Tenterfield Nursery School: Nursery Review

Pond dipping, take-home Reading Pets and children buttering their own toast give Tenterfield's day its character: learning through stories, outdoor exploration and small acts of independence. This nursery school on London Road in Welwyn provides for children aged two to five, with Pink Group giving two-year-olds a dedicated space and their own garden. The purpose-built learning environment also has a spacious outdoor area. Children have room to choose, explore and practise doing things for themselves.

Small-group Welcome time gives sessions a familiar starting point, often with an adult-led activity connected to a core book. Much of the day then belongs to children's chosen play, both outside and indoors, with staff supporting their interests. Each session finishes with stories. The balance gives children a predictable framework while leaving space for their own ideas.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers children's learning, development and care up to five. Here, its foundations include managing feelings, speaking and listening, movement and self-care. Counting, books, creative work and exploring the world build on those skills. Tenterfield uses a total communication approach, helping children express themselves through different ways of communicating.

Books extend beyond story time. Reading Pets travel home with children in turn, and the Lending Library lets them choose a book to share with family each week. Letters and Sounds, primarily Phase 1, introduces listening and sound awareness through rhymes, songs and playful activities. This makes early reading preparation something children can hear, say and act out.

Forest School takes children to the nature reserve at St Mary's. Bug hunting, building dens and pond dipping give outdoor learning concrete purposes. Staff explain the session using visual timelines, check the reserve for risks beforehand and provide waterproof suits. Families supply wellies and suitable clothing so children can take part in wet weather too.

Colour groups have key people, and Pink Group combines a key person with a lead for two-year-olds. An induction process introduces children to using the learning environment independently. Parents can exchange messages at the beginning and end of sessions; half-termly Catch Up Calls provide a longer conversation about progress. Tapestry records learning through photographs, videos, assessments and observations, connecting nursery experiences with home.

Snack is also practice for everyday life. Children decide when to eat during rolling snack periods, with adults helping them butter toast or wash up. At lunchtime, children eat packed lunches brought from home alongside friends and key people. Conversation and practical tasks sit together.

The Nurture Group supports six to eight children with two specially trained staff. The Boxall Profile helps identify priorities, while games, shared snack preparation and individual activities give children practice with relationships and feelings. The wider team includes a SENCo, an Inclusion Lead and speech and language support.

Ofsted's March 2023 inspection found effective safeguarding and exceptional progress for children with SEND. Adults used Makaton and visual aids to make activities accessible, with support plans addressing individual needs. These findings give parents specific reassurance about inclusion and care at that date.

Reception is a separate application. Attending Tenterfield does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal Reception admissions process by its deadline; nursery attendance should never be treated as securing the next place.

Within Tenterfield, Pink Group children move to the three- and four-year-old groups in the term following their third birthday, with no fresh application needed. That internal move is distinct from admission to primary school.

Morning sessions run from 8.45am to 11.45am, Monday to Friday; the 30-hour funded core runs from 8.45am to 2.45pm on those days. Pink Group mornings are 8.35am to 11.35am, with a minimum of two days, and its 30-hour funded pattern runs from 8.35am to 2.35pm, Monday to Friday.

Universal early education provides 15 hours, while eligible working parents can access 30 hours. Extra care is charged separately. Term-time wraparound starts at 8.00am and extends to 5.30pm; Pink Group's extended day ends at 4.30pm. Arbor handles wraparound bookings for a term, regular weeks or individual dates. Contact admin@tenterfield.herts.sch.uk or 01438 714564 for enquiries, and the school for current charges.

Uniform is optional. Families choosing it can use Tenterfield polo shirts, sweatshirts or cardigans; outdoor clothing remains a practical part of the nursery day.