The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at St Faith's 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 class capped at 16 children gives St Faith's Preschool a small-group identity within a much larger school. For children aged three to four, it forms part of the Pre Prep department in Cambridge. Provision is teacher-led, with the early years classroom and outdoor space offering families a taste of the setting through Pop-in & Play sessions.
The practical character is clear: this is a term-time preschool, with attendance normally built around a full week. Families considering fewer days need to weigh the minimum charging pattern alongside the activities their child would attend.
Indoor learning and outdoor play both feature in the Pre Prep sample day. Its timetable places registration at 08:25, followed by learning from 08:30 to 15:20, with a morning snack and play break at 10:15. This is a sample for the department, rather than a separate Preschool timetable, but it shows the school-day rhythm surrounding the youngest class.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives the school's entry observations their framework. In parent language, the focus is on communicating, developing relationships and managing feelings, alongside physical development. Staff look for children exploring ideas, persisting with activities and thinking for themselves during play. These observations shape how the team gets to know a prospective child; they are distinct from a daily lesson plan.
Pop-in & Play provides a more concrete introduction: children can spend an hour playing in the early years classroom and outdoor space while parents meet the Early Years Team. That gives families a shared experience of the spaces before joining.
Settling starts before the first school day. After accepting a place, families have a home visit, and a visit to an existing setting may also be arranged. Settling sessions usually include one attended with a parent and another independently, giving children a staged introduction to being apart.
Within Pre Prep, the class teacher takes responsibility for overall welfare and is the first contact for questions. Teaching assistants provide another adult in the classroom. Lunch is included in school fees, while a catering team member oversees allergies and food intolerances.
For children with special educational needs or disabilities, the Pre Prep Learning Support Coordinator oversees EYFS provision and discusses concerns with parents alongside the early years and class teams. Support must match what the school can reasonably provide: progression remains conditional on its ability to meet the child's needs.
Preschool attendance brings priority for Reception admission here. In most cases, children receive an offer without another assessment, but attendance does not give an unconditional guarantee: continued progression depends on the school being able to meet each child's needs under its Admissions Policy.
For families applying at Reception from outside the Preschool, the route is the school's admissions portal, followed by a small-group observation session. The internal progression arrangement and the external application process should be understood separately.
Attendance and charges. Preschool operates in term time, with separate paid holiday and wraparound options. Alternative attendance patterns depend on space, and billing covers at least four days each week even if a child attends less. Contact the school for current charges.
Funding. St Faith's does not accept Early Years funding. Eligible costs can be paid using Tax-Free Childcare, including Preschool and the Little Wyverns Holiday Club.
Later collection. Pre Prep Late Stay runs from 15:20 to 17:45, using a Reception classroom and outdoor play, with a light snack during the afternoon. This extends the school day for families needing later collection.
Book a Preschool tour through admissions@stfaiths.co.uk or 01223 229421. Looking further ahead, the announced merger with The Leys takes effect in September 2028; early years provision is planned to remain on the present St Faith's site.
It is for children aged three to four. Entry can take place at the start of a term or half term following a child's third birthday, except in the second half of the Summer Term.
It confers priority, and an offer is usually made without further assessment. Progression is conditional on the school's ability to meet the child's needs, so it is not an unconditional guarantee.
Alternative arrangements may be considered if places allow. Fees are invoiced for a minimum of four days per week regardless of attendance.
No. Families can use Tax-Free Childcare for eligible Preschool and extended care costs.
Contact Admissions to book a tour. Pop-in & Play sessions also allow parents and children to play together in the early years classroom and outdoor space and meet the team.
