Merry Hill Infant School and Nursery
School Lane, Bushey, WD23 1STOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Merry Hill Infant School and Nursery is a primary school in Bushey for ages 3 to 7. It is one of the 583 schools in Hertfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in December 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 5 December 2023, report published 20 March 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 5 December 2023
Pupils are proud to attend Merry Hill. Staff warmly welcome pupils each day with a happy face. The school prioritises pupils' well-being. Pupils and families appreciate the support the school provides. Respect and kindness towards others are key. Pupils learn these values from the moment they set foot in the door. They develop strong relationships with adults and with one another. Pupils trust that staff will listen to them. This helps pupils to feel safe and happy. Clear routines and high expectations help pupils to succeed. Pupils are motivated. They work hard. They understand the golden rules, such as being gentle and honest. Adults expect pupils to behave well, which most do. Those who find it more difficult to maintain good behaviour get the help they need to improve it. This includes having a reflection space in every classroom. Pupils learn well, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff support pupils with SEND through well-chosen strategies. This helps all pupils to access the full range of subjects and activities. New experiences, clubs and outside areas often make learning fun for pupils. Visits from religious leaders instil understanding and acceptance within the community. Consequently, pupils learn to be responsible and compassionate.
What the school should improve
- In a couple of subjects, the curriculum is not as well implemented as leaders would like. Therefore, pupils do not always learn as well as they might. The school should continue to provide support and guidance to teachers and ensure that the curriculum in all subjects is being implemented as leaders intend.
- For a small number of pupils with SEND, lesson adaptations are not always matched to pupils' needs. This is sometimes because supporting targets are not as precise as they could be. The school should ensure that pupils' supporting targets are precise and that pupils with SEND receive accurate and effective adaptations in their lessons.
Pupil numbers and mix
166 pupils on roll, with places for 180
Schools near Merry Hill Infant School and Nursery
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashfield Junior School | 0.1 miles | Ofsted: Good | 75% met the expected standard |
| Bushey Heath Primary School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 83% met the expected standard |
| Little Reddings Primary School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 43% met the expected standard |
| Hartsbourne Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 73% met the expected standard |
| Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Nursery | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 77% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 7
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Ms Melissa Adams
- Phone
- 02089502166
- Address
- School Lane, Bushey, WD23 1ST
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire
- URN
- 117090
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.