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Nursery at Hillshott Infant School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 photograph on the Zones of Regulation display gives children a simple way to express their feelings before Wrens Class gets busy with stories and play. This is the nursery at Hillshott Infant School and Nursery on Ridge Avenue in Letchworth, serving children who turn four in the next academic year.
In January 2025, Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Language development, responsive teaching and children's growing independence give this provision its character.
Child-chosen play gives children opportunities to explore indoors and outside and spend time with others. The teacher and teaching assistants participate to support and extend that learning. Shared counting, songs and stories bring everyone together on the carpet, where children practise paying attention, following instructions and waiting for their turn to speak.
Morning and afternoon use the same routine, so children on the longer pattern experience both sessions. Registration and a short circle time or story open each session; a snack break punctuates the play, and children help tidy before the final group activity. Individual pegs give coats and bags a place of their own.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together emotional and social development, language and movement with early literacy, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Here, assessment happens through practical activities with adults and through play, so children's next steps inform subsequent teaching. The nursery also uses Foundation for Phonics activities.
In January 2025, early years teaching adapted to children's interests and needs, combining adult instruction with play that developed important skills. Vocabulary received close attention and children enjoyed stories. They also sustained their attention, shared considerately and learned to cooperate. For parents, that links the apparently simple routines of songs, stories and play to purposeful learning.
Settling takes precedence over assessment. Children have time to become comfortable with their class and routines, with Leuven scales guiding when assessment should begin during the first half term. This keeps the initial focus on wellbeing rather than immediately measuring attainment.
Tapestry connects nursery learning with home. Staff add photographs and descriptions to each child's online journal; parents can comment and contribute their own observations, including videos. That gives families concrete starting points for conversations about what their child has been doing. At parents' evenings each term, families discuss their child's achievements and next steps, alongside ways to support learning at home. This adds a scheduled conversation about progress to the photographs and observations families can follow through Tapestry.
Milk, fruit and water are offered at the snack break in each session. Children on the 30-hour pattern bring lunch from home. A spare outfit stays at nursery for accidents, while a named bottle comes in each day.
For SEND enquiries, families can contact the SENCo through the school office; the role is staffed Wednesday to Friday. The Letchworth Family Support Team also provides a school Family Support Worker, with referrals arranged through the office. These offer routes for discussing needs affecting learning or family life.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Hertfordshire County Council and meet the normal application deadline. The school handles nursery applications itself, so securing a nursery place and applying for school are distinct steps.
Sessions run Monday to Friday during term time. The 15-hour pattern is either mornings, 8.30am to 11.30am, or afternoons, 12.10pm to 3.10pm. The 30-hour pattern runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm, with paid additional time possible until 3.10pm. Contact the school for current charges.
Hours. The nursery provides no additional wraparound hours. Families needing care beyond its school-day timetable should factor that into their arrangements.
Children need a PE kit with pumps or trainers, a weather-appropriate coat and their book bag. The school office is the first contact for enquiries: admin@hillshott.herts.sch.uk or 01462 670398.
Wrens Class serves children who turn four in the following academic year.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am and afternoons from 12.10pm to 3.10pm. The 30-hour pattern runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm, with paid extension until 3.10pm, Monday to Friday in term time.
Milk, water and fruit are offered during the morning and afternoon snack breaks. Children attending the 30-hour pattern bring a packed lunch.
Tapestry contains staff observations, photographs and descriptions. Parents can comment and upload learning from home, including videos.
No. Families need a separate Reception application through Hertfordshire County Council by the normal application deadline.
