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Nursery at Little Heath Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Natural materials, imaginative play and a cedar-clad Foundation Unit give Little Heath’s nursery its character. Large windows face both sides of the building, while the nursery shares the unit with Reception. This is a school nursery with a shared early-years setting, offering children opportunities to become familiar with neighbouring classrooms.
There are 26 nursery places. Children normally join in September after their third birthday; entry in the following term after turning three may be possible if space permits. Provision extends to up to 30 hours of childcare.
Play and exploration shape the learning environment. Staff use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to plan from their observations of children: learning is organised around their development, with activities matched to different stages. The nursery aims to support creative learning and imaginative play through natural materials. The layout allows children in Nursery and Reception to move between their classrooms.
Outdoor learning has equal weight alongside indoor activities, with a substantial outdoor area extending the space for exploration. Inside, room layouts and colour choices are intended to accommodate children’s sensory needs and support learning.
In May 2024, Ofsted found that children in early years enjoyed exploring both environments and maintained attention during learning. Discussion also matters: nursery staff develop listening, communication and early literacy through purposeful conversation, helping children build foundations for phonics.
A nursery teacher also holds responsibility for Foundation and Key Stage 1, alongside reading and art leadership. Foundation teaching assistants form part of the wider team. For parents, daily access to the class teacher provides an opportunity to discuss progress individually rather than waiting for a formal meeting.
Each child has a personal learning journal containing photographs and staff observations from the day. This gives families concrete examples of their child’s experiences, making conversations about learning more specific. Children staying for the whole day can bring lunch from home or have a paid school meal.
SEND support uses a cycle of assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing it, with a school SENCo contact. Support for cognition and learning needs. The May 2024 inspection identified a school-wide concern: guidance on cognition and learning needs sometimes lacked clarity, so support did not match some pupils’ needs and limited their learning. The school was asked to provide clearer guidance, including staff training. Families whose child needs this help should discuss how support will be tailored in nursery.
Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Hertfordshire’s online admissions system at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions, following the normal application timetable.
Classroom familiarity and admission are separate matters. The Foundation Unit allows nursery children to use spaces alongside Reception children, so the next classroom need not be an entirely unfamiliar environment. That physical connection is useful context for transition, but families should keep their Reception application separate from their nursery arrangements.
Nursery operates between 8.45am and 3.00pm. The funding offer includes 15 hours, while some children qualify for 30 funded hours; additional hours can be purchased. Contact the school for current charges, including school lunches. Families continuing in nursery must reapply for the next academic year, so a place requires attention beyond the first year.
Uniform includes a crested navy tracksuit and polo shirt, grey or white socks, and formal black waterproof footwear. Nursery children keep their usual clothes and shoes on for PE, avoiding a separate change of kit. Crested clothing is supplied by MyClothing or Smarty’s.
Visits are by appointment. Contact the office on 01707 652104 or email admin@littleheath.herts.sch.uk to arrange one. Nursery applications use a form returned to the school office; in-year nursery enquiries and applications go directly to the school.
Children normally start in September after turning three. If places permit, the school may admit them in the term after their third birthday.
The operating hours are 8.45am to 3.00pm, with up to 30 hours of childcare offered.
Children staying all day bring a packed lunch or have a paid school lunch. Contact the school for current charges.
No. A separate application is required through Hertfordshire’s online school admissions system, following the normal timetable.
A personal learning journal contains photographs and observations. Parents also have daily opportunities to speak individually with the class teacher.
