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Nursery at Goldfield Infants' and Nursery School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Balance bikes, homemade playdough and stories acted out with friends give Goldfield’s nursery its character. This is provision for children aged three and above, in a purpose-built nursery at Goldfield Infants' and Nursery School on Christchurch Road in Tring. Play has clear learning purposes: developing control, finding words and working with other children.
At the Ofsted inspection on 4 and 5 February 2025, early years provision was graded Good. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, including Nursery; it is not a separate nursery inspection outcome.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning to communicate, move and manage feelings with early reading, mathematics, creative work and discovering how the world works. Children learn through play and practical experiences, with activities organised for individuals, groups and the whole class. Adults help develop their understanding rather than leaving play entirely to chance.
Nursery ambitions make that approach tangible. Children invent stories to perform together, follow a playdough recipe and grow a plant from seed. Balance-bike work develops steering and balance; making things with reclaimed materials gives children a reason to collaborate. These are curriculum goals, rather than promises that every activity happens in every session.
Outdoor learning is part of the ordinary day. Nursery children can access the outside area continuously, and early years children have a PE lesson each week alongside other opportunities to practise movement and hand control. Dough Disco, threading and cutting appear in Nursery’s planned learning. Small movements matter too.
In February 2025, communication and language were central to early years teaching. Stories, poetry and new vocabulary helped children build knowledge, while adults extended learning through their conversations with children. Clear expectations and routines supported the development of learning habits.
Settling starts gradually, with mornings followed by lunch and then full days. Staff can telephone parents to reassure them if separation is upsetting. In February 2025, children were settling into early years promptly, giving families a useful picture of how this staged introduction was working at that point.
Children choose a snack when hungry and can drink milk or water. Lunch Club takes them to the dining room, where families can choose a packed lunch or a charged hot meal. Meals are cooked at school. Lunch supervision and the food itself are separate charging elements, so families choosing a hot meal need to account for both where charges apply.
The class teacher plans support, with teaching assistants providing additional help where needed. Children are assessed across their learning when they join Nursery, and concerns are discussed with parents before next steps are agreed. The school uses Assess, Plan, Do and Review to revisit support rather than treating the first plan as fixed. Nursery toilet seats have step-ups, a small physical detail that supports access to everyday care routines.
Parents have consultation evenings twice a year and receive an annual progress report. Children with My Individual Targets (MITS) have additional meetings at least termly, allowing families to review progress and agree new targets.
A Nursery place does not guarantee admission to Goldfield’s Reception class. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire’s admissions service at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions. For the forthcoming application cycle, online Reception applications open in November 2026. Treat this as a fresh application, even if your child already attends Nursery.
Preparation for the change is a separate matter. Children spend time with their next class teacher during a July transition session, and extra visits or meetings can be arranged for those needing more time. This helps children become familiar with the next stage; it does not secure a place.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 11.30am, Lunch Club from 11.30am to 12.15pm, and afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday. Families can request mornings, afternoons, full days or combinations, including mornings with lunch. Goldfield asks for at least two full days or five mornings.
Session commitment. Choices depend on space, and agreed sessions are normally fixed for the year. Changes require exceptional circumstances and the school’s discretion. Choose a pattern that will work beyond the first few weeks.
Universal funding covers 15 hours, with 30-hour extended funding usable by eligible families. Additional sessions and lunch clubs beyond funded allocations are charged. Ask the school for current charges. Buttercup Club requires a separate application and provides breakfast care from 7.30am to 8.45am and after-school care from 3.15pm to 6pm.
Book a prospective-parent tour through the school office at admin@goldfield.herts.sch.uk or 01442 823551. Nursery gates close at 8.50am. Children must be brought to classroom doors by a responsible adult and can only be released to someone over 16.
Morning sessions are 8.30am to 11.30am and afternoons are 12.15pm to 3.15pm. Lunch Club bridges the two. Full days and combinations can be requested, subject to space.
Yes. Goldfield accepts 15-hour universal funding and 30-hour extended funding for eligible families. Sessions and lunch clubs beyond the funded allocation are charged.
The introduction progresses from mornings to staying for lunch and then full days. Staff can telephone parents with reassurance if their child is upset.
No. A separate application is required through Hertfordshire’s admissions service, even for children already attending Goldfield Nursery.
Children attending Lunch Club eat in the dining room. They can bring a packed lunch or have a charged hot school meal; the supervision charge does not include the meal.
