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Nursery at Pilgrims Pre-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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A bird hide, a mud kitchen and books to explore independently give Pilgrims’ youngest children plenty to investigate. This is the early years provision at Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School on Brickhill Drive, Bedford, covering three months to four years. Little Pilgrims serves the under-twos, Kindergarten takes children aged two to three, and Pre-School caters for three- to four-year-olds.
The provision operates within the school but is separately registered with Ofsted. At its March 2026 visit, ISI recorded 109 places in the registered setting. That figure belongs to the nursery provision, rather than the whole school.
Play and adult guidance work together. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning and care, while Pilgrims uses Skills Based Planning: activities develop children’s abilities through practical experiences. Tummy time starts the youngest children’s learning; storytelling, problem-solving and conversations about choices follow as they grow.
Outdoors, children watch wildlife from the bird hide and plant seeds through gardening club. Building a piping system together gives them a problem to solve, then the pleasure of watching balls travel through their construction. Indoors, quiet book spaces let children look independently, while adults help them invent characters and retell events. These are concrete ways to practise language, cooperation and exploration.
Swimming begins in Kindergarten, with a weekly lesson of around 20 minutes; Pre-School sessions last 30 minutes. Younger swimmers use a shallow pool to become comfortable in water. Pre-School also has a weekly music visit, adding another way to listen, move and participate.
The day includes a mid-morning snack, lunch and, for children staying later, tea at 4pm. Room noticeboards display routines, giving families a reference for the shape of their child’s day.
Teaching to consider. In March 2026, the early years inspection identified activities that sometimes exceeded younger children’s existing skills, including creative tools they could not yet use purposefully and maths questions beyond their understanding. Strengthening younger children’s mathematics and matching activities more consistently to prior learning were the next steps. This matters most for families choosing the younger rooms.
Familiar routines help babies settle. Staff follow care patterns from home for babies and younger children, and the key person provides reassurance as they explore. Relationships with parents allow care to change alongside children’s needs. A family photograph or comforter can also help very young children feel connected to home.
Famly carries observations, accident information and other messages across the early years departments. Families also have consultation evenings and end-of-year reports. Meals are prepared fresh each day; School Day bookings include lunch, while Extended Day bookings include breakfast and tea too.
Support for children with SEND includes adapted interactions and activities, with specialist teachers training staff in individual strategies. Picture cards, signing and visual timetables help children communicate and anticipate the next activity, including those learning English as an additional language. Safeguarding requirements were met in March 2026. The school makes clear that support depends on the school’s ability to meet an individual child’s needs, so families should discuss these during registration.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Pilgrims’ admissions policy gives current Pre-School children priority ahead of external Reception applicants, through its Main School priority window. This is a separate process with a separate parental contract, and ongoing developmental observations inform whether the child is ready for Pilgrims’ Reception.
During the first half of autumn term, Pre-School parents receive the timeline and are asked to confirm their interest. Families seeking a different school use that school’s process or the local authority’s admissions route. Transition visits introduce children to their new room or classroom and staff; this practical preparation is separate from the decision to offer a place.
Choose between School Day, 8.45am to 3.30pm, and Extended Day, 8am to 6pm. Minimum attendance is two sessions weekly in Little Pilgrims and Kindergarten, or three in Pre-School. Pilgrims Term provides a term-time option; Annual Term covers additional weeks. Collection follows the booked session, with closure at 6pm.
Funding pattern. The 30-hour entitlement is restricted to eligible families booking Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, across 50 weeks. Funding is stretched and credited against fees; meals and daily consumables are included. A valid HMRC code needs reconfirming every three months. The universal 15-hour entitlement applies to eligible booked sessions during funded weeks. All places are paid places, with funding contributing towards charges. Contact admissions for current charges.
Bank holidays, staff training days and the Christmas shutdown interrupt attendance. Reducing or ending a booking requires a full term’s written notice. Uniform starts in Kindergarten, with No Limitz and Pilgrims Parents’ second-hand sales supplying it. Arrange a family visit through admissions@pilgrims-school.org.uk or 01234 369555.
The early years provision covers three months to four years, through Little Pilgrims, Kindergarten and Pre-School.
School Day runs from 8.45am to 3.30pm; Extended Day runs from 8am to 6pm. Minimum weekly attendance varies by department.
The universal 15-hour entitlement can contribute to eligible booked sessions during funded weeks. Pilgrims’ 30-hour model requires Monday to Friday Extended Day attendance across 50 weeks.
No. Current Pre-School children receive priority ahead of external applicants through a separate priority-window process, subject to the school’s admission requirements.
The early years departments use Famly for observations, accidents, incidents and other communication. Consultation evenings and end-of-year reports also keep parents informed.
