Bedwell Primary School Nursery Review

A morning nursery with the option to stay through the school day gives Bedwell's youngest children two different rhythms. Nursery entry begins in September following a child's third birthday, with provision forming part of Bedwell Primary School in Stevenage. Each class has a full-time teacher, supported by the school's teaching assistant team.

At the Ofsted inspection on 1 and 2 March 2022, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.

At the March 2022 inspection, learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage included activities that checked understanding and helped children remember earlier teaching. Staff also identified children's social and emotional needs, so the focus included children's development alongside consolidating their learning. In March 2022, curriculum planning in early years was strong, with learning connected to what children would encounter later in school. For parents, the emphasis is on building understanding that lasts, rather than simply completing an activity.

The morning pattern ends at 11.50am. Children using an eligible 30-hour place, or paid additional afternoons, finish at 3.10pm. That difference matters when choosing how much of the school day a child will spend here.

Each child in the Early Years Foundation Stage has an assigned key person, giving families an identified adult within the provision. In March 2022, early years staff recognised children's emotional and social needs skilfully. Relationships with early years parents were also a strength, providing a useful basis for discussing a child's needs.

For children with additional needs joining the school, support can include meetings with parents and, where possible, staff visiting the child's existing setting. A gradual start may be arranged where appropriate to ease anxiety. These are individual arrangements, so the settling process can respond to the child.

Bedwell STAGES structures the school's SEND support. Staff identify barriers, arrange help and review its effect; Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycles involve families in considering the next steps. Parents should raise concerns with the class teacher first, with the SENCO involved for more complex or lasting needs. This gives families a clear starting point rather than waiting for a scheduled consultation.

Accessibility has practical detail: the school site has no steps, and interpreter services can be sourced for families who need them. The nursery application also asks about medical conditions, allergies and dietary requirements, allowing families to flag relevant care needs before their child starts.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council's normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Reception applications are handled through the council's school admissions website, while nursery applications go directly to Bedwell.

Separate application. A nursery place and a Reception place involve different admissions processes. Families should plan for that second application even when their child already attends Bedwell.

The universal funded pattern provides 15 hours each week during term time, with three hours of nursery from Monday to Friday. Eligible families can use 30-hour places. Additional afternoons can also be paid for; contact the school office for current charges and arrangements.

Tours can be arranged through the school office, giving parents a way to see the provision before applying. Nursery application forms are returned to the office. For enquiries, call 01438 351198 or email admin@bedwell.herts.sch.uk.