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Nursery at Elmhurst School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
The Den gives Elmhurst’s youngest children a space of their own, while morning and afternoon classes serve three and four year olds. This is provision built around shorter sessions. At Elmhurst School in Aylesbury, the two-year-old class offers a small number of funded places; the older nursery has two classes catering for children receiving fifteen hours of funding.
Ofsted’s June 2026 judgement for the school’s early years was Expected standard. That judgement covers the early years provision within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Language gives the learning its direction. In June 2026, the early years curriculum used carefully chosen books as its starting point, with rhymes and songs helping children expand their vocabulary. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here connects learning with children’s communication, emotional development and growing confidence. For parents, that means attention to how children express themselves as well as what they learn.
Indoor and outdoor learning spaces both help children take an interest in activities. Adult conversation adds another layer: questions about the parts of vegetables and fruit encourage children to look closely and think about their observations. Children who are hesitant to speak receive purposeful interaction from staff. Writing remains an area for development: in June 2026, leaders were refining teaching to help children become more confident forming words and letters.
Emotional care has a clear place in the early years day. In June 2026, staff gave priority to children’s social and personal development, helping them feel secure and cared for. Communication with parents also supported learning beyond the classroom, giving families a role in continuing that learning at home.
Support responds to individual needs. Staff understood children’s difficulties and generally helped them address these, including challenges with language and communication. Children needing additional support joined the activities their peers undertook and participated in school life. That matters for families seeking inclusion in everyday learning, alongside help with specific difficulties.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate school application through the normal local authority route and meet the deadline for their admissions round. Buckinghamshire Council handles the coordinated online application process.
For the 2025/26 admissions cycle, nursery attendance carried no priority: the criteria covered children with specified care histories, exceptional social or medical needs, catchment residence and siblings, followed by distance. Keep the nursery decision and the later school application separate when planning your child’s next step.
For three and four year olds, the morning session runs from 8:30am to 11:30am; the afternoon runs from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. These classes cater for children receiving fifteen hours of funding. Their entrance is beside the far side of Elmhurst Family Centre, giving nursery families a distinct collection and drop-off route.
Two year olds attend a morning class. Drop-off is between 8:40am and 8:50am through the main gate, with collection at 11:40am at that gate. Eligibility for two-year-old funding is a condition of entry because this provision offers funded places only. For a three- or four-year-old nursery enquiry, contact the school office on 01296 481380.
There is a two-year-old class and nursery provision for three and four year olds.
Morning Nursery runs from 8:30am to 11:30am, and Afternoon Nursery from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Children must qualify for two-year-old funding, as only funded places are offered in that provision.
No. A separate application is required through the normal school admissions route. Nursery attendance carried no priority in the 2025/26 criteria.
The June 2026 early years judgement was Expected standard. Vocabulary development, indoor and outdoor learning, and individual support were positive features; teaching children to form letters and words remained an area being strengthened.
