort. Children responded positively. Curriculum guidance also identified learning milestones and vocabulary for early years, giving staff specific knowledge and language to work towards.

Preparation starts with a conversation. Before children begin nursery, the Early Years team meets parents to discuss their child. For a child who already has an identified special educational need, that team works with the family and SEND team to arrange support before the start. This gives parents a chance to explain needs early.

Within the school’s SEND arrangements, the class teacher is the first contact for concerns, with the SENCo involved in planning support. An initial agreed plan is reviewed after six weeks. Support responds to need regardless of whether a child has a formal diagnosis, and parents help shape profiles describing their child’s strengths and interests. The school building has wheelchair access and accessible toilets and changing facilities.

Food includes a free daily fruit or vegetable snack for Foundation Stage children. Nursery children qualify for free milk if they are aged four throughout the term; milk requires advance ordering. Children should bring a refillable water bottle. Arbor carries school communications, so keeping the app and family contact details up to date helps parents receive messages.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council and meet the normal application deadline. Treat this as a fresh application when planning your child’s next step.

Transition support is a separate matter. Children changing year groups within the school have days with their new teachers, while staff meet to pass on information about children’s needs. These arrangements support continuity of care; they do not secure admission.

Apply to nursery directly through the school using the Nursery Application Form. The office verifies the application against the child’s full birth certificate. For an enquiry or a tour, call 01442 424920; general enquiries can also go to admin@yewtree.herts.sch.uk.

Nursery uniform includes a white polo, grey or black trousers, skirt or school dress, and a purple cardigan or crew-neck sweatshirt. Logos are optional. Black outdoor footwear completes the uniform, and clothing and shoes should be labelled to help recover lost items.