Trotts Hill Primary and Nursery School: Nursery Review

Tadpoles from the school pond, stories that shape the week's learning and time for children to pursue their own ideas give Trotts Hill's nursery its character. This is the school's own early years provision in Stevenage, with a 30-place morning nursery and support designed separately from Reception. Children have space to learn at their own stage.

September is the main starting point. January or April entry may also be possible when spaces remain, for children who turned three in the preceding term. The morning pattern provides 15 hours a week; eligible families can use 30 hours, while paid afternoon attendance is another option.

At least one hour in each session is planned for learning chosen by the children. Adult-led activities sit alongside that time, with daily opportunities for singing, shared reading and practice in counting, handwriting and phonics. The balance gives children both direction and room to develop an idea themselves.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside Development Matters, shapes the curriculum. In parent language, that means developing communication, physical skills and relationships alongside early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. A core text connects each week's learning, giving new vocabulary a context rather than treating words as isolated exercises.

Classroom areas include small-world play, performance, number activities and role play, with resources children can reach themselves. Learning extends outdoors, and Forest School takes place across the year. Nursery children have planted seeds and studied frogs after collecting tadpoles from the pond: concrete ways to explore growth and change. The emphasis is on doing and noticing.

In November 2022, Ofsted found that Nursery children developed enthusiasm for reading through picture books, rhymes and songs. These are accessible starting points for children who are learning to listen closely and enjoy stories.

Settling starts with relationships. Home visits and contact with previous settings help the team understand a child's interests and needs; children are also invited to stay-and-play sessions. Staffing stays consistent across the week, and teaching includes activities with key worker groups, giving the day familiar adults and routines.

Parents can contribute to online learning journals and discuss everyday matters directly with staff. Parent evenings, written reports and shared-reading events add other opportunities to exchange information. Daily snack time is a group activity: children practise conversation, help distribute snacks and take responsibility for clearing up.

Additional support can include Wellcomm interventions and help with speech or English as an additional language. The Inclusion Manager coordinates SEND provision through Assess, Plan, Do, Review, involving parents in planning and checking support. In November 2022, early years children practised sharing and turn-taking, while children with greater needs received support to participate appropriately.

The wider school occupies a single-storey building with flat or ramped entrances, a designated disabled parking space and an accessible toilet with a changing bed. These practical features matter for families managing mobility or personal-care needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council. The deadline for the 2026 school-place cycle was 15 January 2026; that date has passed.

Classroom familiarity is a separate matter from admission. Children meet their next teacher and classroom during July's Transition Day, offering a chance to become familiar with the next stage. It does not secure a place.

Morning sessions run from 9am to noon, Monday to Friday, during term time. The universal option covers 15 funded hours per week, with a 30-hour option for eligible families. Additional hours can be purchased; contact the school for current charges.

Uniform is compulsory from Nursery entry. Clothing can carry the school logo or be unbranded, and Wellington boots are included in the uniform requirements. This gives families a choice over branded purchases while preparing children for outdoor activity.

Visits can be booked through the school office on 01438 314189 or by emailing admin@trottshill.herts.sch.uk. Completed nursery application forms can be returned by email, post or hand to the school on Wisden Road, Stevenage, SG1 5JD.