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Nursery at Watling View 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Buttercups, Daisies and Dandelions give Watling View's early years department its own identity. Play is the starting point, with communication and growing independence among the school's aims. This is early education within a maintained special school in St Albans, whose admission age starts at two, rather than a conventional nursery model.
Watling View caters for children with complex and profound learning difficulties. Its early years department brings together three classes, with an Early Years Lead and teaching assistants. For families, the defining question is how a child's individual needs shape their learning and care.
Learning through play shapes the EYFS, or Early Years Foundation Stage, department. The school aims to develop children's thinking alongside their emotional and social development. Children follow a programme that rolls over three years, giving the department a shared framework for planning.
SLICK names the wider school's curriculum aims: communication, independence, social development, practical life skills and key skills. Themes connect learning across subjects, while teachers plan activities around individual pupils. The practical implication is a focus on what a child needs to practise, rather than a single pace for the class.
Everyday tasks are part of that wider approach. Children can practise requesting a snack, putting away a coat or making choices. Communication can involve pictures, gestures, speech or objects of reference. These small actions connect learning with the things a child wants to do and express.
Play also has concrete, physical examples. In November 2025, early years pupils used Vojo's Play Bus, including its slide and ball pit. A Buttercups Forest School Stay & Play is scheduled for May 2027. These are distinct activities, rather than a promise of a daily routine. Teachers share a learning overview with families each half term, helping parents connect classroom plans with home.
Settling begins with contact beyond the classroom. A teacher and the Family Liaison Advisor visit the child's home and their existing setting. That gives families time to discuss their child in familiar surroundings, and gives staff an opportunity to learn about the child's needs before the move.
The wider school team includes school nursing, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy roles. This places early years within a school with several kinds of specialist support.
At lunch, pupils can choose using PECS books and counter symbols, making the meal another opportunity to communicate. HCL provides catering, with a separate application process for special diets. Medical menu requests require supporting evidence from a medical professional; cultural or religious menus also have a request route. Meals are paid for ahead of time through Arbor. Ask the school for current charges.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat the next placement as a separate admissions question, rather than assuming that belonging to an early years class settles it.
At Watling View, the local authority handles admissions, and referrals go through its Special Educational Needs Department. Children admitted to the school must have an Education Health Care Plan. For families considering Reception, that special-school placement route is the relevant starting point.
The school day starts at 9:00. It ends at 15:15 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with a 14:15 finish on Wednesday. These are school-wide hours, so the shorter Wednesday matters when planning family routines.
Uniform consists of a blue polo shirt, dark or black trousers and a navy jumper. PMG Schoolwear supplies it, and the PSA also holds some second-hand items. Transport is arranged separately from the school by the local authority; families should send messages directly to school rather than through transport staff.
For enquiries, email admin@watlingview.herts.sch.uk or call 01727 850560 and choose option 8. Visits can be arranged through the office. On-site visitor parking is behind the garages; keep the front of the school clear.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Watling View's admissions are handled by the local authority through its Special Educational Needs Department.
A teacher and the Family Liaison Advisor visit the child's home and current setting, allowing families to discuss their child's needs before the move.
Buttercups, Daisies and Dandelions make up the early years department.
HCL accepts special diet requests. Medical menu applications need evidence from a medical professional, and cultural or religious menus have a separate request route.
Contact the school office on 01727 850560 to arrange a visit.
