The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Sherrardswood 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play and conversation give Sherrardswood’s youngest children their starting point. Planned learning combines early literacy and number work with learning to listen, share and understand feelings. In February 2026, children’s learning and development were well supported across the early years. The emphasis is on both learning and growing comfortable with other children.
Nursery and pre-school form part of the independent school’s early-years provision at Lockleys, Welwyn. In February 2026, that wider provision catered for children aged two to five. The school occupies 40 acres of parkland around a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, giving this nursery a distinctive wider setting.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) brings together the beginnings of reading, writing and mathematics with communication, physical development and social learning. Here, planned activities and play create opportunities for children to talk with adults and each other. Learning to express an idea matters alongside learning about numbers.
In February 2026, staff used assessment to understand children’s different starting points and responded promptly when extra help was needed. Physical activities supported both small movements and larger body movements. Children also practised listening, sharing turns and recognising other people’s emotions. These are useful foundations for joining group activities and managing friendships.
Concrete examples give the play some character. In June 2017, pre-school children investigated ice, washed toys, searched for insects and watched caterpillars develop. A June 2019 activity linked the butterfly lifecycle with The Very Hungry Caterpillar: children worked with their parents on caterpillar creations and window butterflies. Stories, observation and making things came together in the same project.
The indoor setting also has a specific history. In August 2017, pre-school and Nursery moved into the Lockleys building, occupying the former dining room with new learning resources. That move placed the youngest children within the main building. In February 2026, accommodation indoors and outside was suitable for children’s learning and recreation.
Support includes learning how to be with other people. In February 2026, early-years children developed confidence and learnt to manage emotions, recognise mistakes and respond kindly. Taking responsibility and apologising were part of learning through shared play, making social development a practical part of the day.
Staff training also addressed safeguarding work with the youngest children. The February 2026 ISI inspection found that safeguarding arrangements, including expectations specific to early years, worked effectively. Alongside this, staff monitored children’s learning and acted quickly where additional help was needed, rather than waiting for difficulties to accumulate.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate application and apply again through the normal route by the relevant deadline. Familiarity with the school and admission to its next stage are separate questions.
The school is at Lockleys, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0BJ. Families can request a visit or contact the office on 01438 714282 or at office@sherrardswood.co.uk. A visit offers a practical way to see the nursery’s place within the school before choosing it. Contact the school for current charges.
No. Nursery and Reception admission are separate processes, so families should apply again for Reception through the normal route by the relevant deadline.
Communication, early literacy and mathematics sit alongside physical and social development. In February 2026, staff used assessment to identify children who needed additional help and responded promptly.
Past examples include investigating ice and watching caterpillars in June 2017, followed by butterfly lifecycle learning and activities linked to The Very Hungry Caterpillar in June 2019.
Pre-school and Nursery moved into the Lockleys building in August 2017, using the former dining room with new learning resources.
Families can request a visit or contact the school office on 01438 714282 or at office@sherrardswood.co.uk.
