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Nursery at Ursuline 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland challenges and children voting on their activities gave Ursuline Preparatory School’s early years provision a character beyond classroom preparation at the October and November 2023 inspection. Children join from age three at this independent, mixed Catholic school in Warley, Brentwood. At the October and November 2023 inspection, the early years provision shared a building with the preparatory school, placing nursery life within the wider school setting.
At the ISI inspection of 31 October to 2 November 2023, early years comprised two nursery classes and a Reception class. Each school class has a maximum of 20 pupils. That is a class-size limit, rather than a nursery-only roll figure.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines early number and literacy learning with communication, choices and working together. In October and November 2023, children made good progress across its curriculum and spoke confidently about their learning, using a broad vocabulary. Activities involved shared decisions: children sometimes voted on what they wanted to do. Their preferences had a practical role in the day.
Indoor classrooms and outdoor learning spaces supported exploration, with a woodland area providing challenges for children to investigate together. Adults set the problems; children collaborated on solutions. This gives outdoor time a learning purpose as well as space to work alongside friends.
Animal encounters add a concrete example of topic learning. In May 2025, Zoolab visited the Pre-Reception, Reception and Kindergarten classes for their minibeasts topic. Children examined animals, handled them and learned about their care, asking questions and developing vocabulary through direct experience.
Catholic participation also reaches the youngest classes. Pre-Reception children joined an Ash Wednesday service described in 2024, with its focus on considering others and preparing for Easter. For families choosing this nursery, faith is part of shared school life.
In October and November 2023, early years safeguarding procedures were followed carefully, staffing ratios met children’s needs and adults maintained regular contact with parents about progress. Support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) was effective within early years. These findings connect care with learning: classroom resources and adult support helped children participate.
Every class has at least a teacher and a teaching assistant, with higher staffing ratios in EYFS. At the October and November 2023 inspection, all staff received regular paediatric first-aid training, including those working in early years.
Food accompanies the optional care sessions. Breakfast and afternoon snacks include fruit, toast and juice; parents must flag allergies or dietary requirements when booking. Break-time drinks offer water, milk or juice, with no separate termly refreshment charge.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception admission requirements, the application route and any deadline with the school. Familiarity with the school and entitlement to a place are separate questions.
Before-school care runs from 8am to 8:40am, while after-school care runs from 3pm to 5:15pm. Both require booking through the office at least 24 hours ahead and carry additional charges. Availability is capped to maintain staffing ratios, so these sessions need advance planning.
After-school care uses a basement classroom. Families can use the car park for care-session drop-off and collection, accessing the building through the side gate; collection includes signing the child out.
Eligible three- and four-year-olds who claim Early Years Entitlement receive the fee adjustment associated with 15 hours per week. Contact the school for current charges. Uniform comes from Havering School Wear, with nearly new items also available through the PFA. Tours can be booked on 01277 227152 or through the contact form.
Children can join Ursuline Preparatory School from age three.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place, and Reception admission should be treated as a separate process.
At the October and November 2023 inspection, early years children used outdoor learning areas, including woodland where they investigated challenges together.
Before-school care runs from 8am to 8:40am and after-school care from 3pm to 5:15pm. Book through the office at least 24 hours in advance; additional charges apply.
Eligible children aged three or four who claim the entitlement receive a fee adjustment associated with 15 hours per week.
