Hertford St Andrew CofE Primary School Nursery

Daily outdoor play, stories and singing give the nursery at Hertford St Andrew CofE Primary School its shape. This is provision for three-year-olds within a Church of England primary school on Calton Avenue in Hertford. Nursery children wear the school’s colours, sharing an identity with the older pupils from the start.

Play chosen by children sits alongside activities led by adults in small groups. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides the learning: language, physical skills and relationships develop alongside early reading, maths, creativity and exploration of the world. Teachers and early years practitioners plan this work around children’s development.

Stories and rhymes happen daily, with children listening, joining in and talking about their experiences. Early phonics uses songs, listening games and playful exploration of language. Books can be borrowed for an adult to read at home, connecting the day’s learning with family time. Writing begins with names and words that interest the child, giving those first marks a personal purpose.

Outdoors is part of each day, with suitable clothing supporting play in different weather. Climbing and jumping develop larger movements; pencils and scissors exercise smaller ones. Maths takes place inside and outside through games, cooking, songs and stories, making counting and exploring shapes practical activities. Children also make music, dance and experiment with creative materials. Daily singing forms part of the named 10 for 10 programme for EYFS children.

Independence is practised through handwashing, personal care and learning about healthy snacks. Children receive help with recognising feelings, sharing and taking turns, so social learning has a place alongside language and number work.

For children with SEND, preparations for starting can include extra nursery visits and discussions involving the SENCO and staff supporting the child. Across the school, classrooms have a Reflection Area, and individual support can include visual timetables. These give families concrete starting points for discussing what helps their child settle and participate.

Medical care plans draw on information from parents. All staff have Emergency Paediatric First Aid training, and parents receive an accident record when first aid has been needed. School meals are prepared on site using Hertfordshire Catering ingredients; this is the school’s catering arrangement, rather than a promise of a meal within every nursery session.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions route by the relevant deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.

Support for children with SEND moving between classes includes transition days, a transition passport prepared with the child and a profile for the next teacher. That preparation concerns familiarity and support, rather than an admissions advantage.

The school handles nursery applications itself. Visits can be arranged by calling the office on 01992 583105; general enquiries can also go to admin@hertfordstandrew.herts.sch.uk.

Uniform is expected from Nursery onwards. A white polo shirt, grey bottoms and a royal blue jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan form the main clothing requirements. Generic items are permitted, and second-hand uniform can be obtained through the office, giving families alternatives when assembling it.