Northaw Church of England Primary School Nursery Review

Forest exploration, cooking and stories give Northaw’s early years provision its character. The nursery forms part of Northaw Church of England Primary School on Vineyards Road, serving children from age three within the school’s early years foundation stage (EYFS). Learning combines children’s interests with planned topics and subject teaching. There is room for both discovery and direction.

The Church of England identity also has a practical expression in learning: religious education sits alongside mathematics, physical education and Monster Phonics. For families, this means choosing early education within a church school, with faith included in the curriculum.

The EYFS brings together learning to communicate, move confidently and manage feelings with early reading, number, creativity and understanding the world. Northaw organises this through activity zones, children’s interests and planned learning sequences. Monster Phonics is the named phonics approach; the wider curriculum gives attention to conversation, independence and cooperation as well as letters and numbers.

Acorns activities show what that can look like. During an Under the Sea topic, children examined real fish and labelled their parts. Diwali activities included making sweets and creating rangoli patterns. These examples connect language and observation with practical experiences, giving children something concrete to discuss rather than relying only on pictures or explanations.

Physical learning extends beyond classroom activities. Acorns children have used wall bars in the hall after discussing safety, and practised crossing a road outdoors while classmates rode scooters and bikes. Forest exploration has included gathering sticks and logs to create a campfire together. These are examples of movement, shared tasks and learning rules through action.

At the November 2024 inspection, early years learning drew heavily on songs, storytelling and rhymes. That places spoken language and shared books at the beginning of children’s education, rather than treating reading as an isolated exercise.

Settling involves familiar childhood routines: choosing activities, getting to know other children, sharing a snack and listening to a story. Acorns children also helped agree classroom rules. In November 2024, inspectors found that three-year-olds adapted promptly to learning, a useful reassurance about the start of their education.

The Colour Monster has provided a way to explore emotions. Acorns children discussed feelings and made bottles to shake when angry, linking a story with a practical calming activity. EYFS families also have Stay & Learn, creating an opportunity to take part in their children’s learning.

School lunches are cooked on site by Clever Chefs. Fruit and vegetables are provided, and families may send a breaktime snack, with healthy options encouraged. Food therefore includes both school provision and a contribution from home.

For additional needs, the school’s SENDCo works part-time and is available on Tuesday and Wednesday, supported by a full-time Inclusion Leader. Parents with concerns about learning or social interaction are directed first to their child’s teacher, then to the SENDCo if concerns continue. This gives families a clear sequence for raising an issue.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.

The School Secretary handles parent enquiries. Contact the school at admin@northaw.herts.sch.uk or on 01707 652869.

For journeys to school, the carparks are reserved for staff unless the headteacher has expressly permitted a parent’s vehicle. Families are also asked to avoid parking opposite the school because of the danger to children. Plan collection and drop-off around those restrictions.