Nursery | St Christopher School | Private School Nursery in Letchworth, Hertfordshire

Early Years at St Chris

(Ages 3 to 5)

At St Chris, our Early Years setting is where confidence begins, curiosity grows, and each child is known as an individual from the very start.

Children join our Nursery in the September of the academic year in which they turn four, and move naturally into Reception the following year. Together, these two years form a carefully designed Early Years experience that balances structure, exploration and strong relationships with trusted adults.

Located within the Junior School and taught by a specialist Early Years teacher and Early Years Practitioners, the setting provides a warm and purposeful introduction to school life - one that prepares children academically, socially and emotionally for Year 1 and beyond.

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Joining Early Years

A strong start for learning and belonging

Early Years at St Chris brings together Nursery and Reception children in a shared environment where learning is thoughtfully adapted to each stage of development.

Students benefit from:

  • a maximum class size of 22 
  • a qualified teacher and dedicated Early Years Educators 
  • specialist teaching in swimming, Forest School, music and French 
  • daily phonics and early mathematics 
  • structured routines alongside play-based exploration 
  • an outdoor learning space designed for younger children 
  • close links with the Junior School from the beginning 

This combination allows children to feel secure, challenged and ready for what comes next.

Pupil in class with nursery teacher at St Chris
Beautiful Environment
Children in forest school at St Chris nursery
Forest School
Child in class at St Chris Nursery
Holistic Education

 

Beautiful Environment

Early Years is located within the St Chris Junior School building – in a dedicated area that includes outdoor and indoor learning and play environments, and access to the main school facilities including a music room, library, indoor swimming pool, Forest School and PE and games facilities.

 

Forest School

Early Years students have weekly sessions in our on-site Forest School under the guidance of our trained Forest School teacher. Through the Forest School curriculum, pupils develop a greater environmental understanding and are encouraged to think creatively, enhance their connection with and respect towards nature, embark on outdoor adventures and instigate play – all fundamental skills for Early Years learning. Forest School forms an integral part of outdoor learning at St Chris both in the Early Years and beyond.

 

Holistic Education

Weekly swimming lessons are included for all Early Years pupils at our on-site indoor pool and pupils are gently coached by our experienced swimming teachers to develop a love of the water as well as stroke proficiency. Children start to learn about the world around them from the moment they are born. In our Nursery, our dedicated Early Years Teacher and Early Years Educators create an environment where each child’s curiosity and development are nurtured through tailored and engaging activities that are appropriate to each child’s age, stage of development and interests.

The St Chris Advantage

Nursery pupil in class
Choosing Early Years at St Chris sets your child on a path of confident learning and holistic development.

Here's why families choose us:

Early Years

Early Years at St Chris Nursery  includes two classes:

Nursery (from the September of the academic year in which a child turns 4) and Reception (from the September of the academic year in which a child turns 5).

Together, these years form a carefully structured Early Years Foundation Stage experience within the Junior School.

Early Years Community

Our Early Years setting sits within the Junior School, allowing pupils to feel part of the wider school community from the start.

Shared experiences with specialist teachers and older students help build confidence and strong relationships as pupils grow. 

Flying Start

Pupils benefit from a small class environment supported by a qualified Early Years teacher and dedicated Early Years Educators. Teaching combines structured phonics, early mathematics and language development with play-based exploration tailored to each pupil’s stage. 
Prepared for What Comes Next

From Early Years onwards, pupils become familiar with the Junior School environment and staff, taking part in Forest School, swimming, music and French with specialist teachers. This supports a confident transition into Year 1 and a strong foundation for future learning..

See us in action

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“St Chris is a progressive school; there is a sense of equality between staff and children, connection to nature through forest school and animals, small class sizes and individualised approach, lack of uniforms, and importance of prioritising arts as well as academics.”

Parents’ Survey, 2022

 

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Explore more...

Choosing the right school is an exciting journey as you explore the many possibilities for your child. We also understand that, for some families, especially at key entry points the process can feel a little daunting.

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