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Nursery at Margaret Wix 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 allotment, Forest school and a morning that moves between singing, play and stories give Margaret Wix’s nursery its character. This is school-based early education in High Oaks, St Albans, with morning and full-day choices for families using the early education entitlement for three- and four-year-olds.
Nursery belongs to the Firetips early years group. Contact with Reception children is part of ordinary nursery life, through shared activities and, for children staying all day, lunch. That familiarity is useful, but it must be kept separate from the question of securing a school place.
The morning starts with Busy fingers, followed by a singing or phonics group. Children then choose their own play while the snack bar opens, before coming together for maths and a story. There is a clear alternation between group teaching and time to pursue an interest. Full-day children continue with an activity directed by an adult, further independent play, shared group activities and more stories; some assemblies bring them into the wider school day.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage relationships with early reading, writing, maths, creative expression and discovering how the world works. Development matters informs the approach. Topics including Down at the farm and This is me give adults starting points for vocabulary and activities, while planning changes to suit the children in each cohort.
Continuous provision means children can continue exploring between tasks led by adults. Their interests help shape the opportunities indoors and outside. Forest school and the allotment add a physical setting for learning about the natural world, rather than keeping discovery within the classroom. Wednesday mornings include a nursery library visit and music with an external teacher. Borrowing an appealing book gives families something concrete to share at home.
Early years staff receive training to assess children’s language needs when they start and arrange suitable support. This gives communication a practical place in the joining process. For children needing additional help, the school uses Assess-Plan-Do-Review: families contribute to targets, progress is checked and the next steps are adjusted. Concerns about additional needs can be discussed with the SENCO before a child starts.
Parents are involved through Tapestry, workshops and Share & Learn mornings, connecting home with the activities children undertake. Food also forms part of the routine: the morning includes a snack bar, and full-day children go to lunch alongside Reception. Herts Catering Ltd cooks school meals on site. Dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated through arrangements with the office, and children under five receive milk through the Nursery Milk Scheme.
A separate application. Attending nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply again through Hertfordshire County Council’s normal school admissions process, by the deadline for their child’s entry year. The local authority allocates places, so everyday familiarity with Reception must not be mistaken for an admissions advantage.
Shared music and group activities already give nursery children contact with the next stage. For children with SEND, transition support is tailored to individual needs: extra classroom visits and picture books showing the new class and adults can be used where needed. These help prepare a child for change; they do not determine the allocation of a place.
Morning sessions run from 8:40am, with a soft start, until 11:45am; full days finish at 3:15pm. Families can choose five mornings, two full days plus one morning, or five full days Monday to Friday for the 30-hour option. The early education entitlement covers up to 15 hours each week across 38 weeks, with 30 hours offered to eligible children.
Extra sessions depend on space. Additional paid sessions can be booked when places are available; contact the school for current charges. Nursery applications go directly to the school by email or post. To enquire or arrange a tour, call 01727 759232 or email admin@margaretwix.herts.sch.uk.
Five mornings, two full days with one morning, or five full days Monday to Friday for the 30-hour option.
Busy fingers and singing or phonics are followed by independent play, a snack opportunity, maths and story time.
Yes. Shared activities include music, and children attending full days join Reception for lunch and afternoon group activities.
No. A separate application is required through Hertfordshire County Council’s school admissions process.
Contact the school office on 01727 759232 or at admin@margaretwix.herts.sch.uk to book a tour.
