St Hugh's School Nursery Review

Acorns, Conkers and a Forest School in the grounds give St Hugh’s nursery its character: an early start to school life with room for outdoor exploration. In Woodhall Spa, the nursery forms part of the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), alongside Reception. Acorns takes children aged two to three; Conkers is the preschool class, joined in September following a child’s third birthday.

These are distinct stages. Acorns children share playtimes with Pre-Prep but eat lunch in their own nursery space. Conkers children use the main dining room and gradually take on more adult-directed work. The progression introduces school routines in manageable steps.

The EYFS combines early learning with children’s physical, emotional and social development. Here, planned tasks sit alongside play, with activities adapted to children’s next learning steps. In February 2026, ISI found that the early years team successfully supported language, early literacy and number skills through this combination. Conversation matters: small groups, circle time and questions give children opportunities to explain their ideas.

Stories become practical projects. Early years children explored Three Little Pigs by constructing a house and making artwork to retell it. Other examples included outdoor pancake cooking, drumming and baking ladybird biscuits. These connect language, making and number work with something children can do and discuss.

Forest School takes place in the school’s own woods, with a tipi and a pizza oven among the physical features. Den construction, crafts, foraging and cooking give outdoor learning a practical focus. The February 2026 early years findings linked this outdoor provision with greater independence, curiosity and physical development.

French and music also feature in the nursery curriculum, alongside PE and swimming. Music lessons are taught weekly by the Director of Music. The indoor pool supports twice-weekly nursery swimming lessons, giving the children access to facilities beyond their classroom.

A key person provides continuity between home and nursery. Allocation can happen before a child starts or after some settling time, according to their needs; in Conkers, the teacher takes this role. The nursery team includes a teacher and assistants, with degree-level early childhood education and a Level 3 childcare qualification among its qualifications.

After enrolment, families can choose settling visits together. Parents may remain for the first session, with the approach guided by their preference. Staff discuss progress regularly, looking at friendships, participation, confidence with routines and children’s use of activities. Learning journeys and individual meetings give further opportunities for communication.

Hot lunches come from the school kitchen, while milk and snacks carry no charge. Acorns children practise using cutlery and taking turns over lunch with their nursery peers; Conkers children eat with Pre-Prep. In February 2026, early years staff supported children in recognising feelings, considering others and developing physical coordination. Care and learning overlap here: managing emotions and sharing are part of the day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception application requirements and timing with the school. Familiarity with the school should be treated separately from securing a place.

For Conkers children, Reception is next door. Shared story sessions and PE lessons introduce the next classroom’s children and routines, while lunch in the main dining room builds independence. These are useful preparation for a change of class.

The morning runs from 8.30am to 11.30am, followed by lunch until 12.30pm. Afternoon sessions finish at 3.30pm. Attendance can range from one or two mornings each week to full time, subject to availability. Breakfast Club starts at 7.40am; After School Club continues from 3.30pm to 5.20pm and includes cooked tea. Holiday Club accepts children aged two to seven during most holidays, with places allocated in booking order.

From age three, children are eligible for 15 hours of Early Years Entitlement. Parents can apply for 30 hours; ask staff for details. Funded hours are taken between 8.30am and 3.30pm. Charged extras. Hot lunch and specialist activities carry additional charges during funded hours. Extra non-funded hours are charged separately and include specialist lessons except swimming; hot meals remain additional. Ask the school for current charges when comparing attendance patterns.

Visits can be booked through the School Office at office@st-hughs.lincs.sch.uk or 01526 352169. Families can request an application pack, and there is a nursery and preschool uniform list. After School Club bookings go through the office.