The Old School Henstead Nursery

Exploration in the field gives Henstead’s nursery a practical, outdoors-facing character. Children can join from age 2 at this independent school in Suffolk, where nursery provision forms part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The school occupies a 3-acre campus. This is a school nursery, with its own sessions, rather than simply a younger version of the prep school day.

Children’s interests help shape the intended learning. The early years team aims to use their ideas and questions to guide activities across seven areas of development. For parents, that means learning extends beyond early academic skills: talking, movement and growing independence matter too.

In February 2024, ISI found that early years activities supported development across the curriculum, with particular attention to language, communication and physical skills. Indoors and outdoors, examples included making Valentine’s cards, constructing dens and practising balance. These give children different kinds of physical challenge, from controlling small hand movements to coordinating their whole body.

The physical activities had visible results that February: early years children showed dexterity with scissors and glue. Adults also provided examples of how to treat others, which children followed with their peers. Confidence extended to both choosing their own play and joining in with staff. Assessment of progress was established within early years too. For parents, these findings connect practical learning with social development and growing independence.

The nursery team includes a manager who also leads EYFS, alongside a nursery practitioner. In February 2024, early years children had suitable supervision and staffing ratios. Safeguarding arrangements were followed and staff had appropriate training. These are useful foundations for parents weighing how care operates alongside learning.

Lunch can be part of the session. It is included with full-day attendance and with mornings that finish at 12:30, so families choosing those patterns need not arrange a separate paid lunch. Across the school, hot meals are cooked on site each day; produce from the school garden is used when possible. Children may alternatively bring a packed lunch.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a place in the school’s Reception class. Confirm Reception application requirements and timing with the school. Families should treat this as a separate decision from choosing nursery sessions; familiarity with the school does not itself secure the next place.

Morning attendance runs from 8:30 to 11:30, with a longer option continuing to 12:30 and including lunch. Afternoon sessions run from 12:30 to 15:30, and a full-day option includes lunch. The distinction matters: the longer morning adds a meal as well as another hour.

The nursery accepts 30 hours of Early Years Funding per week for eligible under-5s, with eligibility determined by Suffolk County Council’s date-of-birth rules. Funded sessions run on weekdays during term time, from 8:30 to 11:30 or 12:30 to 15:30. Families therefore need to match their preferred attendance pattern to those funding windows. Tax-Free Childcare payments are also accepted. Ask the office for current charges and a personalised quotation.

Individual visits can fit around family schedules. To arrange one, complete the visit enquiry form or telephone 01502 741150. This gives parents a practical opportunity to see the nursery operating and discuss the session pattern they want.