The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Maple Cross Junior Mixed Infant and Nursery 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Acorn Class gives three- and four-year-olds a nursery base within Maple Cross Junior Mixed Infant and Nursery School, with 26 places and the option to extend mornings into the afternoon. It belongs to the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), rather than operating as a separate nursery.
Entry is normally in September of the academic year children turn four. January entry after a child's third birthday depends on spare places. Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 7 and 8 July 2022; that judgement covers the school's early years, rather than Acorn alone.
Child-led learning forms part of the EYFS approach here, alongside the development of movement skills. For parents, that means early learning includes children's own choices and physical development, as well as preparation for reading and writing.
Letter formation follows Read, Write Inc. In the early years, children practise separate letters rather than joined handwriting. Pencil pressure, how children sit and the position of their paper are also part of the approach: the mechanics of writing receive attention alongside the letters themselves. Families can use the same formation at home, giving children consistent practice.
In July 2022, early-years children learned classroom routines and ways to manage their behaviour and emotions. These are practical foundations for joining group learning and becoming more independent. The wider school grounds include a natural outdoor play area, adding a physical feature to consider alongside the classroom learning.
A class teacher and an early years practitioner form the Acorn team. Settling begins with a compulsory home visit, either before a child starts or during the opening weeks of term. This gives families an early opportunity to share their child's needs. Children who find separation difficult can have an individual settling approach, including adjusted collection or drop-off times and social stories.
Communication continues through informal conversations with teachers after school, classroom events each term and two parent evenings per academic year. Families whose children have Individual Support Plans are offered termly meetings to discuss targets and progress, making support a continuing conversation.
School support includes visual schedules, sensory resources and personalised quiet spaces. Thrive provides emotional support through trained staff, with individual or group sessions depending on need. These arrangements belong to the wider school's support system; families should discuss which adjustments fit their child with the class teacher or Inclusion Co-ordinator.
Meals require some planning at home. School dinners are booked through SchoolGrid, with orders and cancellations possible until 8:30am on the meal day. Packed lunches need no booking. The school kitchen can accommodate allergies and provides vegan and vegetarian choices; parents must tell the office about allergies requiring attention.
A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Maple Cross Reception. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council's admissions process. For the September 2026 intake, the application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle has passed.
Transition support is a separate matter from securing a place. Nursery staff coordinate with Reception colleagues at the child's chosen or allocated school and transfer reports and agreed records. This helps the receiving team understand the child. Additional transition support can include classroom visits and social stories, tailored to individual needs.
The nursery runs during school terms for 38 weeks annually. Morning collection is at 11:45am; the additional-hours option extends the day to 3:15pm. The school offers flexibility in the use of 15 or 30 hours, so the agreed attendance pattern matters when planning family routines.
Three- and four-year-olds have 15 funded hours during those term-time weeks. An extra 15 hours can be funded for eligible families or paid for by parents. Ask the school for current charges when considering paid hours.
Tours can be booked through the office on 01923 770909 or admin@maplecross.herts.sch.uk. For drop-off and collection by car, parents must keep vehicles outside the grounds and avoid waiting near the entrance. The school buildings occupy one level, with ramps where appropriate.
Children normally start in September of the academic year they turn four. January entry in the term after turning three depends on additional places being available.
Yes. Additional hours allow children to stay until 3:15pm, through eligible funding or parent payment.
No. Nursery and Reception applications are separate, and families must apply through Hertfordshire County Council for Reception.
A mandatory home visit takes place before starting or within the first few weeks of term. Individual arrangements can help children who find separation difficult.
School dinners are ordered through SchoolGrid and can be booked or cancelled until 8:30am that day. A packed lunch does not require an order.
