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Nursery at St Nicholas CofE (VA) Primary School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Storytelling and play give this nursery its character. In June 2025, children in the school’s early years classes practised putting events in sequence and telling stories aloud, building language alongside an interest in books. The early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 10 and 11 June 2025. That judgement covers the school’s early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Nursery entry starts in the autumn term following a child’s third birthday. The class belongs to a Church of England primary school on Six Hills Way in Stevenage. The school describes its Christian vision as central to its approach and seeks to meet each child’s individual needs.
Play provides the starting point for learning. Children’s interests influence planning, and the environment is arranged to support purposeful activity across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This framework brings together early learning and development: talking and listening, managing feelings and relationships, movement, early reading and number work, exploring the world and creative expression.
Indoor and outdoor experiences both feature in the nursery’s approach. Children keep wellington boots at school for outdoor play, a practical detail that makes the outdoor element part of their equipment for the day. The school aims to develop curiosity and creativity through direct experiences, adding activities and resources to move learning forward.
In June 2025, early years teaching gave language development a clear focus. Sequencing a story and retelling it aloud gave children a concrete way to practise expressing ideas. Staff understood individual children and shaped learning around their needs; the classes had an atmosphere of calm, focused activity. These findings give parents a useful picture of how play and adult guidance work together.
Communication runs through Arbor, which carries school information, events and closure messages. Parents need to register to receive updates. For concerns about development or learning, the class teacher and special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) are the points of contact; the SENCO can also be reached at senco@stnicholas120.herts.sch.uk.
Early years children receive a daily fruit snack, with conversation about healthy eating built into snack time. Parents can decline this snack. Milk is supplied through Dairylink: children under five qualify for free daily milk and normally need to register. For children eligible for Free School Meals, the school orders milk automatically; parents consent or decline through Arbor. These are useful practical routines to arrange before a child starts.
Safeguarding responsibilities sit with the inclusion lead, supported by deputy safeguarding leads in the senior leadership team. This gives families a defined route for raising a concern.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through Hertfordshire County Council’s normal admissions process, meeting the deadline for their child’s entry year. Choosing the nursery and applying for Reception are separate decisions.
For the September 2026 intake, the Reception application deadline was 15 January 2026. That cycle is now past; families considering a later intake must use the corresponding admissions cycle.
Morning attendance runs from 8.45am to 11.45am. The longer option runs from 8.45am to 2.45pm and provides 30 hours, subject to eligibility. Parents must demonstrate that eligibility each term. Nursery applications go directly to the school, and tours can be arranged through the office on 01438 352706 or admin@stnicholas120.herts.sch.uk.
Uniform includes maroon jogging bottoms, a white polo shirt and a maroon jumper or cardigan bearing the school logo. Footwear should be black with Velcro fastenings. Nursery children need no PE kit until the summer term.
Collection and parking. Foundation Stage children must leave with an adult, and there is no parking on site. Families accompanying or collecting children are directed to Fairlands Valley car park, a ten-minute walk away along a footpath and underpass route. Allow for that walk when planning collection.
Children can start in the autumn term after turning three.
Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am. Eligible families can use the 30-hour provision from 8.45am to 2.45pm, with eligibility checked each term.
No. A separate application is required through Hertfordshire County Council’s normal Reception admissions process.
Parents register with Arbor for school communications, including information about events and closures.
Yes. Contact the school office on 01438 352706 or email admin@stnicholas120.herts.sch.uk to arrange a tour.
