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Nursery at Camps Hill 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud-kitchen play, Little Wandle phonics and sports with Stevenage Football Club give Camps Hill’s nursery its particular mix of exploration, language and movement. The school’s provision spans ages two to four, with Acorns Pre-school serving children from their second birthday to age three and Butterflies Nursery taking the next stage. Both belong to Camps Hill Primary School on Chells Way, Stevenage.
There is an important educational caution. Ofsted judged the early years provision Requires improvement on 16 and 17 April 2024. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected Butterflies nursery.
Adult-guided learning sits alongside activities children choose themselves. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach brings together seven areas of learning, with practical experiences, group work and play. Nursery aims include extending vocabulary, recognising emotions and exploring ways to move through space: learning here reaches beyond early reading and number work.
Little Wandle provides the nursery’s group phonics teaching. A weekly focus story develops vocabulary and conversation, while British sign language supports communication, including for children with SEND. Numicon resources are introduced indoors and outside, giving early mathematics a practical element.
The physical environment includes investigation areas and a mud kitchen. Children’s early-years experiences include baking, growing food to taste, sensory activities and visits to forest school. Singing happens daily, with opportunities to make music using instruments and objects inside and outdoors. Butterflies also has weekly sports coaching through Stevenage Football Club, adding a regular opportunity for active group participation.
In April 2024, reading and mathematics teaching in early years was effective, with clear sequences for what children would learn. Other subjects had insufficiently precise learning content, leaving gaps in knowledge. Some early-years staff also needed more expertise in teaching young children; tailored training and clearer curriculum content were required. Too many early-years children were insufficiently prepared for their next stage of learning. For families, the practical activities deserve consideration alongside these teaching concerns.
A key-worker system supports relationships with children and their families. Stay-and-play sessions are part of the early-years offer, and the school encourages a tour before starting so that it can plan the child’s transition. These provide opportunities to discuss the move into nursery before the routine becomes familiar.
Tapestry carries information between the early-years team and parents, alongside activities families can try at home. The nursery teacher also holds the EYFS leadership role, with teaching and learning assistants in the Butterflies team. Wider school support includes a SENCo/Inclusion Manager and an assistant SENCo. Families can contact the SEND team at send@campshill.herts.sch.uk, giving them a direct route for discussing additional needs.
Attending Camps Hill’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Hertfordshire County Council, following the normal application deadline. Treat that application as a distinct step from arranging a nursery place.
Transition practice is a separate matter. Butterflies children have familiar routines, teaching approaches coordinated across early years and communication between staff about their interests and next learning steps. This supports continuity in children’s experience; it should not be treated as an admissions advantage.
Morning sessions run from 8:40am to 11:40am; afternoons run from 12:10pm to 3:10pm. The full-time pattern runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm, including a 30-minute lunch break. Butterflies’ expression-of-interest form lets families request mornings, afternoons or full days.
Nursery children are offered 15 funded hours, with a further 15 available to qualifying families. Additional sessions can top up a 15-hour place when space permits. For 30-hour funding, send the eligibility code to admin@campshill.herts.sch.uk and reconfirm eligibility every three months to keep it valid. Refer to the school for current charges.
Breakfast and after-school provision accepts pupils from age three. Book through the Parent Arbor App: bookings close 24 hours ahead, and cancellation requires at least 24 hours’ notice. Nursery enquiries can go through the Butterflies expression-of-interest form, while tours can be booked online or through the school office on 01438 233800.
The school’s nursery provision covers ages two to four. Acorns Pre-school accepts children from their second birthday to age three; most Butterflies children join in the school year of their fourth birthday.
Mornings run from 8:40am to 11:40am, afternoons from 12:10pm to 3:10pm, and the full-time pattern from 8:40am to 3:10pm.
Nursery children are offered 15 funded hours. Qualifying families can receive a further 15, and additional sessions can top up a 15-hour place subject to availability.
No. Families need to apply separately through Hertfordshire County Council by the normal Reception application deadline.
The early-years team shares information through Tapestry and provides suitable home-learning opportunities. Parents can also contact their child’s class teacher or the school office.
