St Thomas More Roman Catholic Primary School Nursery

Play, prayer and a morning session form the nursery's daily pattern. St Thomas More's nursery class takes children from three within the Catholic primary school at Highfield, Letchworth Garden City. Children from all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed; Catholic stories and prayer remain part of their learning, so families should expect faith to feature in everyday activities.

The early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 18 and 19 January 2023. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Mornings combine activities guided by adults with play that children choose themselves. Registration and prayer precede learning and snack time; children attending only the morning leave at 11:45am. For those staying longer, lunch is at noon, with afternoon registration at 1:15pm and prayer before the 2:45pm finish. The routine gives parents a concrete picture of how a longer day differs from the morning session.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and develop physical skills with early literacy, maths, creativity and exploring the world. Here, learning through play gives children opportunities to investigate, persist with a challenge and try their own ideas. Outdoor exploration also forms part of nursery life. Faith-based stories and prayer sit alongside these activities.

In January 2023, language and early maths were clear strengths of the early years curriculum. Nursery children practised hearing letter sounds, while stories and games introduced rhyme and patterns. Predictable routines helped children become more independent and play cooperatively. However, staff confidence in developing learning during play varied, and some children consequently learned less than they could. Adult interaction during play. The improvement action called for more staff guidance in developing children's thinking through play. This is a useful focus when considering how adults support a child's chosen activity.

Settling begins with getting to know the child. Nursery home visits, June/July stay-and-play sessions and information from families and previous settings contribute to an individual transition plan with the class teacher or key person. The nursery recognises that children settle at different speeds, making this a process shaped around the child rather than a single introductory event.

Tapestry observations and teacher messages help parents follow learning, alongside everyday conversations and parent consultations in November and March. Snack features in the morning routine, and families order lunch through School Grid for children staying to eat.

For concerns about special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), parents first speak to the class teacher, with the SENCo helping to plan support. An Individual Support Plan can include agreed learning targets, with termly parent meetings to review progress. The wider school building has wheelchair access, accessible changing and toilet facilities, and a Soundfield system in each classroom. These are practical features for families considering physical access and classroom support.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing nursery should therefore be a decision about the early years experience itself.

Preparation for change is a separate matter. The school uses a moving-up day and transition mornings to introduce children to their next classroom and staff. Children who find change difficult can have an individual programme and a bespoke transition book. These arrangements support familiarity; they do not secure admission.

Care runs during school terms. The morning session is 8:45am to 11:45am, Monday to Friday. Eligible children using 30-hour funding can stay until 2:45pm; a charged extension takes the day to 3:15pm. Families without that eligibility can also pay for longer hours, with payments for additional sessions made through Arbor. Ask the school for current charges.

Both 15-hour and 30-hour funding are accepted, with an HMRC code required for the latter. Nursery applications go directly to the school. September is the main intake, with entry at other times dependent on places.

Parents say goodbye at the gate during the morning soft start. Collection is from the office at 11:45am, 1:15pm or 2:45pm, and from the classroom door or gate at 3:15pm. Label uniform clearly, including black shoes or trainers. Visits can be arranged through the office on 01462 620670; nursery enquiries can also go to admin@stmletchworth.co.uk.