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Nursery at Prior Park Paragon
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland exploration, French songs and specialist art give Squirrels Pre-School its character. This is Prior Park Paragon’s provision for children aged three to four, within the independent school in Bath. At the June 2025 ISI inspection, the nursery comprised one class within the school’s early years provision.
The emphasis is on learning through play, with adults following children’s interests and also leading activities. Children get both room to explore and guidance to take their learning further.
Early learning connects conversation, creativity and practical discovery. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach combines activities chosen by children with those directed by adults, indoors and outside. Role-play and shared tasks develop language and problem-solving; topics based on children’s interests connect early literacy, mathematical ideas and expressive arts. The June 2025 inspection found that children made good progress from different starting points.
Specialist teaching adds another dimension. Art and music are timetabled from age three, while French begins in pre-school through stories, singing and games that introduce unfamiliar sounds. A native French speaker teaches these early language lessons. These give children different ways to listen, communicate and express themselves alongside classroom play.
Forest School forms part of the pre-school enrichment programme. Woodland is used for early years learning, giving children a physical setting beyond the classroom for exploration and cooperation. Books have a place too: the library in Lyncombe House serves every year group, with library sessions helping children choose reading material suited to their interests and ability.
Relationships and predictable routines support growing independence. In June 2025, early years staff built children’s trust, and activities planned around individual interests helped them stay engaged and develop confidence. Personal Development begins in the early years, bringing emotional and physical development into daily learning. Turn-taking, listening and kindness are practised through play and shared tasks, giving children concrete ways to learn how to be part of a group.
Communication with parents is part of the early years approach. Paediatric first aiders work within the provision, and suitable staffing ratios and supervision cover outdoor activities and collection times. Lunch is a freshly prepared hot meal, rather than an extra task for parents to organise each morning.
Additional support. The SEND policy uses Pupil Passports and Single Support Plans to share needs and teaching strategies. Places requiring additional support depend on the child’s needs, the provision required and capacity within the relevant year group. Families should discuss requirements with admissions and the SENDCo at the start of an enquiry. The listed site has several levels and accessibility constraints, especially for wheelchair users; reasonable adjustments are considered.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate application and apply through the normal admissions route by the relevant deadline.
Learning to cooperate, listen and manage routines supports the next stage of school life. For children receiving learning support, teacher handovers and the sharing of support documents provide continuity between stages. That practical preparation is separate from securing admission.
Two main sessions offer different collection points: the morning finishes at 1pm and the full day at 3.30pm. Both begin at the start of the school day. Additional or occasional hours are also offered, allowing families another booking option alongside the main sessions.
Funding and extras. The school offers 15 universal funded hours each week and does not offer the extended 30-hour entitlement. Funding contributes to core childcare; meals, consumables and educational enrichment are charged separately. Learning materials and classroom resources fall within consumables. Ask the school for current charges when comparing the complete cost of attendance.
Use the Make an Enquiry form or contact admissions.tps@priorparkschools.com to begin an enquiry. Families can arrange a tour during a normal school day, providing an opportunity to discuss how the provision fits their child.
Squirrels is for children aged three to four at Prior Park Paragon in Bath.
Morning sessions end at 1pm and full days at 3.30pm, both starting with the school day. Additional or occasional hours are also offered.
The school offers 15 hours of universal Early Years Entitlement funding per week. It does not offer the extended 30-hour entitlement, and meals, consumables and enrichment are charged separately.
Yes. The pre-school provision includes a freshly prepared hot lunch, listed separately within the charges.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee Reception admission. Treat the Reception application separately and follow the normal admissions route and deadline.
