Brentwood School Nursery Review

Stories, songs and outdoor exploration give Brentwood’s Foundation year its character: an introduction to school where learning to talk, share and do things independently sits alongside early literacy. This is the nursery provision within Brentwood School’s Preparatory School, with entry for children who have turned three by 31st August in their joining year.

At the ISI inspection of 2 to 4 December 2025, Foundation had 48 children across three classes. That is a dated picture of the cohort, rather than a statement of available places. Families can choose a morning pattern, a mixture of mornings and full days, or full-time attendance, making the length of the week a practical part of the choice.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines early learning with the personal skills children need for school life. In December 2025, early-years activities were planned around children’s development and interests, with adults demonstrating language and introducing vocabulary to stretch their thinking. Stories and singing supported communication and literacy; physical activities and everyday routines developed movement and independence.

Learning takes place outdoors as well as inside. Creative play and stations for practising small hand movements give children opportunities to explore materials, work together and concentrate on a task. These are useful foundations for managing practical activities themselves. Across the early years in December 2025, children showed independence, enjoyment and sustained attention.

Foundation has a soft start at 8.40am, followed by registration at 8.55am. Morning provision ends at 11.30am; a full day runs until 3pm. The mixed pattern extends Monday to Wednesday into full days, with shorter mornings on Thursday and Friday. It gives families a defined middle option between five mornings and five full days.

Calm routines and reassuring relationships supported quick settling across the early years at the December 2025 inspection. Staff helped children recognise feelings and practise co-operation, while weekly personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) lessons developed emotional understanding. Sharing resources, waiting for a turn and helping another child were part of learning how to be together.

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) participated fully in early-years activities. The Preparatory School has a Head of Learning Support and SENDCo covering ages 3 to 11. The school says support is agreed with families within its capacity and facilities, so individual needs belong in that discussion. Early-years staff also received current first aid training in December 2025.

Lunches are included in the school fees, alongside resources and enrichment activities, including compulsory trips. This makes meals part of the core charge rather than a separate lunch purchase.

Foundation attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm internal progression arrangements with the Prep Admissions Team. For families applying at the Reception entry point, registration is through OpenApply by 1st November. Reception applicants take part in activities in class; offers are communicated in mid-December, with acceptance by mid-January.

Additional Reception places are open places, and siblings receive no preference at that entry point. Families should keep the admissions decision distinct from the confidence and independence children develop during Foundation.

Attendance pattern. Foundation offers five mornings, three full days plus two mornings, or five full days. Initial part-time attendance must be agreed in the offer letter; charges are then proportional to that arrangement.

Longer days. Term-time wraparound is an option for Foundation children from 7.30am to 6pm, charged separately per session. Families needing care beyond the Foundation day should factor that additional charge into their plans.

Funding and payment. The school does not accept Tax-Free Childcare or the Government’s 30-hour free childcare scheme. Legacy workplace Child Care Vouchers are accepted for early-years fees only up to the child’s fifth birthday. Annual fees are collected in three equal termly instalments. Contact the school for current charges.

For enquiries, contact the Prep Admissions Team at prepadmissions@brentwood.essex.sch.uk or 01277 243291. Tours and Open Morning visits can be booked before registration.