Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School Nursery

Two three-hour sessions or a day spanning lunch: the nursery at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School gives families a choice of term-time patterns within a Catholic school in Stevenage. For September 2027, the intended provision is 30 morning places and 30 afternoon places, with applications for either 15 or 30 hours.

That intake covers children born between 1st September 2023 and 31st August 2024. The school aims to give children a Catholic education and expects families to support its ethos. Non-Catholic families can also apply, making support for that character an important consideration when choosing the nursery.

Morning nursery runs from 8.45am to 11.45am; afternoon children attend from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Eligible children taking a 30-hour place attend from 8.45am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Childcare covers the 45-minute lunch interval, so those children remain for a continuous day rather than leaving between sessions.

The curriculum sits within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework for learning and development from birth to five. It brings communication, physical development and relationships together with early literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and creative expression. Learning through exploration, activity and play is part of that framework: the emphasis is broader than preparation for formal schoolwork.

A nursery teacher and two teaching assistants make up the nursery team. For children with SEND, starting arrangements include gathering records from their previous setting and discussing needs with parents. A phased start may help some children settle. This gives families a way to bring existing knowledge about their child into the new setting.

Children receiving SEND support have a Personalised Provision Plan, reviewed with parents each term. The plan identifies individual targets and the additional help needed, giving discussions about support a concrete focus.

Food has practical routines too. Nursery children receive fruit during morning play, and Herts Catering Ltd prepares school meals daily. Packed lunches must exclude nuts and products containing them; children cannot share lunch items because of allergies. Water bottles can be refilled during the day.

Arbor email carries school communications. Staff can exchange brief messages at the beginning or end of the day, with a phone conversation arranged when more time is needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer priority in the September 2027 Reception criteria. Families must make a separate application through their home local authority.

For September 2027 Reception entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2027. Hertfordshire families use the council's online Common Application Form; the school's Supplementary Information Form supports consideration under the relevant admission criteria. This deadline belongs to that Reception intake, not to children starting nursery in September 2027.

Attendance follows a Monday-to-Friday, term-time model. The 15-hour entitlement is offered through morning or afternoon sessions. Additional funded hours depend on eligibility, and parents must renew their eligibility code each term. Where a 30-hour place is offered, the additional hours require either the code or payment. School-provided lunch carries a separate charge; contact the school for current charges.

Visits can be arranged by calling 01438 729555. General enquiries also go to admin@stvincent.herts.sch.uk. Children leave with an authorised adult, and families should tell the teacher or office if someone different will collect them.

Parking. Bedwell Crescent can be difficult for parking, and the school car park is reserved for staff. Fairlands Valley and Colestrete car parks are the suggested alternatives, so allow time for the journey between car and nursery.