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Nursery at Applecroft 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Butterflies, cake-making and pancake-flipping give Applecroft Nursery a practical starting point for learning. These nursery activities belong to the Applecroft Adventure, bringing care for living things and hands-on making into the curriculum. There is an outdoor classroom too.
The purpose-built nursery forms part of Applecroft School on Applecroft Road in Welwyn Garden City. Children join in September for the academic year in which they turn four, so this is provision for three- and four-year-olds. Capacity is a maximum of 60 part-time children, with places organised into morning, afternoon or full-time patterns. Early years provision received a Good judgement at the Ofsted inspection on 28 and 29 November 2023; that judgement covers the school's early years provision rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Learning combines activities children choose with sessions directed by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), supported by Development Matters 2021, brings together language, movement and emotional development with early literacy, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. In parent terms, learning to communicate and manage relationships sits alongside the beginnings of reading and number work.
Adults teach whole classes, work with small groups and support individuals. Question-based topics can follow children's interests, while observations help staff plan what each child learns next. The Leader in Me adds an emphasis on independence, making plans and deciding what to do first. These are habits children can practise during everyday learning.
Indoor and outdoor learning spaces are adjusted as children's needs develop. Children spend time outside daily, making a waterproof coat essential rather than an occasional extra. The Applecroft Adventure's nursery activities include raising a butterfly, baking cakes and flipping a pancake: concrete experiences that give children something to investigate, make and talk about.
In November 2023, curriculum sequencing extended into early years. Across the school, however, some teachers needed greater specialist subject knowledge, and leaders needed a clearer assessment of how the new curriculum was working. Those were school-wide improvement points, rather than findings identifying nursery teaching specifically.
Observations of children's learning are shared with parents, giving families a connection between nursery activities and individual next steps. Spare clothes stay in nursery in a bag on the pegs, providing a practical backup during the day.
For concerns about learning or development, the first contact is the child's class teacher. The school's inclusion structure also includes an Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion and Wellbeing, a Pastoral Lead and a Family Link Support Worker, reached through the office. That gives families a route from an initial conversation to the wider team. Safeguarding concerns can be sent directly to safeguarding@applecroft.herts.sch.uk.
Lunch has its own place in the timetable. Children attending the funded full-time session have an hour for lunch within their day; part-time children can attend lunch club from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. Apply online through Hertfordshire at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions; the school cannot accept the application itself. Treat choosing the nursery and securing a school place as separate decisions.
Term-time attendance runs Monday to Friday. Morning sessions are 8.30am to 11.30am, and afternoons run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. With a qualifying 30-hour childcare code, the full-time day is 9.00am to 3.00pm. Eligible families can purchase an extra daily hour to extend it to 8.30am to 3.30pm.
Most full-time places go to families eligible for 30-hour funding. If full-time places remain, families can purchase another 15 hours; that 8.30am to 3.30pm pattern also requires daily lunch club purchases. The nursery does not split the universal 15-hour provision between providers. Ask the school for current charges.
Uniform is optional. Logo sweatshirts, cardigans and red polo shirts are available, but families can use their own clothes. Pack a waterproof coat and spare clothing; in summer, provide a sunhat and apply sunscreen before nursery. For enquiries or an appointment to meet the nursery team, telephone 01707 323 758 or email admin@applecroft.herts.sch.uk.
Children join in September of the academic year in which they turn four. There is one annual intake.
Mornings run from 8.30am to 11.30am and afternoons from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The full-time session for children with a qualifying 30-hour code runs from 9.00am to 3.00pm, with a purchasable extension to 8.30am to 3.30pm.
No. A separate application is required through Hertfordshire's normal admissions process at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions.
No. Uniform is optional. Children need spare clothes and a waterproof coat for daily outdoor time.
The nursery activities include raising a butterfly, baking cakes and flipping a pancake.
