Arlesdene Nursery School and Pre-School

Child-chosen play, sustained work with stories and smaller Rainbow rooms give Arlesdene its character. This maintained nursery school in Cheshunt brings together Pre-school for children aged 2–3 and Nursery for 3–4-year-olds, alongside Rainbow provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The whole setting centres on early childhood.

A purpose-built, single-level building has broad entrances and a garden reached without steps. Resources sit within children’s reach, so choosing an activity does not depend on asking an adult to fetch everything. Quiet spaces provide somewhere to pause.

Children choose activities indoors or outdoors, decide whether to play independently or with others, and spend time following an interest. In the Moment Planning gives adults a clear role within that freedom: watch, listen and respond when a child needs help or an opportunity to extend their learning arises. Small groups with a key person sit alongside this play.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework. In parent language, learning combines communication, relationships and movement with reading, writing, maths, creativity and discovering the world. Eight curriculum goals give this practical shape, including making a three-dimensional model, retelling a story and playing a maths game. These are goals children work towards, rather than a checklist of guaranteed achievements.

The Core Book Approach returns to a story over time, exploring characters, vocabulary and role play. Nursery aims to explore 12 books per term; Pre-school and Rainbow aim for six each. Talking Time, Busy Fingers and Attention Bucket also feature among adult-led activities. Families can continue the book work through Friday story videos and Nursery vocabulary activities.

Outdoor learning has named places and routines. Learning in the Leaves takes place weekly in the wild area and on Burleigh field, bringing woodland safety, sensory exploration and shared problem-solving into the week. Treetops, adjoining the main Pre-school room, provides another space for smaller groups and attention activities.

Relationships begin before the first session. Children are allocated a key person before joining, families are offered a home visit, and parents can remain during settling sessions. Some children have a more flexible settling period. Daily conversations, direct email contact and Learning Stories give parents ways to share interests and discuss progress.

A qualified teacher leads the staff team. Rainbow groups 1 and 2 use smaller rooms and more adults per child, with sensory spaces and a dedicated sensory garden. Little Acorns meets twice weekly in the Nest, with six children and two nurture-trained staff. Nursery children receive Wellcomm speech and language screening, while a therapist from the Orchid Practice supports communication needs and staff training.

Food has a practical rhythm: snacks include vegetables, fruit and bread or crackers, with milk or water to drink. Children attending for 30 hours bring a packed lunch; lunch club is included for those staying all day. Some children qualify for a free school lunch after eligibility checks. Staff discuss restricted diets and other dietary needs with families at the home visit. Sleep during a session and nappy care are provided where needed.

At the May 2023 inspection, children had secure relationships with their key workers, and provision for complex SEND enabled learning in a calmer, smaller space. Safeguarding was effective: staff recognised changes in children and acted on concerns. These findings speak directly to everyday care.

Attending Arlesdene does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal Reception admissions process and meet its deadline. Choosing the nursery and choosing a primary school are separate decisions.

Transition support concerns the child’s next step. Arlesdene uses the Transition Level of Need Tool to share information, invites receiving settings to meet children, and transfers assessments and records. Some children have additional visits or a My Transition Passport. This gives the next team practical knowledge of the child’s needs and interests.

Provision runs during school terms. Nursery’s 15-hour pattern covers five mornings, Monday to Friday, from 9am to noon. Eligible working families can take 30 hours across five days, 9am to 3pm, subject to places being available. Eligibility must be reconfirmed each term.

Pre-school requires at least two sessions on consecutive days. Mornings run from 9am to noon; afternoons, noon to 3pm, are available only as part of a whole day. Rainbow mornings finish at 11.45am, and afternoons run from 12.15pm to 3pm.

Paid Pre-school places are offered when children do not qualify for funding. Paid Nursery full days may be offered if space remains after eligible 30-hour children are accommodated. Snack contributions are requested; ask the school for current charges. Applications use separate online forms for Nursery and Pre-school, and visits can be arranged through the office on 01992 626879. Uniform is optional: comfortable clothing is welcome, with every item labelled.