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Nursery at Hall Grove 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest school, a walled garden and the purpose-built Barn give Hall Grove’s Pre-School a distinctly outdoor character. This is the nursery provision within the independent school in Bagshot, with a qualified teacher leading Pre-School and teaching assistants supporting the Early Years teachers. Children have their own indoor and outdoor learning spaces while taking part in specialist teaching and activities across the school grounds.
Emotional development is a particular strength of the early years provision. In April 2026, ISI found that children were making substantial progress in this area through deliberate teaching about feelings, mistakes and trying unfamiliar things. That matters as much as early reading: children learn to manage frustration and work out disagreements with one another.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning here. In everyday terms, the activities combine language, physical development and social skills with early reading and exploration. Adults guide some activities; children choose and direct others. Staff track children’s learning and respond to gaps, while children’s interests help shape what comes next.
Inside the Barn, learning extends between indoor classrooms, outdoor classrooms and an outdoor area. Across the grounds, Forest school starts in Pre-School, and children have lessons in the walled garden. These are regular parts of the curriculum, giving outdoor learning a place alongside classroom activity. Weekly sessions with specialists cover French, Music, PE and Dance; educational visits, visitors and themed days add different experiences.
Songs and storytelling help children build vocabulary. Early years activities also include construction, role play and finger gym, developing the control needed for movement and writing. In April 2026, children observed caterpillars and recorded their development through diary writing, returning to predictions as they watched changes unfold. It is a concrete connection between language, observation and learning to persevere. Books and other reading materials equip the classrooms, while listening areas help children manage their feelings and become ready for learning.
Before joining Pre-School, families are invited to a Stay & Play session with the Early Years staff. Staff also seek a transition report from a child’s existing nursery or childminder. This gives the team a starting picture of the child rather than treating entry as a blank slate. Induction mornings for September entrants take place near the end of the Summer Term.
Support for feelings is purposeful. In April 2026, staff had identified emotional development as an area needing extra attention. Adults demonstrated ways to handle mistakes and difficulties, with guidance for parents too. Children subsequently showed kindness and negotiated with increasing sensitivity. Close supervision extends to eating, and every member of the early years staff had paediatric first aid training.
Meals are included in fees, and the school accommodates special diets. For additional learning needs, support follows an assess, plan, do, review cycle, with parents involved in discussing assessments and next steps. Support decisions depend on the individual child; admission includes consideration of whether the school can meet their needs. Children learning English as an additional language receive extra help where language difficulties impede progress.
Attending Pre-School does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should pursue Reception separately through the school’s admissions team. The Reception entry process involves a Stay & Play visit and a transition report from the child’s nursery key worker, followed by a decision on an offer. Some children may need further visits before a place is confirmed. These steps concern admission, rather than an advantage gained through nursery attendance.
The Barn opens at 08:15, with registration at 09:00. Pre-School offers a half-day ending at 12:30 or a full day ending at 15:00. Booking options include five sessions booked termly, additional termly sessions, or five full days booked termly. This gives families a choice of attendance length within a termly booking model.
Funding and extras. Hall Grove does not offer Government funded childcare hours. A Tax Free Childcare account can be used for Pre-School fees. Meals, stationery and issued books are included, while learning support, breakfast and after-school care can attract additional charges. Contact the school for current charges.
Enquiries go to admissions@hallgrove.co.uk or the admissions team on 01276 470015. Private tours can be arranged, and an Open Morning takes place each term.
Children can attend a half-day finishing at 12:30 or a full day finishing at 15:00. The Barn opens at 08:15, and registration is at 09:00.
Yes. Pre-School includes Forest school, lessons in the walled garden and learning in outdoor classrooms.
Meals are included in fees, and special diets are accommodated. Breakfast can carry an additional charge.
Hall Grove does not offer Government funded childcare hours. Families can use a Tax Free Childcare account to pay Pre-School fees.
No. Reception has its own entry process involving a Stay & Play session and a nursery transition report. Contact the school’s admissions team to pursue a Reception place.
