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Nursery at Longmeadow 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sandpit castles, home-corner play and counting teddy bears give Longmeadow’s nursery its character: early learning takes a practical, playful form. The nursery belongs to Longmeadow Primary School at Oaks Cross in Stevenage and sits within a shared early years team covering Nursery and Reception.
For the September 2026 intake, the eligible birth dates were 01/09/2022 to 31/08/2023. There are 30 places for the full-day, 30-hour pattern; that is the full-day allocation rather than a total nursery capacity. Morning attendance provides the shorter option.
Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good at the inspection on 13 and 14 May 2025. This judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Play has specific settings here. Children build in the sandpit, paint and use the home corner for pretend play. The garden also becomes a place to look for shapes. These activities give children practical ways to explore ideas, handle materials and interact with one another.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning about relationships, communication, movement, reading, writing, numbers, creativity and the surrounding world. Children have opportunities to choose activities themselves as well as join experiences directed by adults, using both outdoor and indoor provision. That balance gives room for their interests alongside planned teaching.
Little Wandle Foundations starts in Nursery, with daily phonics in early years. Songs, stories and games introduce letters and sounds. White Rose Maths provides the nursery’s mathematics approach, using patterns, practical problems and objects such as teddy bears to explore counting. Familiar play materials become tools for learning.
In May 2025, early years teaching combined children’s interests with intended knowledge, and staff used their conversations with children to develop learning. Routines were clear and children followed the expectations set for them. The early years findings therefore support both the playful approach and the adult guidance behind it.
Evidence Me lets parents follow their child’s learning and contact nursery staff. Conversations at collection or drop-off provide another route for sharing information. Sharing books and reading logs return on Fridays for a change, linking nursery reading with home.
Joining the Foundation Stage includes teacher visits to children’s existing settings. This gives the team a chance to learn about a child before the move. Teachers and support staff work within the shared early years team.
For additional needs, the school’s approach starts with discussion with the class teacher, with the SENCo involved where appropriate. A Pupil Passport can record strengths, learning barriers and support strategies, with termly family reviews. This gives parents a role in planning and checking support rather than simply receiving updates.
Full-day children bring lunch from home. Nursery children receive free milk, so families need to plan the packed lunch alongside that provision.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate Reception application through the Hertfordshire Admissions Team, following the normal application timetable.
Preparation for the next class is a separate matter. Transition mornings and staff handovers help children and their new teachers prepare for the change. For children with SEND, more detailed planning can include transition books with photographs, Social Stories or additional visits. These arrangements support familiarity; they do not secure admission.
The 15-hour pattern consists of five mornings, from 8:40am to 11:40am. The 30-hour option runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm and is term time only. Funded full-day attendance requires an eligible HMRC code that the school can verify. Families not entitled to funded HMRC 30 hours can request paid attendance up to 30 hours; contact the school for current charges.
Nursery applications are handled by the school, and in-year entry is sometimes possible. Visits can be arranged through the office on 01438 351087; enquiries can also go to admin@longmeadow.herts.sch.uk.
Wednesday is nursery PE day, when children wear PE kit. Labelled spare clothes and wellies are also needed, making changes after practical play easier to manage.
The 15-hour option is five mornings from 8:40am to 11:40am. The term-time 30-hour option runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm.
No. A separate Reception application is required, with primary admissions managed through the Hertfordshire Admissions Team.
Activities include sandpit building, painting, home-corner play and finding shapes in the garden. Little Wandle Foundations and White Rose Maths support early literacy and mathematics.
Full-day children need a packed lunch from home. Nursery children receive free milk.
Parents can follow learning and contact staff through Evidence Me, or speak with them at drop-off and collection. The school office can arrange a nursery visit.
