Hereward Primary School Nursery Review

Songs, rhymes and growing independence give Hereward’s early years provision its character. The nursery forms part of Hereward Primary School on Colebrook Lane in Loughton, with Nursery and Reception brought together within its Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision. Its focus is on children learning to communicate, explore and take increasing responsibility for themselves.

Ofsted judged early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 4 and 5 June 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were included in the finding that children developed confidence, curiosity and independence.

Children’s choices and adult teaching both shape learning. Hereward aims to balance exploration led by children with input from adults, using children’s interests and individual needs to guide their experiences. In parent language, this means opportunities to investigate for themselves alongside teaching directed towards particular learning goals.

Language gets close attention. In June 2024, adults used familiar rhymes and songs to demonstrate language and encourage interaction, helping children develop both conversation and social skills. Early years children also demonstrated ease with counting backwards. These are concrete foundations for joining in, expressing ideas and understanding numbers.

In June 2024, the early years environment was adapted to give children opportunities to rehearse their learning. Indoor and outdoor areas form part of the provision; the June 2024 findings describe surroundings adapted to support practice. The emphasis is on using what children have learned, rather than simply encountering something once.

Learning can extend into family life through Go Getters, which has a nursery version. The school intends its activities to encourage practical skills and shared exploration at home, outside or in the community. Families can work at their own pace; completing every activity is not expected.

A nursery lead and nursery nurse form part of the early years team. For children with additional needs, the school has an Inclusion Manager/SENCO. The June 2024 early years findings describe activities that helped children with SEND develop independence alongside their peers.

Emotional support has a named approach: Trauma Perceptive Practice (TPP). All Hereward staff have received this training, which focuses on understanding behaviour through children’s needs, relationships and responses to stress. The school expects staff to apply these principles in their interactions, giving families a clear account of the approach to behaviour.

Lunch begins at 11.30am for nursery children. Practical independence was encouraged at the June 2024 inspection too: pupil ambassadors helped children in early years learn to handle a knife and fork.

Attending Hereward’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Essex County Council, keeping that decision distinct from their nursery place.

For the September 2026 intake, parents had to complete an Essex application by 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed. Nursery attendance should therefore never be treated as a substitute for the Reception application process.

Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 0208 508 6465 or by email to office@hereward.efspt.org. There is also a contact form for questions.

Hereward’s school uniform uses red and black. Clothing should carry the child’s full name, and the school’s uniform requirements include black shoes and black trousers or skirts. Labelling matters for keeping belongings identifiable through the day.