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Nursery at St Adrian Roman Catholic 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Storytelling, prayer and long stretches of play shape the nursery day at St Adrian Roman Catholic Primary School in St Albans. This is Catholic school life on a young child’s scale, with singing, shared stories and time to explore threaded through the routine.
The nursery caters for children aged three to four. For September 2026, its admission number was 26, with one September intake. It forms part of the primary school on Watling View, so families are choosing a school nursery with morning and afternoon attendance options.
Play has substantial space in the timetable. After funky fingers activities, children gather for prayer, calendar time and wake and shake, followed by phonics. From 09:30 to 11:00, learning through play runs alongside a rolling snack. Tidying, group activities and songs or stories bring the morning to a close. Children staying longer have lunch and another extended period of play before the final story and prayer.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines language, physical development, early literacy and exploration of the world. Here, planning changes with children’s interests and needs. Talk for Writing uses stories such as Owl Babies; daily conversations, songs and rhymes give children opportunities to practise new vocabulary. Stories become material for talking and making, rather than simply something to listen to.
Physical learning includes balance bikes and learning to climb carefully, while mud, water and sand support exploration. Drawing and playdough give children practice with smaller movements. These activities give them practice in controlling their movements, handling tools and making their own choices.
Seasonal walks and living caterpillars bring the natural world into learning. In December 2022, Ofsted found that early years learning was organised coherently, with clear intentions for children’s knowledge and skills.
A nursery teacher and key worker provide the team structure. Settling starts before the first term: a summer meeting introduces parents to the teacher, followed by either a home visit or a visit to the child’s existing setting. Small groups then attend a morning stay and play session. September begins gradually, giving children time to become familiar with the class.
Snack is woven into morning play, and the longer day includes a lunch period from 11:45 to 13:00. Hertfordshire Catering Limited supplies school meals; families with special dietary needs complete a dietary form so catering staff can take those needs into account.
For additional needs, parents can contact the SENDCo at inco@stadrians.herts.sch.uk. Individual learning plans are reviewed with families each term. Classrooms and outdoor areas are wheelchair accessible, and a ground-floor accessible toilet contains a full-size changing bed.
Ofsted’s December 2022 findings described positive staff relationships beginning in early years and children learning considerate behaviour from nursery. Across the school at that time, some SEND plans failed to capture children’s needs accurately, and some staff needed further specialist training. Families needing additional support should discuss the proposed plan and staff expertise for their child.
Nursery attendance gives no priority for Reception and does not guarantee a place. Parents must make a separate application through Hertfordshire’s admissions process, alongside a Supplementary Information Form submitted to the school. For September 2026 entry, both had a deadline of 15 January 2026, which has passed.
Transition activities serve a different purpose: helping children feel familiar with the next classroom. A summer parent meeting and a morning stay and play session introduce the teacher, classmates and room. These preparations do not change the admission rules.
Attendance can combine mornings and afternoons, up to 30 hours per week. Nursery hours run from 08:40 to either 11:45 or 15:15; classroom activities begin at 08:45. The shorter morning ends at 11:45 for children attending for 15 hours. Confirm the drop-off arrangement when booking.
The nursery follows school terms, with holiday breaks and INSET days. Families entitled to 30 hours of free childcare provide their HMRC code with the application. Contact admin@stadrians.herts.sch.uk or 01727 852687 for nursery enquiries or to arrange a tour or a morning stay and play visit.
The nursery is for children aged three to four. The September 2026 intake was for children turning four between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027.
Nursery runs from 08:40 until 11:45 or 15:15. Attendance can combine morning and afternoon sessions, up to 30 hours per week.
Preparations include a summer parent meeting, a home or current-setting visit, and a small-group stay and play morning. Children begin September with a staggered start.
No. Nursery attendance gives no Reception priority. Parents apply separately through Hertfordshire admissions and submit the school’s Supplementary Information Form.
Yes. Contact the office at admin@stadrians.herts.sch.uk or 01727 852687 to arrange a tour or discuss staying and playing for part of a morning.
