Lonsdale School Nursery Review

Comfort and participation come before the next learning task at Lonsdale’s nursery. The early years team aims to help children take an active part in everyday activities, with as much independence as possible. The early years team recognises that discomfort or unmet welfare needs may limit how fully a child can learn.

Nursery provision sits within Lonsdale School in Stevenage, which caters for children with physical or neurological impairments from age 3. Associated needs can include sensory loss, medical conditions and learning difficulties. This makes the relationship between education and personal care central to choosing the provision.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programme covers its learning areas over a two-year cycle, with flexibility to include children’s interests. For parents, that means planned learning can respond to what engages their child. Lonsdale calls its classroom approach can do, aiming to help children recognise their own successes and participate more independently.

LEGO Learning adds a concrete resource for exploration. It is used across all phases, including the youngest learners, to introduce STEAM: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The school aims to build social skills alongside curiosity through this play. Children have something practical to explore together, with communication forming part of the activity.

Books have a physical home in the school library, which every class uses during lessons. Oxford Reading Tree and Project X are among its reading resources. These give the early years class access to a shared school facility alongside its classroom learning.

In January 2025, children in early years explored learning activities happily and sustained attention during group teaching. They were developing vocabulary and learning to share and wait for a turn. These are useful foundations for taking part in classroom activities with other children.

Individual learning plans describe educational needs and goals; individual care plans cover healthcare requirements. Teachers work with learning support assistants in small groups, and those assistants receive training in pupils’ care needs. Personal care is handled privately, bringing practical support into the same day as learning.

The school’s Speech and Language Therapy team supports communication alongside eating and drinking. Children are seen from entry when this therapy is identified in their EHC plan; support depends on individual need. Feeding and swallowing assessments can contribute to feeding programmes, while parents and staff can receive training. The AAC Support Team also helps with communication aids and access to technology, including training for families.

Settling begins after a place has been allocated. Tailored arrangements can include school visits, meetings with staff and a gradual introduction to the setting. A health interview is offered before starting when required. Nursing care involves partnership with families and liaison with the community paediatric team, connecting school care with wider support. Most school communication uses Arbor Parent Portal, giving families a regular channel for messages.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should discuss their child’s next placement with Hertfordshire County Council and the school. At Lonsdale, Hertfordshire County Council determines the appropriate special provision, taking parental views into account; placement depends on an EHCP and whether the specialist provision can meet its objectives.

Class transitions are planned individually. Some pupils meet their next teachers or visit their next classroom during the summer term, and planning considers friendships alongside physical and care needs. That supports familiarity with the next group; it is separate from the decision about placement.

Prospective families can complete the Online New Pupil Form, after which the admin team arranges a school tour. Contact the office on 01438 726999 or at admin@lonsdale.herts.sch.uk.

Early years uniform combines a royal blue cardigan or sweatshirt with a white polo shirt. Trousers, jog pants or a skirt can be black, grey or royal blue. School meals are paid for in advance through Arbor Parent Portal. For a tour, Blue Badge holders can use the entry buzzer and proceed to the disabled parking area.