Broom Barns Primary School Nursery

Outdoor learning and the everyday work of learning to listen defined Broom Barns’ nursery in the July 2023 inspection findings. This is the nursery provision within Broom Barns Primary School, on Homestead Moat in Bedwell, Stevenage. At that inspection, early learning focused on communication, social development and participation.

In July 2023, Ofsted found that nursery children engaged positively with learning and that clear routines helped establish calm behaviour. Those findings give parents a concrete picture of the provision: learning opportunities alongside the habits children need to take part in a group.

In July 2023, the outdoor learning spaces had a teaching purpose. Staff used them for focused learning opportunities, making the outside environment part of children’s learning rather than simply a place for a break. Participation was evident: children engaged with learning while adults developed their ability to listen, communicate and interact with others.

Listening and social skills featured alongside the curriculum in July 2023. For a nursery child, these are practical foundations for joining group learning and communicating with other children and adults. Clear routines also gave the day a behavioural framework. At that inspection, calm and sensible behaviour was evident across the nursery and Reception classes.

The curriculum for the youngest children was judged well designed in July 2023, with connections to subjects taught later in primary school. This gives early learning a place within a longer sequence. For parents, the useful distinction is between preparing children through those early foundations and treating nursery as an admissions advantage.

Social development was part of the staff’s work with children in July 2023. Adults worked on communication and listening alongside social skills, bringing care and learning together through participation with others. The routines identified at that inspection also supported the group experience: children had a clear framework for behaviour while learning together.

Home visits were scheduled for nursery families from 2 to 4 September 2026. That was a specific opportunity for contact between home and the nursery at the start of that September cycle. For questions about a child’s curriculum, parents can speak with their child’s class teacher, giving learning conversations a direct classroom contact.

Attending this nursery does not guarantee a place in the school’s Reception class. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet the relevant deadline. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.

The educational connection is distinct from that admissions question. In July 2023, the youngest children’s curriculum connected with later primary learning, while staff worked on listening, communication and social development. Those are learning foundations; they should not be read as a promise of a place.

Families can apply online for a nursery place. The school can also be contacted on 01438 354913 or at admin@broombarns.herts.sch.uk. Its address is Homestead Moat, Stevenage, SG1 1UE.

Separate applications. A nursery place does not guarantee Reception admission. Families should keep the Reception application as a separate task when planning their child’s next stage.