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Nursery at Banstead Preparatory 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Chatterbag presentations, number jigsaws and a vote on the next story give Banstead Prep’s youngest children opportunities to speak, solve problems and make choices. Nursery and Pre-School cater for children aged two to four within this independent school. At the November 2024 inspection, 37 children attended across two classes. That is a dated roll, rather than a measure of available places.
Children can start Nursery after their second birthday when they are ready. A Nursery Leader works alongside practitioners and assistants, with a full-time Head and Deputy Head of EYFS providing leadership. The Deputy Head holds Early Years Teacher Status, while the Nursery Leader has a Level 3 early-years diploma and is working towards Level 5.
Play and conversation give the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) its practical shape here: children explore ideas, develop language and practise doing things independently. In November 2024, ISI found that early-years staff developed these skills through imaginative activities and purposeful exchanges with children. Painting offers choices about tools; number jigsaws give children a reason to recall sequences. These are learning tasks children can get involved in themselves.
Chatterbag presentations give even the youngest children practice speaking to an audience. Banstead Prep’s learning habits are introduced from Nursery, connecting everyday activities with independence and curiosity. Music brings singing, percussion and movement together, adding another way to participate and express ideas.
Indoor spaces and outdoor learning areas support children’s interests. The November 2024 findings describe children using exploration and imaginative play to develop problem-solving skills. Story choices also involve voting, giving children a concrete introduction to fairness and shared decisions.
Before joining, Nursery and Pre-School children have a one-hour taster with a parent alongside them, arranged one to two terms before their intended start. This provides an introduction to the children and team with a familiar adult present.
In November 2024, early-years children cooperated confidently with adults and peers, supported by staff who modelled considerate interactions. Care also includes practising responsibility for belongings and understanding why drinking water matters. For children attending mornings, an optional hot lunch extends the session until 1pm and carries an additional termly charge.
Additional needs are coordinated by the SENCO, including within EYFS. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, with parents involved and plans reviewed at least once each term. This gives families a regular opportunity to discuss adjustments. Additional provision can attract charges only where it is not a reasonable adjustment; potential charges are discussed with families and supplied in writing.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The priority categories include siblings, children of staff or alumni, and transfers from another United Learning school; Nursery attendance is not one of those categories. Admission depends on space and whether the school can meet the child’s needs.
Apply for Reception directly through the school’s registration and taster process. Keep that admissions decision separate from preparation for the next stage. Families are invited to discuss progress and future plans at the Nursery-to-Reception transition with school leaders, providing time to consider the child’s next steps.
For Autumn Term 2026, the attendance patterns are five mornings, from 8am to noon, or five full days, from 8am to 3pm. The optional lunch extension gives morning-only families a later collection time.
Universal funding covers 15 hours, with eligibility beginning in the term after a child’s third birthday. Funded sessions run each weekday from 8am to 11am and incur no additional charges. Eligible three- and four-year-olds have funding deducted from their termly invoice for the sessions attended. Ask the school for current charges for attendance outside these sessions.
Enquiries go to admissions@bansteadprep.com or 01737 363600. Individual tours can be arranged during term time by appointment, giving families an opportunity to meet the team before choosing an attendance pattern.
Children can start after their second birthday when they are ready. Nursery and Pre-School cater for ages two to four.
The Autumn Term 2026 patterns are five mornings from 8am to noon or five full days from 8am to 3pm.
Yes. Morning-only children may stay until 1pm for a hot lunch, with an additional termly charge.
Yes. The school offers the 15-hour universal entitlement from the term after a child’s third birthday. Funded sessions are each weekday from 8am to 11am, with no additional charges for those sessions.
No. Reception admission is subject to availability and the school’s ability to meet the child’s needs. Nursery attendance is not included among the priority categories.
