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Nursery at Hollybush 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Curiosity and conversation give Hollybush’s nursery its character: adult-guided learning sits alongside children’s own exploration, with questions driving discovery. This is the school’s nursery for three- and four-year-olds, on Fordwich Rise in Hertford. A teacher leads the provision, supported by nursery practitioners.
At the Ofsted inspection on 28 and 29 January 2025, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than being a separate nursery rating. Children were settled in familiar routines, with activities supporting emotional and physical development. For families, the emphasis is on building confidence as well as learning.
Morning nursery runs from 8.40am to 11.40am. Children who stay longer continue through lunch and an afternoon session ending at 3.10pm. The morning pattern gives children a regular routine; the longer option keeps lunch and afternoon learning within the same school day.
Within early years, children spend time both following adult guidance and pursuing their own ideas. The school uses I wonder questions to encourage exploration. In January 2025, the early years learning environment was calm and inviting, and staff chose themes that connected with children’s interests. Daily work on vocabulary and speaking helped younger children express themselves. These are practical foundations: joining a conversation, explaining an idea and making needs understood.
Phase 1 Phonics gives parents a concrete way to support listening and awareness of sounds at home. Suggested activities include hunting for household noises, clapping rhythms, sharing rhymes and talking about stories. The emphasis is on hearing and playing with sounds. Across Hollybush, staff have completed level 1 Makaton training, and the school aims to teach children 24 core signs, adding another way to communicate.
Settling can be gradual. Children taking the morning provision may build towards the full session over their first few weeks, giving families some flexibility while their child becomes accustomed to nursery.
For children staying through lunch, families can send a packed lunch or order a school meal, which carries a charge. Parents can therefore choose between food brought from home and a meal ordered through school.
Hollybush describes its SEND support as led by each child’s needs. Families with additional needs can arrange a school visit or contact the SENCO at senco@hollybush.herts.sch.uk. This gives parents a direct route to discuss support before their child starts.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place. The two admissions processes are separate, so families must make a fresh Reception application through the normal process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from arranging nursery sessions.
Transition support is a different matter from admission. In January 2025, children received effective support when progressing from Nursery to Reception. That helps children prepare for their next stage; it does not secure a place.
Hollybush offers 15 funded hours for three- and four-year-olds under its nursery admission rules, with 30 funded hours for families eligible for that funding. Parents who do not qualify for 30 hours can pay for afternoon sessions, choosing lunch only or the full afternoon. Ask the school for current charges, including school meals.
Hollybush Out of School Club provides term-time care from Monday to Friday, with breakfast from 8am and after-school care until 6pm. Nursery children must be toilet trained to attend either club. Book through Arbor by the preceding night. Breakfast includes cereals, toast, milk or squash, served by an adult. The club uses a mobile classroom in the KS2 playground, with outdoor equipment available in suitable weather.
Nursery children wear active uniform: options include plain black or white round-neck T-shirts, black tracksuit bottoms or leggings, and black trainers. The drive gate opens at 8.40am for nursery access. Collection by another adult requires parental permission given to the teacher or office. For nursery enquiries, contact admin@hollybush.herts.sch.uk or call 01992 581454.
The provision caters for three- and four-year-olds. For a September start, children must be three on or before 31 August of that year.
Morning provision runs from 8.40am to 11.40am. The afternoon session runs from 11.40am to 3.10pm; a paid lunch-only option runs from 11.40am to 12.40pm.
Yes. Children staying for lunch can bring a packed lunch or have a school meal ordered for an additional charge.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, and families must make a separate Reception application.
Yes, provided they are toilet trained. The clubs run during term time from Monday to Friday, with breakfast care from 8am and after-school care until 6pm. Book through Arbor by the night before.
