St Peter's School Nursery, St Albans

Morning sessions and an outdoor classroom shape nursery life at St Peter's. Based on the school site on Cottonmill Lane in St Albans, the nursery is managed by the school, with children joining in September following their third birthday. It is an introduction to school through its own morning routine.

The nursery class is Squirrels. For families considering longer care, Children 1st Preschool uses the same nursery setting in the afternoons through a collaboration supporting 30 hours of free childcare. The distinction matters: the school's nursery session runs in the morning, while the afternoon arrangement involves Children 1st Preschool.

Indoor and outdoor learning have equal weight in the early years foundation stage (EYFS). The outside classroom is used as much as the indoor space, and early years children do not have a fixed break time. Outdoor learning therefore belongs within the session rather than being confined to a separate playground interval.

St Peter's aims to adapt early years learning around children's interests and needs, alongside themes and events planned across the academic year. For parents, that means a curriculum with a planned framework and room to respond to what interests the children. Half-termly Knowledge Organisers give families details of the texts and skills being explored, making it easier to connect conversations at home with nursery learning.

Communication is a concrete focus. At the November 2023 inspection, nursery children were developing their communication, with some beginning to recognise letters and sounds around them. This is an early introduction to noticing language, rather than a claim that every child is already reading.

Jigsaw extends to Nursery and combines social skills, emotional literacy and mindfulness with personal, social, health and economic education. Learning how to relate to other people sits alongside the early language work.

Fruit is provided for nursery children. The school also offers Cool Milk registration: children who register receive semi-skimmed milk daily, and it is free for under-fives. Families can send an alternative drink if their child cannot drink milk, and should tell the school about food allergies. These arrangements give parents specific ways to address dietary needs.

Additional support starts with discussion. Parents concerned about their child's learning are asked to speak with the class teacher; assessments and observations help teachers identify children who may need extra help. The school's Inclusion Lead works with teachers and external agencies, while support is allocated according to individual needs.

Across the school, staff receive training and updates covering paediatric first aid, health and safety, and safeguarding. Accessibility measures include ramped entrances and a disabled toilet with a shower and height-adjustable changing bed, practical features for families whose children need physical care or access adaptations.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal Hertfordshire County Council admissions process, which accepts online applications. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as separate decisions.

Sessions run from 8:45am to 11:45am, Monday to Friday, during term time. This morning timetable needs to fit the family's collection and holiday-care arrangements. The 30-hour childcare collaboration uses the nursery setting in the afternoons; it should be understood separately from the school's morning session.

Nursery applications are returned to the school office. For enquiries, contact admin@stpeters.herts.sch.uk or telephone 01727 853075. Nursery visits can also be arranged through the office, giving families an opportunity to see the setting before deciding.