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Nursery at Mandeville 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, conversation and growing independence give Bumblebees its character. Mandeville Primary School’s nursery forms part of the school’s early years provision in St Albans and operates under the same registration as the school. Its teaching team sits alongside an early years lead and teaching assistants, placing nursery within a wider early years staff structure.
Ofsted’s February 2026 judgement for early years was Expected standard, covering the school’s early years provision rather than giving nursery a separate rating. Children experienced reassuring routines and a settled atmosphere, helping them gain confidence and approach learning securely.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with the practical business of becoming more independent. Here, whole-class carpet activities, small-group work and activities children choose themselves provide different ways to participate. Adults respond to children’s interests and help them explain their choices, describe their thinking and reflect on what they have done. Talk has a clear purpose.
Books and conversation are central to this approach. In February 2026, children across early years enjoyed exploring books, while staff reinforced carefully chosen vocabulary and supported letter practice through planned activities. Phonics teaching was precise. Together, these activities connect listening and speaking with the beginnings of reading and writing.
Independence extends beyond learning tasks. Children have opportunities to practise caring for themselves and choosing activities. Bumblebees’ preparation checklist encourages children to manage their coat, communicate toilet needs, wash their hands and ask for help. These are practical steps towards managing a session more confidently.
Outdoor resources include the school’s forest, wooded space and pond, which the whole school can access for learning. These add a physical setting for exploring the natural world alongside classroom activities.
Settling starts with familiar surroundings: children joining nursery receive a home visit from their teaching team. A move-up morning and a gradual start follow, with individual adaptations where needed. Meeting adults at home gives children an introduction before the new school routine begins.
Story cafes and stay-and-play sessions supported relationships with early years families in February 2026. They give parents opportunities to participate, helping conversation about learning continue between home and school.
For children with SEND, teaching teams work with the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo). Support plans are reviewed with parents at least once a term through Assess, Plan, Do, Review. Edukey Provision Map gives families of children on the SEND register access to profiles and plans, including the opportunity to comment. The school building has wheelchair access and accessible changing and toilet facilities.
Nursery attendance neither guarantees a Reception place nor confers priority under the 2026/27 oversubscription criteria. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception process, co-ordinated by Hertfordshire County Council. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026; that application cycle is now past.
Transition support is a separate matter. Teaching teams exchange information when children change year groups, and children needing extra preparation may have a personalised programme. This supports continuity of care and learning, while admission remains a separate decision.
The core funded offer is 15 hours across five mornings, Monday to Friday, from 8.50am to 11.50am. It runs for 38 weeks during term time. Lunch Club can extend a morning until 12.50pm, with an additional charge and subject to availability.
A 30-hour funded option runs from 8.50am to 3.20pm, Monday to Friday, with a charge for provision beyond the funded hours. Paid afternoon extensions, from 11.50am to 3.20pm, are an option for families who are not eligible for 30-hour funding, subject to availability. However, the 30-hour provision for September 2026 is under review because of low and falling birth rates. Confirm that arrangement before planning childcare around the longer day.
Contact the office on 01727 519220 or admin@mandeville.herts.sch.uk for nursery enquiries and current charges. Tours that include the early years setting can be booked by email.
The core offer is five mornings, Monday to Friday, from 8.50am to 11.50am, providing 15 funded hours over 38 term-time weeks.
Lunch Club runs from 11.50am to 12.50pm at an extra charge, subject to availability. Longer provision includes funded and paid options, but the 30-hour provision for September 2026 is under review. Confirm the arrangement with the office.
Children receive a teaching-team home visit, attend a move-up morning and start gradually. The transition can be adapted to individual needs.
No. Attendance does not guarantee admission or confer priority under the 2026/27 criteria. Parents must apply separately through the normal Reception process co-ordinated by Hertfordshire County Council.
Speak to the class teacher or contact the SENCo at senco@mandeville.herts.sch.uk. Children receiving SEN support have additional termly meetings to discuss their provision and targets.
