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Nursery at Ardeley St Lawrence Church of England Voluntary Aided 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A shared early-years class and a classroom with its own adjoining outdoor area give Ardeley St Lawrence’s nursery its character. Nursery children learn alongside Reception children, rather than forming a separate class. The school admits children from age three, and the nursery takes up to 11 children: a small intake within this Church of England primary school in Ardeley.
The early-years building opened in September 2016. Its classroom and outdoor area give the youngest children a distinct base within the school. Ofsted graded early years Good at the inspection on 21 and 22 September 2022; that judgement covers the school’s early-years provision.
Morning and afternoon sessions divide the nursery day. Within the mixed early-years class, teachers use children’s interests when planning lessons and cater for the different children learning together. EYFS means Early Years Foundation Stage, the phase shared here by Nursery and Reception.
The school’s curriculum planning follows a rolling programme lasting two years, with an emphasis on vocabulary and communication. Its stated priorities include mental wellbeing and community, alongside learning about cultural and ethical differences. These aims help parents understand the thinking behind the classroom’s learning, rather than just its timetable.
Outdoor space adjoins the early-years classroom. Across the school, children play outside in most weather, so coats and wellingtons are part of the practical preparation. Compassion, Friendship, Hope and Respect are the school’s named values; it aims to use these in both learning and relationships.
Parents can contact staff face to face, by telephone, by email or in writing. For a concern, the class teacher is one of the first points of contact. This gives families a direct route to discuss their child’s experience.
The staffing structure includes an EYFS teacher who is also a trainee SENDCo, while the school has a SENCO contact at sendco@ardeley.herts.sch.uk. These are useful routes for discussing additional needs. School catering is supplied by HCL, Hertfordshire Catering Limited.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. The application route is the County Council website, together with a supplementary information form, or SIF.
When Reception applications exceed the places available, oversubscription criteria determine their order. Learning in a shared Nursery and Reception class gives children experience of the same early-years setting, but classroom familiarity and admission are separate matters. Treat the Reception application as its own step, even if your child already attends nursery.
Morning sessions run from 08:45 to 12:00; afternoons run from 13:00 to 15:20. Children can begin in September or January, depending on their birth date. Afternoon sessions may carry a charge for families who are not eligible for 30 hours funding. Contact the school for current charges.
To arrange a tour, telephone the office on 01438 861284. Nursery enquiries can also go to admin@ardeley.herts.sch.uk. School uniform colours are gold and maroon, and clothing should be labelled. Children also need a named water bottle, with a hat for summer outdoor play.
The nursery admits up to 11 children.
Morning sessions are 08:45 to 12:00, and afternoon sessions are 13:00 to 15:20.
No. Families must apply separately through the County Council website and complete a SIF. Oversubscription criteria apply when there are more Reception applications than places.
Yes. Afternoon sessions may incur a charge if your family is not eligible for 30 hours funding. Contact the school for current charges.
Call the school office on 01438 861284 to arrange a tour.
