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Nursery at Cuffley School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor exploration and early language learning give Cuffley's nursery its character. The provision belongs to Cuffley School, a foundation primary school in Cuffley, and takes children aged three who turn four before starting Reception the following September. It is a nursery year within a school, with morning, afternoon and all-day sessions.
Care, Curiosity and Courage are the school's chosen values. For nursery children, practical investigations, creative activities and opportunities to learn alongside others give those aims a concrete expression.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with children's social and physical development. At Cuffley, this includes practising conversation and listening, exploring number problems and developing reading and writing. Adult teaching sits alongside activities children initiate themselves, giving them opportunities both to follow guidance and to pursue an interest.
Little Wandle is the phonics programme used in the early years. Reading books match the sounds being taught, connecting practice with what children are learning. Number work includes problems drawn from everyday situations, with children encouraged to explain their thinking. Investigations involve noticing changes, comparing objects and looking for patterns: learning starts with something children can explore.
Art, drama, dance and music provide ways to express ideas and feelings. Physical activities develop coordination and control. Outdoors, the school's Forest School ethos extends learning beyond the classroom, with large woodland areas providing a setting for exploration. Forest School sessions are run by qualified practitioners and adapted around children's interests and needs. This gives outdoor learning a place alongside the indoor curriculum.
An assistant headteacher combines responsibility for pastoral care with the Early Years Leader role. For families with concerns about learning or development, the class teacher is the first contact, with the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) providing further advice. Support can include speech and language interventions, so concerns about communication have a clear route for discussion.
The school's graduated SEND approach starts with classroom adaptations, including visual timetables, extra processing time and changes to resources. More complex needs can involve external specialists or provision through an Education, Health and Care Plan. The site has step-free access and an accessible toilet. Parents can discuss progress through two formal consultation meetings each year and an annual written report, alongside ongoing communication.
Lunches are prepared by the school's own catering team. Hot choices are accompanied by options including jacket potatoes, fruit and a salad bar. Nursery children are not entitled to Free School Meals, making lunch arrangements a practical consideration for families choosing the all-day session.
Attending Cuffley's nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, managed by Hertfordshire County Council. Treat that application as a distinct step in your child's move to school.
Transition support is separate from admission. The school can personalise transitions for children who need extra help, using additional visits, meetings with new teachers, transition books or play and stay sessions. These measures help children prepare for change; they do not secure a place.
Morning sessions run from 9:00am to noon, and afternoon sessions from noon to 3:00pm, each comprising 15 hours per week. The all-day option runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm, comprising 30 hours per week. These are the nursery's session lengths, allowing families to compare a shorter session with a full nursery day.
Uniform includes maroon nursery joggers, with branded maroon sweatshirts, jumpers and cardigans carrying the Cuffley stag logo. Clothing should be labelled with the child's name and class.
Contact the school office on 01707 888100 or admin@cuffley.herts.sch.uk for nursery enquiries. School tours can also be requested. Nursery chargeable extras apply from September 2026; refer to the school for current charges.
It takes children aged three who turn four and are due to start Reception the following September.
Morning sessions are 9:00am to noon, afternoons are noon to 3:00pm, and all-day sessions are 9:00am to 3:00pm.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal process managed by Hertfordshire County Council.
No. Nursery children are not entitled to Free School Meals.
Start with your child's class teacher. The SENCO can also offer advice and support; contact senco@cuffley.herts.sch.uk.
