Yorke Mead Primary School Nursery Review

Choosing an activity and learning to manage feelings sit alongside stories and number play at Yorke Mead’s nursery in Croxley Green. This is the school’s own early years provision, with play shaping the learning rather than simply filling the spaces between lessons.

Ofsted judged early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 12 and 13 November 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and care together. Here, children choose some activities themselves while adults initiate others. Speaking, listening, movement and relationships provide the foundations; reading, writing, mathematics, creative work and exploration build on them. For parents, that means learning includes how a child communicates and plays with others as well as what they can count or recognise.

Nursery rhymes, retelling stories and role play give children ways to practise language. Early writing starts in Nursery, with children encouraged to put their ideas on paper. Each class has a library within its reading area, and children can take books home to enjoy with an adult. Books therefore connect classroom learning with family time.

Mathematical activities include counting, exploring shape and using simple measurements, with attention to the words children need to explain their thinking. Art, dance and music offer other ways to express ideas. Topics change in response to children’s interests and needs, and staff keep parents informed about what children are exploring. In November 2024, children were already making independent learning choices in the early years. This gives the play-based approach a practical purpose: children practise taking responsibility for their own activity.

Learning to get along with others is part of the curriculum. Children practise social skills and learn ways to manage emotions, alongside developing confidence in their abilities. In November 2024, Nursery children learned routines and behaviour expectations very quickly, with older pupils providing examples to follow. Familiar routines help children understand what the school day asks of them.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), parents are involved in planning and reviewing support. The school combines teaching adapted to children’s needs with interventions targeting particular skills. A Nursery speech and language self-referral route gives families another way to seek support with communication.

Children under five in Nursery are offered free milk. Foundation-stage children also receive a daily fruit or vegetable snack. Children bring a labelled water bottle, which teachers refill regularly, making drinking water part of everyday care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. Nursery entry is managed by the school; Reception applications go through Hertfordshire County Council. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception process by its normal deadline.

Separate application. Reception places are allocated under the council’s admission rules, which include sibling, medical or social need and distance criteria. Treat the nursery decision and the Reception application as two separate commitments, even when you hope your child will stay at Yorke Mead.

The school is on Dulwich Way, Croxley Green, WD3 3PX. Nursery enquiries can go to the school office on 01923 778420 or admin@yorkemead.herts.sch.uk. Individual school tours can be arranged by telephone, giving families a direct way to visit before deciding on a nursery application.