St John's CofE Primary School Nursery Review

Stories and learning to play together give St John's nursery its clearest character. This is the nursery within St John's CofE Primary School in Digswell, with a Church of England setting around its early learning. The school aims for children to feel recognised, respected and safe, and encourages kindness towards others. For parents, that places the nursery within an explicitly Christian school community.

Reading begins with adults sharing carefully selected stories in Nursery. In April 2023, Ofsted found that these introduced different cultures and themes, while activities across early years engaged children and supported their learning. Books therefore serve more than early reading: they give children a way to encounter experiences beyond their own.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum covers seven learning areas, each with associated goals. Alongside that curriculum, children practise managing routines and taking part in play and learning with other children. These are practical foundations for being part of a class: understanding what happens next and learning alongside someone else matter as well as individual activities.

Early reading. The April 2023 inspection also identified a school-wide phonics concern: some staff were still developing their teaching of letter combinations and sounds, slowing reading progress for a small number of pupils. This was a teaching issue across the school, rather than a separate nursery judgement, but it provides relevant context for families considering the start of their child's reading journey.

Settling includes contact with the Nursery teacher through a parent meeting and coffee morning. New nursery families receive an invitation either ahead of their child's start or soon afterwards; children can spend time in the Nursery during the coffee morning. That gives parents a chance to meet the teacher and children an opportunity to become familiar with the space.

For additional needs, the school's stated approach combines monitoring with discussions involving teachers, teaching assistants and senior leaders. It aims to tailor support through conversations with families and to identify learning barriers early. Parents can contact the special educational needs and disabilities coordinator through the school office, giving them a direct route into those discussions.

Safeguarding concerns can be raised with the designated safeguarding lead or deputy leads. This gives families named roles to approach when a concern needs attention.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Hertfordshire County Council's admissions route and complete a Supplementary Information Form obtained from the school office. Keep that application separate from the nursery arrangements.

Before children start Reception, preparation includes a parent meeting with the class teacher and classroom visits for one morning each week over a short period. These take place in the latter half of the preceding term. The visits offer familiarity with the next classroom; they do not secure admission.

Nursery applications are handled by the school. Email admin@digswell.herts.sch.uk to begin the process. Families considering St John's can also arrange a school visit through the office, either by email or by calling 01438 714283. A visit provides an opportunity to consider the setting before applying.