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Nursery at High Wych Church of England 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An apple tree becomes an art resource at High Wych: nursery children have collected its apples and used them for printing. That practical connection between the school grounds and creative work gives Cherry Class a concrete identity.
The nursery has 26 places within the school's Foundation Stage Unit. Children can start in the term following their third birthday, with September the main intake and additional entry points dependent on spare places. This is a school nursery with a term-time rhythm, offering morning attendance or a longer day.
Play and adult guidance share the day. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum combines activities led by staff with learning that children choose themselves. In parent terms, children have opportunities to pursue their interests as well as take part in planned activities, with adults asking questions and supporting their exploration. Creative work and play form part of that approach, indoors and outside.
The school grounds provide specific starting points for learning. For the Rivers Nursery Art Competition, nursery children studied the apple tree in the school grounds and printed with apples they found. Cherry Class also helped position herbs in the Reflection Garden. These examples connect making and exploring with real plants, giving children materials they can handle rather than only pictures to discuss.
Morning learning runs from 8.40am to 11.40am. Lunch follows until 12.20pm, when the afternoon session begins; children staying for the longer day finish at 3.20pm.
Teachers and Early Years Practitioners make up the nursery team. Early years staff have paediatric first aid training. At lunch, children can have a school meal or bring a packed lunch, so families have a choice within the longer day.
Support for additional needs uses the school's assess, plan, do and review cycle. For children registered for SEND support, an OPP combines a One Page Profile with a Provision Plan; parents help shape targets and reviews. Meetings take place three times a year. The class teacher is the first contact for concerns, with the SENCO available through the school office: this gives families a clear route into discussions about support.
For children joining with English as an additional language, the school's settling arrangements include a buddy, with dual-language labels used where appropriate. ASPECTS at All Saints provides family support, including a route for parents to refer themselves. These are distinct forms of help, addressing both adjustment to school and challenges beyond the classroom.
Attending this nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through HCC School Admissions and follow the normal Reception application timetable. A nursery place and a school place are separate decisions.
Transition support is a different matter. The school's arrangements include time with the new class teacher in a transition session, and extra visits for children who need more time to adjust. Familiarisation helps children prepare for a change; it does not secure admission.
Attendance is Monday to Friday during school terms. The minimum pattern is five mornings a week across 38 weeks, rather than a selection of occasional mornings. The first 15 hours of funded childcare must be allocated to High Wych as a condition of the nursery place.
Eligible working families can use the additional funded hours for 30-hour provision; additional afternoon sessions can also be self-paid. School meals carry a separate charge. Contact the school for current charges. JAG provides wraparound care that includes nursery children, offering a further option around the nursery sessions.
Nursery applications go directly to the school. For enquiries or an application during the school year, contact the office on 01279 722109 or admin@highwych.herts.sch.uk. At morning drop-off, parents can accompany nursery children to the Foundation Stage gate through the church gate, which opens at 8.40am. Parking is limited; the Village Car Park is an option for parents.
Children can start from the term after their third birthday. September is the main intake, with further entry points dependent on available places.
The morning session is 8.40am to 11.40am. Lunch runs until 12.20pm, followed by the afternoon session until 3.20pm.
Yes. Children staying for lunch can bring a packed lunch or have a school meal, which carries a separate charge.
No. Families need to apply separately for Reception through HCC School Admissions, following the normal Reception timetable.
Yes. Nursery children are included in the school's wraparound provision with JAG.
