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Nursery at Bernards Heath 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Heath Class gives the nursery its local identity: it takes its name from Bernards Heath, opposite the school. This is Foundation Stage 1 at Bernards Heath Infant and Nursery School in St Albans, with 52 places. Children join in September after turning three. Morning, afternoon and split-week attendance patterns give families several ways to organise the nursery week.
In April 2026, Ofsted judged the early years to meet the Expected standard. The inspection also called for writing teaching to be more consistent across all year groups. That judgement covers the school's early years provision, rather than a separately graded nursery.
Learning themes connect play with teaching. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum covers seven learning areas, with content building through the year. For parents, that means learning extends beyond early reading and numbers: physical development, communication and independence also feature in the day.
Practical equipment makes mathematical ideas tangible. In April 2026, children in early years used it to count and calculate, then brought those skills into play with friends. Adults explain activities, question children to establish what they understand and adjust learning accordingly. The April 2026 inspection nevertheless called for sharper checks of understanding and greater consistency in matching support to pupils' needs. Language receives attention across the early years environment, with staff introducing vocabulary through their interactions. Children have opportunities to practise skills independently.
The school's Learning Heroes give children memorable ways to talk about learning. Duck represents persistence, Monkey encourages questions, and Bear helps children discuss their thinking and feelings. These characters supply a vocabulary for tackling a challenge or asking for help. Even snack time can become a learning activity: Heath Class may use success criteria for snack time to help children understand what they are trying to achieve.
Settling can be adjusted to the child. In April 2026, early years children were happy and settled, and some benefited from spending extra time with a parent at the beginning of the day. Staff understood individual needs and changed routines when appropriate. That gives settling a practical focus: helping a child become ready to take part.
Heath Class has a class teacher and teaching assistants. For additional needs, the school's SENCo works alongside an assistant SENCo; families can contact the SENCo through the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Early years barriers to learning were being recognised promptly in April 2026.
Parents receive spoken and written updates from class teachers at regular points during the year. Morning nursery children can also attend Lunch Club, extending their stay until 1pm, with charges applying. This adds a supervised lunchtime option to the shorter session.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal local authority process and meet its deadline. Hertfordshire organises primary school admissions, with applications made online or using the paper form supplied in the County Admissions Booklet.
Keep the learning connection separate from the place allocation. Familiarity with the school does not replace that application.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. All Day A combines Monday and Tuesday with Wednesday attendance ending at 1pm. All Day B begins at 12.15pm on Wednesday and includes Thursday and Friday. There are also 30-hour places. These patterns matter when matching attendance to work and collection arrangements.
After-school collection. Nursery children can use Bernards Heath Childcare only until 5.15pm. Book through Schoolcomms or the School Gateway app, choosing an individual session or booking across a week or term. Snacks are included. Ask the school for current charges.
Uniform includes a logo-bearing red cardigan or jumper, a white polo shirt, grey joggers, shorts or culottes, black school-style shoes and a red logo bookbag. Nursery children do not need a school PE kit. Label clothing, shoes and bags to help misplaced items return home.
For nursery enquiries and to arrange a tour, call the school office on 01727 852106. Nursery tours are usually organised in early spring, giving families a chance to discuss the attendance pattern that suits them.
Children start Heath Class in September after their third birthday. The nursery has 52 places.
Morning sessions are 8.45am to 11.45am, and afternoon sessions are 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Split-week All Day A and All Day B patterns and 30-hour places are also offered.
Yes. Children with a morning place can attend Lunch Club until 1pm, with charges applying.
No. Families need to apply separately through the local authority's primary admissions process and meet its deadline.
Bernards Heath Childcare accommodates nursery children until 5.15pm. Booking is through Schoolcomms or the School Gateway app.
