Fairlands Primary School Nursery Review

Language learning and clear routines give Fairlands’ nursery its character. This on-site provision serves children aged 3 and 4 at Fairlands Primary School in Stevenage, with a choice between morning, afternoon and full-time attendance.

In November 2025, Ofsted judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery. Children developed confidence through familiar routines and close relationships with adults. The important qualification concerns adult interaction during independent play.

Communication is a central thread through the day. Daily teaching introduces vocabulary, early number and phonics, while adults adjust their teaching after checking what children understand. Children practise combining sounds, investigate ideas and learn to handle their feelings. This gives the learning a practical purpose: building the language and confidence to take part.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guides provision. In parent terms, it brings learning, development and care together, with attention to each child’s interests, relationships with adults and partnership with families. Fairlands uses Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised for phonics across the school, beginning with Foundations for Phonics. Nursery PE takes place on Mondays, adding a regular physical activity slot to the timetable.

Independent learning. In November 2025, adults sometimes extended children’s vocabulary by talking through their play and everyday activities, but this happened unevenly during independent learning. Improving those conversations was an early years action point. For families, the distinction matters: planned teaching develops language, but children also need responsive conversation while pursuing their own ideas.

Settling rests on relationships and predictability. In November 2025, adults knew the early years children closely, and consistent expectations helped them become comfortable and confident. Children were safe. Staff monitored development and worked with parents to adjust groups and provision, so support could change as children’s needs changed.

For SEND, the school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review: identify a need, plan support, put it into practice and check its effect. Parents participate in planning and reviewing that support. The school’s support roles include a SENDCo, an Inclusion Assistant, a Speech & Language Assistant and a School Family Worker. These provide routes for discussing learning, communication and family needs.

Food arrangements combine freshly prepared hot lunches with the option of a packed lunch. Fruit, milk and bagels are provided free to all pupils. Packed lunches must exclude nuts and fizzy drinks, and children cannot share food. Parents must communicate dietary requirements; adjustments cover medical, cultural and religious needs. Discussing allergies before a child starts helps staff plan meals around them.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, so families must apply again through the normal Reception process and meet its deadline. Treat that application as a separate task from choosing nursery sessions.

Transition support has a different purpose: helping children feel ready for change. Fairlands uses visits, activities shared with others and pupil passports for gradual familiarisation, alongside communication between families and staff. Additional transition support can be tailored for children with SEND or emotional needs. Familiarity supports the move; it does not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 11:30am, and afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Each pattern totals 15 hours a week. Full-time attendance runs from 8:30am to 3:30pm, totalling 35 hours weekly including breaks. Full-time children have an hour for lunch and receive an additional five hours of free childcare each week.

Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am to 8:45am; nursery After-school Club runs from 3:30pm to 6:15pm. Both accept children from age 3 and require advance booking through the Parent Arbor App. Cancellation notice. Club bookings cancelled with less than one week’s notice remain chargeable, so changing work patterns need advance planning. Contact the school for current charges.

Families can submit an admissions enquiry form or arrange a tour. Telephone enquiries go to 01438 351053. Uniform permits non-branded clothing, with plain navy or black jogging bottoms allowed for Foundation Stage children. For ongoing questions, contact the class teacher or school office at admin@fairlands.herts.sch.uk.