Stonehill School Nursery Review

Play leads the learning at Stonehill’s nursery, with stories, action songs and classroom instruments giving children concrete ways to join in. The nursery sits within Stonehill School, a primary school in Letchworth Garden City with one class per year group. Families can choose between 15-hour and 30-hour places, making the length of the nursery day a practical part of the decision.

The nursery plans learning through play within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. For parents, the useful distinction is that play is part of the teaching approach: activities are planned to support children’s development and curiosity, rather than simply filling the session.

Music gives that approach some specific shape. Early years topics include Me!, My Stories and Our World. Children sing familiar songs such as Five Little Ducks and Hickory Dickory Dock, listen to different musical styles and begin using classroom instruments. Big Bear Funk brings singing together with instruments and experimenting with sounds. These are opportunities to participate through movement, listening and music as well as words.

Books have a physical place in the classroom. Each classroom has a reading corner with poetry, fiction and non-fiction among the choices, giving children different kinds of texts to explore. The wider school grounds also include a small woodland area that the school aims to incorporate into learning.

In July 2023, Ofsted identified nursery children’s introduction to stories and rhymes. An early years mathematics example involved children using resources to explain odd and even numbers: practical materials gave them a way to show their thinking.

Parents can contact the nursery teacher by email with questions or concerns. For worries about learning or development, the school’s support route is through the child’s teacher or the special educational needs coordinator (SENCo). That gives families a direct starting point for discussing their child’s needs.

Family Support Workers provide another point of contact through the school telephone number, using extension 3. Their role sits alongside classroom communication, so families have a route for broader support as well as questions about learning.

School meal options include HCL menus for dairy-free, gluten-free and combined dietary requirements. Families considering a longer nursery day should discuss their child’s dietary needs when arranging meals.

Attending Stonehill’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception applications are separate: families must apply again through the normal Reception admissions process. Hertfordshire County Council manages Reception admissions, while nursery applications go directly to the school.

Treat that later application as a separate task in your family’s planning. Choosing a nursery session and applying for a school place answer different questions, even though both concern Stonehill.

Morning places cover 15 hours, with sessions from 8.45am to 11.45am, Monday to Friday. The 30-hour option runs from 8.45am until 3.00pm. The different finishing times matter when arranging work and collection; the longer option still ends during the afternoon.

Contact the school office to arrange a tour or make an enquiry: 01462 620262 or admin@stonehill.herts.sch.uk. Nursery applications use the school’s application form. Ask the school for current charges before committing to a place.

Stonehill’s school uniform colours are pale blue and navy. Plain shirts, polo shirts, jumpers and cardigans are permitted alongside logo items, and pre-loved uniform can be requested through the school. That gives families alternatives when buying school clothing.