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Nursery at Aldwickbury 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two purpose-built classrooms, Forest School and access to a swimming pool give Aldwickbury’s nursery plans a distinct character. The nursery opened in September 2026 as a co-educational provision for children aged 3–4 in Harpenden. Children join in September following their third birthday.
The nursery forms part of Aldwickbury School, with its classrooms within a dedicated Early Years space. Its design combines a base for the youngest children with access to the school’s 20 acres. The Sports Hall and STEM Hub add settings beyond the classroom for activity and exploration.
Play leads the curriculum. Aldwickbury describes its approach as an enhanced Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with children’s interests helping shape their learning. For parents, that means development through play alongside activities involving early number work, language and creative expression.
Phonics and maths sit alongside drama and music. Swimming and Sports Hall sessions bring physical activity into the programme, while Forest School gives outdoor learning its own place. These are nursery activities in the planned curriculum, rather than simply facilities belonging to the wider school.
Movement between inside and outside is built into the design: children will be able to move freely between the learning spaces, with daily access to the grounds and school facilities. That gives outdoor exploration a place in the everyday routine. A morning booking also includes lunch, so the shorter option extends beyond classroom activity into a shared meal.
The planned staffing combines a qualified teacher who is an EYFS specialist with qualified Early Years Assistants. That gives the nursery both a teaching role and assistants supporting the children’s day. Meals and snacks are part of the plans; Aldwickbury describes them as healthy and nutritious.
Settling begins before the first nursery day. A spring familiarisation visit brings children together for play, storytelling and an adventure with staff, while parents meet the team and other families. Staff also visit a child at home or at their existing nursery, observing them somewhere familiar and requesting a nursery reference where relevant.
June induction introduces the Nursery Teacher, Early Years Assistants and classmates. These staged meetings give children opportunities to encounter the people they will spend time with before starting.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception has its own application process through the school’s online admissions platform, using a parent account. Places are allocated in application order.
Confirm the nursery-to-Reception arrangements with admissions, including whether a further application is needed and the applicable deadline. Application and acceptance deadlines are shared with families by the school.
Term-time provision has two booking options: a whole day runs from 9:00am to 3:30pm, while mornings finish at 1:00pm and include lunch. The minimum commitment is five sessions each week, including at least three mornings. That requirement matters when fitting attendance around other childcare.
Wraparound care extends the available hours to 7:30am–6:00pm. Nursery charges are structured termly around full-day or morning attendance; contact the school for current charges.
Enquiries can be made through the school’s enquiry form or by emailing admissions@aldwickbury.org.uk. Personal tours, Open Mornings and Stay and Play provide ways to meet staff and explore the setting before choosing.
The nursery is for boys and girls aged 3–4, joining in September after turning three.
Whole days run from 9:00am to 3:30pm. Morning sessions run from 9:00am to 1:00pm and include lunch.
Children must attend at least five sessions per week, including at least three mornings.
Yes. The nursery’s planned wraparound provision covers 7:30am–6:00pm.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception applications go through the school’s online admissions platform, with places allocated in application order. Confirm the nursery progression arrangements, any further application required and the applicable deadline with admissions.
