The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Markyate Village School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Ruby Class has a clear daily rhythm: three hours each morning, with Forest School taking children into the outdoor Dell. Happiness is the nursery’s class value. This is the school’s own nursery provision, combining a morning timetable with participation in school life.
There are up to 26 places, for children from the term after their third birthday, subject to availability. Children are expected to start at the beginning of the autumn term. At the inspection on 28 and 29 January 2025, Ofsted graded early years provision Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
The morning runs from 8.50am to 11.50am. Within the early years curriculum, learning has a clear purpose: children build the knowledge they need for their next stage of education. In January 2025, adults’ conversations and interactions with children supported their learning, and children achieved well. For parents, the useful detail is the combination of planned learning and adult involvement.
Forest School gives the day an outdoor dimension. Two teachers with level 3 Forest School leader training plan and teach sessions in the Dell. The approach uses repeated sessions, children’s choices and supported risk-taking to develop their relationship with the natural world. A change of clothes is essential, making this a practical part of nursery life.
Jigsaw is the personal, social and health education programme used from Nursery onwards, with a new theme each half term. Music also begins in early years, developing children’s imagination and creativity through the school’s adapted Sing Up approach. Early years children perform a nativity, giving their musical learning a shared performance occasion.
Settling into routines was a strength in January 2025: early years children adjusted well and formed positive connections with adults. That matters for a child learning to manage a school morning away from home.
For concerns about additional needs, the class teacher is the first contact and may arrange a discussion with the school’s special educational needs coordinator. A meeting is held when a child with an education, health and care plan is due to attend, so provision can be arranged around their needs.
Safeguarding concerns can go through the office to a designated safeguarding lead. The team includes a lead and three deputies. Families also have access to Tooled Up Education, a digital library of parenting activities, videos, podcasts and advice, extending support beyond classroom questions.
A nursery place does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council, using its online admissions route. For the 2026 Reception admissions cycle, the application deadline was 15 January 2026; that date has passed.
The January 2025 early years findings showed children were prepared for the next educational stage. This is about learning and readiness. It does not change the requirement to apply separately for Reception.
Sessions run Monday to Friday during term time, providing 15 funded hours. Families with a 30-hour entitlement can use 15 of those hours here, so this nursery morning accounts for only part of that entitlement.
Funded early years places may carry a charge for snacks, consumables and extra activities such as trips or activity days. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery applications go directly to the school, with completed forms sent to nurseryadmissions@markyate.herts.sch.uk; general enquiries go to admin@markyate.herts.sch.uk or 01582 840537.
Uniform includes a pale blue polo shirt and navy jumper, fleece or cardigan. Early years children may wear navy jogging bottoms, and nursery children need black plimsolls. The gates open at 8.40am and shut at 8.50am; late arrivals must use the office and be signed in by a parent or carer.
Children can attend from the term after their third birthday if a place is available. The expected starting point is the beginning of the autumn term.
The nursery runs from 8.50am to 11.50am, Monday to Friday, during term time.
Families can use 15 hours of their 30-hour entitlement for this nursery place.
No. Parents must apply separately for Reception through Hertfordshire County Council.
Yes. Nursery children have Forest School sessions in the outdoor Dell, taught by two teachers with level 3 Forest School leader training. They need a change of clothes.
