Roebuck Academy Nursery Review

Ducklings hatching, a wormery at creature corner and letters posted to the North Pole give Roebuck Academy’s nursery a character of its own. Children have opportunities to observe living things, make things and connect stories with practical experiences. This is the school’s nursery provision in St Margarets, Stevenage, with Acorn and Chestnut as its nursery class names.

The early years provision reached Expected standard in the Ofsted inspection published in January 2026. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating. Activities build towards clear learning goals, with adults helping children develop skills through play.

Stories often lead to something children can investigate. In spring 2026, Superworm prompted a trip to creature corner, where children assembled a wormery from sand, mud, vegetable peelings and leaves. They collected worms and watched their movements. Jasper’s Beanstalk led to planting beans, while The Very Hungry Caterpillar accompanied observations of growing caterpillars. These are concrete ways to connect books with changes in the natural world.

Outdoor learning has a named base in creature corner, including a fire pit. A January 2026 activity combined making a campfire with discussing fire safety and noticing smells, sounds and sights. Winter walks brought opportunities to make marks in frost and ice. Water play in June included pouring, mixing colours and creating an undersea scene: practical exploration with plenty to talk about.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning, development and care together for young children. Roebuck uses this framework and names Monster Phonics for its EYFS phonics teaching. In January 2026, early years adults used conversations to extend vocabulary and helped children express their ideas. Dough play developed imagination and hand strength, linking independent play to the physical preparation for writing. Physical activities also developed coordination and strength.

Home visits and visits before children start help staff learn about their needs. A part-time special educational needs coordinator also teaches in Nursery, giving families contact with SEND expertise from the beginning. Parents are involved when additional support is considered; those whose children receive SEND support get a Support Plan whenever it is reviewed and invitations to discuss progress.

In January 2026, early years activities were adjusted effectively for children needing additional support. Communication with families helped parents understand how their children were progressing. This gives care and teaching a shared focus between home and the early years team.

Food arrangements are straightforward. Families supply a packed lunch for children staying through lunchtime, which runs from noon to 1pm. A morning snack is included at no additional charge; children staying for the additional hours also receive an afternoon snack with fruit and milk or water.

Attending Roebuck’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process and meet its deadline. Reception enquiries go to Hertfordshire County Council’s School Admissions and Transport department, while the school handles nursery admissions. Treat these as two separate decisions when planning your child’s next step.

The morning provision runs from 9am to midday and continues the 15-hour early education offer. For families eligible for the government’s 30-hour funding, full-time places run from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. The longer day includes the lunchtime period, so a packed lunch is part of the daily preparation.

Nursery enquiries, application forms and tour bookings go through the school office. Contact the team on 01438 311937 or email admin@roebuck.herts.sch.uk. For current charges, contact the school.