Waverley Preparatory School & Day Nursery: Nursery Review

Woodland buggy walks for babies and paint mixing for older children give Waverley's nursery its character: learning starts with things children can touch, move and investigate. The provision serves children aged 0–4 at the independent school in Finchampstead. Nursery 1, Nursery 2, Nursery 3 and Foundation form its preschool provision, with a separate parent contract from the school.

In its 6–8 February 2024 inspection, ISI judged the registered early years provision outstanding overall. That judgement concerns the early years provision, rather than an overall school grade.

Play carries the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum builds communication, physical skills and understanding through children's interests: songs and rhymes develop language, while games introduce counting and early writing. Children have choices about resources and how to use them, giving them practice in making decisions themselves.

Each age group has a room of its own and an outdoor area suited to its stage. The nursery occupies a single storey at ground level, with opportunities to choose between indoor and outdoor play. Gardens and woodland walks make outdoor learning part of the day; babies travel on buggy walks, while older children take part in Forest School.

The detail is reassuringly hands-on. In February 2024, babies explored leaves and wood shavings in trays, while older children experimented with mixing paint. Physical learning progressed from balance bikes to pedalling as children became ready. Soft play and movable blocks offered younger children ways to climb, collaborate and choose their own challenges.

A February 2026 nursery newsletter gives another snapshot: Nursery 2 investigated a pretend coral reef using shells, water and toy fish, while Foundation explored rain with water, shaving foam and food colouring. These activities turn abstract ideas into something children can test and discuss.

Three settling-in sessions take place shortly before a child starts. A key person provides a familiar relationship, and February 2024 findings described children as happy, secure and confident to explore. Pictures help children express feelings; a calm space in each room gives them somewhere to pause when needed.

Personal care also provides time for conversation and connection. Staff sought children's consent before nappy changes and sang during the routine. In Nursery 1 and Nursery 2, nappies, formula, snacks and meals are included, reducing the supplies families need to organise separately.

Parents can contribute observations from home through an online system, helping staff plan around the child's experiences. Stay-and-play sessions also create opportunities to talk with the key person. In February 2024, staff qualifications and supervision supported practice across rooms, and safeguarding was effective, with annual training and questions based on possible safeguarding situations.

Support for additional needs draws on staff expertise and advice from external agencies or the local authority. The Learning Success policy makes admission conditional on being able to provide the required support and excludes very complex needs requiring intensive or specialist treatment. Families should weigh that condition alongside the nursery's support arrangements.

A nursery place does not automatically secure Reception at Waverley. Nursery and school admissions are separate: families seeking a school place must contact the admissions department and complete a separate School Registration Form.

There is a distinct combined nursery-and-school offer for families who want both stages. Under that arrangement, children can progress to the prep school without reapplying; ordinary nursery attendance alone does not confer that entitlement. Regular nursery use of the school library and hall builds familiarity with school spaces, separately from any admission decision.

Care can be booked for term time only or across 51 weeks of the year. Ad hoc sessions are also offered, and the fee structure distinguishes funded children, unfunded children and ad hoc care. Consult the nursery's current charges before accepting an offer.

Enquiries go to admissions@waverleyschool.co.uk or through the Admissions Portal. For a nursery tour, parents first complete the Nursery Application Form; a personal tour is then offered if a place is available. This makes checking the required care pattern an early practical step.