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Nursery at Kimpton 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A morning in the Nursery classroom, then lunch and afternoon exploration alongside Reception: Kimpton’s nursery day combines a distinct morning session with shared early years experiences. Up to 26 nursery places sit within the combined Nursery and Reception class, known as Early Years Italy. Children can start from the September following their third birthday.
The early years provision reached Strong standard in January 2026. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Morning sessions take place in the Nursery classroom with the class teacher. Children staying longer eat with Reception, play outside on the KS1 playground and begin their afternoon with 20 minutes of small-group work back in the Nursery classroom. Exploration in the Reception classroom follows. The arrangement gives the longer day both a smaller-group element and time with older children.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early literacy, number work, creativity and exploration of the world. Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters support teaching. Children’s interests help shape activities, so learning can grow from something that has caught their attention. The January 2026 inspection described how a recent builder’s classroom visit prompted children to construct a wall in an outdoor building site. Staff extended children’s chosen activities through carefully timed interaction, encouraging independence as well as learning.
Letter formation with the teacher is one concrete part of the nursery morning. Get Set 4 PE supports physical learning, with a PE session each week; Jigsaw supports work on relationships and feelings. WellComm checks communication and language when children join, helping adults identify where support may be useful. The indoor classrooms and outdoor area therefore serve both exploration and deliberate teaching.
An Early Years teacher and an Early Years Practitioner form the team. Their recorded paediatric first-aid training dates are 2024 and 2023 respectively. In January 2026, early years staff knew children’s needs closely and helped them develop a sense of security from the start.
Preparation for joining includes visits by Foundation teachers, with a SENDCo pre-visit where appropriate. Families can visit the school with their child to meet adults and see the spaces they will use. A picture book can support a child who would benefit from becoming familiar with the setting beforehand. These are practical ways to make the new surroundings less unfamiliar.
A floor book captures interactions and learning, is shared regularly with parents and lets children revisit earlier experiences. For additional needs, families can speak with the class teacher or SENDCo; support can include specialist equipment or small-group work where appropriate. The school building is wheelchair accessible and includes accessible changing and toilet facilities.
Lunch takes place in a small dining room under an Early Years Practitioner’s supervision. Children attending lunch club or an afternoon session can have a charged school meal or bring a packed lunch, giving families a choice over this part of the day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council’s online admissions process, even when their child already attends Kimpton’s nursery. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed.
Shared lunches and afternoon classroom time give nursery children staying beyond the morning regular familiarity with Reception’s surroundings. This is useful preparation for a change of stage, but it does not secure admission. Keep the application separate from the child’s everyday experience of the school.
Core nursery mornings run Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 11:45am, providing 15 funded hours. Eligible families using 30 hours can choose five days ending at 2:45pm, or four days ending at 3:15pm with a fifth day ending at 1:00pm; both patterns start at 8:45am.
Children without the 30-hour entitlement can attend paid lunch or afternoon sessions. These require advance payment and booking half a term ahead. Eligible families wanting a 3:15pm finish every day can pay to extend the fifth day. Contact the school for current charges.
Individual family tours can be arranged through the office. Nursery enquiries go to 01438 832 394 or admin@kimpton.herts.sch.uk, allowing families to discuss the session pattern they wish to take up.
Children can join from the September after their third birthday. There are up to 26 nursery places.
Core sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, Monday to Friday, providing 15 funded hours.
Children eat lunch with Reception, spend time outside and start the afternoon with a 20-minute small-group session in the Nursery classroom before joining exploration in the Reception classroom.
Yes. Children staying for lunch club or an afternoon session can bring a packed lunch or have a charged school lunch.
No. A separate Reception application is required through Hertfordshire County Council’s online admissions process.
