St Paul's, Chipperfield: Nursery Review

A class teacher and teaching assistant give the nursery at St Paul's a classroom-based identity within this Church of England primary school in Chipperfield. It is the school's own nursery provision, with access to the wider school's arrangements for inclusion and parent communication. For families, that makes the relationship with the class team an important part of nursery life.

Early learning includes attention to reading and sounds. In June 2024, Ofsted found that children across the early years were becoming more confident at combining sounds and beginning to read. Books taken home corresponded to the sounds being taught, connecting learning in class with practice at home. These findings concern the early years as a whole.

Essential Letters and Sounds is the school's phonics scheme, and staff have received training in it. Observation also contributes to understanding children's development: early years assessments and ongoing observation help staff recognise when a child may need additional support. This gives parents a useful starting point for conversations about their child's learning.

Curriculum planning has a wider qualification. In June 2024, refinements across the school's curriculum, which starts in early years, were more firmly established in some subjects than others. Further work on planning, teaching and assessment was required across subjects; this was a school-wide concern rather than a separate nursery judgement.

Settling begins before entry. Parents receive induction information in the preceding summer term, and introductory meetings help children prepare for their new class. Early years induction meetings involve both children and parents, giving families an opportunity to discuss their child's needs before starting.

Seesaw connects parents and teachers; telephone conversations and virtual meetings can also be arranged. Where additional needs are identified, the class teacher contacts parents by telephone or email to discuss the difficulty and the support proposed.

Support follows Assess, Plan, Do and Review: staff identify needs, agree adjustments, provide help and check its impact. If additional support does not bring the necessary progress, a child may join the SEND register following discussions with parents. A Pupil Support Plan is then developed with family involvement and reviewed at least three times a year. Permanent and movable ramps provide wheelchair access around the school, and individual access requirements are considered case by case. These arrangements make early conversations about practical and learning needs useful.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions route and meet its deadline.

For the 2026/27 intake, the route was Hertfordshire admissions and the closing date was 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Treat the nursery decision and the later Reception application as separate steps in planning your child's education.

The school office handles enquiries on 01923 262340 or at admin@stpauls909.herts.sch.uk. Parents can arrange a school visit by telephone. The address is The Common, Chipperfield, Kings Langley, WD4 9BS.

For calendar planning, the school's autumn term ends on 18 December 2026, with half term from 26 to 30 October. School closures also fall on 27 and 30 November, so those dates deserve attention when organising family routines.