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Nursery at St Francis College
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Flowers explored through art and natural materials give a concrete picture of learning at St Francis College Nursery. This is provision for boys and girls within an independent school in Letchworth Garden City, with the nursery accommodated in the prep building on the same campus. The nursery age range is 3 months to 5 years.
The practical character is year-round childcare alongside early learning: opening spans 51 weeks, with morning, afternoon and full-day choices. That makes the nursery relevant to families whose childcare needs extend beyond school terms.
Learning connects objects, conversation and creative work. At the ISI inspection of 19 to 21 March 2024, nursery children used art alongside natural materials to learn about flower parts. Questions helped sustain their interest and develop their understanding. The example matters: children had something tangible to explore while building the language to explain it.
Outdoors, early-years children took part in digging, construction, imaginative role play and play across different levels. These activities gave them opportunities to develop movement and social skills together. In March 2024, teaching across the prep department, including early years, was carefully planned and children progressed well. Resources supported the acquisition of new skills, giving purposeful learning a place alongside practical exploration.
Settling begins before the first regular session. Children joining the nursery are invited to several settling sessions, giving them time to become familiar with other children and their surroundings. This provides a gradual introduction rather than making the first booked day their only preparation.
Room leaders and early-years practitioners form part of the nursery team. In March 2024, the youngest children were suitably supervised, and early-years staff had appropriate training for medical and first-aid needs. A medical centre managed by qualified nurses supported care across the school.
For children with disabilities or additional needs, parents provide details at registration and discuss reasonable adjustments with the school. Places depend on the school being able to meet the child's needs within its resources. Families should consider that condition alongside the planned adjustments before accepting a place.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For oversubscribed entry at age 4, priority goes first to children of staff within Inspired Learning Group, then siblings of current or former pupils, followed by registration order. Nursery attendance is not a priority category, and applicants must satisfy the entry criteria.
There is an important distinction for existing pupils: progression through the school is assumed, provided behaviour and progress meet the required standards, and the admission procedures for new applicants do not apply to pupils already progressing within it. Discuss that conditional progression with admissions when planning the next stage. New Reception applications go directly through the College; prep applicants have an individual assessment, usually during the Spring Term, as part of a taster day.
Full-day sessions run from 7.30am to 6pm, mornings from 7.30am to 1pm, and afternoons from 1pm to 6.30pm. The afternoon finish is later than the full-day finish, so choose the session that matches collection needs. Full-time booking plans cover three, four or five days.
Eligible families can use 15 or 30 funded hours and should give their eligibility code to the nursery manager. Funded childcare itself carries no additional charge; meals, consumables and hours beyond the entitlement sit outside that funding. Ask the school for current charges for the chosen plan.
Payments for year-round plans are spread across 12 months using a 51-week calculation. Bank holidays, public holidays and inset closures remain payable, and sickness or holidays do not attract refunds. Payments can be arranged through Famly. Contact the nursery manager on 01462 670511 for joining enquiries, and arrange a nursery tour directly with the nursery manager.
The nursery caters for children aged 3 months to 5 years, with boys and girls attending.
Full days are 7.30am to 6pm, mornings are 7.30am to 1pm, and afternoons are 1pm to 6.30pm.
Children are invited to several settling sessions before starting, helping them become familiar with the surroundings and their classmates.
Eligible families can use 15 or 30 funded hours. Funding covers childcare itself, with meals, consumables and additional hours outside the entitlement.
No. Nursery attendance is not an oversubscription priority. Existing pupils are expected to progress subject to the required standards of behaviour and progress; new applicants follow the College's admissions process.
