Our Lady Catholic Primary School Nursery Review

Storytelling, drawing and daily prayer give this nursery its character. At Our Lady Catholic Primary School in Welwyn Garden City, the Nursery class belongs to the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit, bringing play and early learning into a Catholic school setting.

For the September 2026 intake, the eligible birth dates were 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023. The early years provision reached the Expected standard in Ofsted's March 2026 inspection. That judgement covers the school's early years, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Independent play alternates with activities directed by adults. In practical terms, the EYFS here means children can explore their own interests while staff observe, join their play and plan what to introduce next. Nursery learning includes recognising numbers, letters and sounds, with selected stories helping children develop an interest in books.

Drawing Club combines telling stories with illustration, conversation and making marks on paper. It gives early writing a creative starting point. Across the EYFS curriculum, Little Wandle is the named phonics programme and Mastering Number the mathematics scheme. In Nursery itself, mathematical resources are available for play, giving children opportunities to explore mathematical language and solve problems through practical activity.

There are spaces for learning inside and outside. An EYFS workshop area contains tools and materials for art and making, including manufactured and natural materials; children explore independently as well as with adult guidance. Physical activities include climbing, balancing and practising coordination. These give movement a place alongside quieter creative work. Daily prayer and collective worship also form part of EYFS life, so the Catholic character shapes the routine as well as the curriculum.

Partnerships with families help staff understand children's needs. In March 2026, early years staff used questions and conversations during both play and adult-directed activities to extend learning. There was a qualification: sometimes those exchanges missed the chance to address a child's particular needs. For parents, the useful distinction is between adults being involved and their involvement giving the right help to each child.

Developmental concerns can be raised first with the class teacher, with appointments also available through the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). A School Family Worker offers advice about education, behaviour and wellbeing, with referrals through class teachers and meetings at home or school. This gives families another route to support beyond classroom conversations.

Attending Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application. For September 2026 entry, the route was a Hertfordshire County Council application plus the school's supplementary information form, with a deadline of 15 January 2026. That deadline has passed; it belongs to that intake.

Nursery and Reception staff work together within the EYFS unit to support continuity between the classes. That educational connection is separate from admission. Treat the nursery choice and the later Reception application as two decisions.

The 15-hour provision runs from 8.40am until noon, Monday to Friday. The 30-hour option, described for working parents, runs from 8.40am until 3.15pm on Monday through Thursday, then finishes at noon on Friday. The shorter Friday matters when planning a working week. A paid Friday afternoon can be added if required; contact the school for current charges.

Nursery applications can be made throughout the year while places remain. Enquiries go to the school office on 01707 324408 or admin@ourladys527.herts.sch.uk. The nursery is at the school on Woodhall Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 3TF.