Daiglen School Nursery Review

Real coins in a role-play shop, dough modelling and specialist PE give Daiglen’s early years a practical character. Learning involves conversation, movement and play alongside planned activities. For a young child, that means opportunities to practise skills through doing, rather than listening alone.

Daiglen welcomes children from 3 years old at its independent school and nursery in Buckhurst Hill. The nursery belongs to the school’s early years provision; there was one Nursery class in June 2025. Beside Epping Forest, the school describes its small size as a deliberate choice intended to help each child feel recognised as an individual.

Classroom activities and outdoor play both contribute to early years learning. At the ISI inspection of 17 to 19 June 2025, staff supported children’s development through organised tasks and purposeful play, with resources supporting learning across the curriculum. This gives children different ways to engage with an idea, including talking, handling materials and trying something themselves.

Language receives direct attention. Adults demonstrate how to use words, encourage attentive listening and prompt children to consider their activities. Early years children were confident conversationalists in June 2025. Letter sounds and number work also feature, connecting communication with the beginnings of reading and mathematical understanding.

Physical learning has concrete content. Specialist PE develops jumping, rolling, catching and throwing, while painting, dough work and activities involving scissors and glue exercise hand control. These tasks support both larger movements and the smaller movements children need for everyday classroom work.

The role-play shop brings real coins into number learning. Sharing materials and taking turns also give children practice in cooperation, with daily routines helping them become more independent. The early years emphasis combines learning skills with learning how to participate alongside other children.

Patient, calm interaction is a specific strength of the early years provision evidenced in June 2025. Staff establish predictable routines and help children work together, giving them repeated opportunities to understand fairness and manage shared activities. Care and learning are closely connected here.

Early years leaders guide staff in planning activities and supporting children’s emotional and social development. Required adult-to-child ratios were maintained in June 2025. For families, these findings provide a concrete picture of the organisation behind the play: adult support, consistent routines and attention to children’s developing independence.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception admission arrangements directly with Daiglen before deciding on the nursery.

For enquiries, contact admin@daiglenschool.co.uk or telephone 020 8504 7108. Private tours are available, offering families a way to explore whether the nursery suits their child.

Withdrawal notice. A full term’s written notice is required to withdraw a child who has started at the school; otherwise, a full term’s fees remain payable. Notice must be given before a term begins and expires when that term ends. This makes the timing of a change of plans consequential for families. Contact the school for current charges.