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Nursery at Roman Way Academy
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A nursery garden, climbing equipment and a school swimming pool give Roman Way’s youngest children plenty of scope to move. Owls is the nursery class at Roman Way Academy on Burns Road in Royston. Children can join from the term after their third birthday, with starts in autumn, spring or summer.
The nursery belongs to the school’s early years provision, which Ofsted graded Good at its inspection on 26 and 27 September 2023. In September 2023, curiosity, persistence and involvement in learning were strengths from the early years onwards. These are useful foundations for children beginning group learning.
Learning combines activities chosen by children with tasks guided by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical skills, relationships and learning about the world: here, those strands meet through practical activity rather than just work at a table. Children explore materials in art and design, while technology activities include listening to music or stories, making pictures and operating a toy.
The summer 2026 topics, Is it Alive? and Changing Me, set out practical ways to explore. Plans included sowing seeds, caring for living things and following a butterfly’s development. Planned walks around the grounds and investigations of small garden creatures would connect observation with conversation, giving children living things to investigate.
Movement also had a substantial place in that summer programme. Plans used indoor and outdoor climbing equipment to develop balance and coordination, with bikes, trikes and scooters in the nursery garden and larger playground. The summer 2026 programme planned Wednesday PE in the hall, including ball games and movement to music. Nursery children also have swimming lessons in the school’s own pool with a qualified instructor.
Early reading starts with Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised. Planned summer activities included rhyming, listening for initial sounds and games that practise joining spoken sounds together or separating them. The programme included book discussions and sharing a weekly child-chosen library book at home. Planned number work was equally tangible: counting fruit or chairs, matching quantities with numerals up to five, and making repeating patterns.
Curriculum consistency. In September 2023, some subjects across the school needed clearer content and stronger staff subject knowledge. That concern warrants attention alongside the Good early years judgement; it was not identified as a nursery-only weakness.
Kapow supports personal, social and health learning from nursery onwards. The summer 2026 programme planned support to help children describe feelings, manage disagreements and practise taking turns. Adults would model ways to suggest shared play and support children waiting for a toy. These are small, practical steps towards managing life in a group.
The summer 2026 programme planned weekly emails from nursery staff to share learning with families, sometimes suggesting related activities at home. It also invited parents to join book discussions and stay-and-play sessions. For children needing specific medical care, staff agree a healthcare plan with parents and share it with the team. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can access the curriculum through reasonable adjustments.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council, including when their child already attends Roman Way’s nursery. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026; that admissions cycle is now past.
Preparation for the change is a separate matter. The summer 2026 programme planned opportunities for children moving on to explore their feelings about Reception, while those remaining in nursery would discuss the changes the next term would bring. Plans also included celebrating children’s nursery experiences, giving the transition an emotional focus.
Nursery applications go directly through the school office. Families can telephone 01763 241535 for a form or collect one in person. Appointments to see the nursery can be booked through the office before applying.
Summer-term afternoon sessions are also offered for early risers, specifically children who will turn four in September. That seasonal option has a defined age condition, so it should be considered separately from the nursery’s usual starting arrangements.
Children can start from the term after they turn three, with entry in autumn, spring or summer.
The nursery class is Owls.
The summer 2026 programme planned climbing, riding bikes, scooters and trikes, growing plants and investigating garden creatures. Nursery children also have swimming lessons in the school pool with a qualified instructor.
No. A separate Reception application through Hertfordshire County Council is required even for children already attending the nursery.
Yes. Contact the school office on 01763 241535 to book an appointment to see the nursery.
