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Nursery at Puller Memorial, Church of England, Voluntary Aided Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A secure garden for stories and gardening, local wellie walks and music with a specialist give Puller Memorial’s nursery its character. Nursery children belong to Willow Class, sharing their classroom and outdoor area with Reception at this Church of England primary school in High Cross. School life starts in a mixed-age group.
Children can join from the term after their third birthday. Puller can accommodate up to 15 children taking 30-hour funded childcare; that figure describes this provision rather than the total nursery capacity. A qualified class teacher leads the shared class, supported by three teaching assistants qualified at Level 3.
Ofsted judged early years provision Good at the inspection on 24 and 25 May 2022, within the school’s inspection rather than as a separate nursery judgement.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, physical development, relationships and early learning through practical activities. Here, nursery maths includes counting and measuring while cooking, and exploring patterns and shapes through art. Early literacy concentrates on hearing sounds, recognising rhymes and exploring syllables. Staff read a focus book each week, giving stories a regular place in the day.
Rhyming games and pretend play build opportunities to talk. Adults use Welcomm to assess language and identify where support is needed. Weekly PE follows Get Set 4 PE, while work with scissors and pencils develops smaller hand movements. A music specialist teaches Willow Class weekly, with instruments to explore and songs to learn. These are distinct activities, rather than a day centred only on early reading and number work.
Outside, children have a separate secure garden with areas for growing plants, play and storytelling. Wider grounds include an outdoor classroom, play equipment, a playground and a field. Regular wellie walks extend exploration into the local area. Indoors, a quiet space gives children somewhere to reflect. Friday collective worship takes place in the hall, and religious education includes Christianity and other faiths.
Writing and assessment. In May 2022, further development of EYFS writing and assessment remained an improvement requirement. This gives families a useful focus when discussing their child’s progress.
Settling begins before the first session: families have a meeting for new parents, a home visit and classroom visits. These give children contact with their new surroundings and give parents opportunities to share information. Teacher consultations take place in autumn and spring, with a written report during the latter half of spring term. Arbor carries school messages and lets parents update family details.
Weekly Jigsaw sessions use Jenie Jigsaw and Jerry Cat to help children discuss feelings and relationships. Makaton signs accompany speech across the schools, including during snacks and changes between activities, providing another way to understand routines and communicate. Families can contact the SEND coordinator at senco@albury.herts.sch.uk; the coordinator is at Puller on Tuesdays.
Hot lunches are cooked on site. Hertfordshire Catering Ltd provides a rotating menu with meat, vegetarian and cold choices; families can also send a packed lunch. Nursery children receive fruit or vegetables daily through the Hertfordshire Fruit & Vegetable scheme, and milk is available at morning break. Medically diagnosed dietary needs require discussion with the catering team before meals begin.
Sharing Willow Class means nursery children already use the same classroom and outdoor space as Reception children. That continuity concerns familiar surroundings, not admission entitlement.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process by the applicable deadline. Treat choosing nursery and applying for Reception as two separate decisions.
Drop-off begins at 8.40am, with lessons starting at 8.50am. Nursery collection can be before lunch at 11.45am, after lunch at 1pm, or at 3.20pm. Agree the arrangement with the class teacher; midday collections use the office, while the latest collection is from the classroom.
The nursery offers 15 funded hours, or 30 hours for eligible children, with paid additional hours also possible. Timings can be flexible, subject to sessions filling. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery applications go directly to admin@puller.herts.sch.uk, and families can arrange a visit through the office on 01920 463178.
Uniform includes an emerald polo shirt and green jumper or cardigan; nursery children may wear black jogging bottoms if needed. Bring named outdoor clothing, wellies and a water bottle so your child is equipped for the garden and walks.
Children can join Willow Class from the term after they turn three.
They use a secure garden for play, gardening and storytelling, alongside wider school grounds, and take regular local wellie walks.
Yes. Hot lunches are cooked on site, with meat, vegetarian and cold menu choices. Families can also provide a packed lunch. Nursery meals are charged separately.
No. Nursery and Reception admissions are separate, and families must apply again for Reception through the normal process.
Contact the school office on 01920 463178 or email admin@puller.herts.sch.uk to arrange an appointment.
