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Nursery at The Perse 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Three full days, play-led learning and a place within the Pelican give The Perse’s nursery its shape. Children join aged three, having reached that birthday by 1 September of their entry year. The nursery belongs to the school’s pre-prep section in Cambridge, on a separate site from its older sections.
Up to 32 nursery places are offered each year, while sessions cater for around 24 children. These are different measures: the annual intake and the number attending a session. The stated staffing ratio is one adult for eight children. ISI’s inspection of 24 to 26 February 2026 described the early years as a peaceful setting where activities supported children’s learning and emotional development.
The timetable gives the day a clear rhythm. Children head to classrooms at 8.35am, with learning under way by 8.45am. EYFS playtime comes at 10.10am and assembly at 10.25am. Nursery lunch starts at noon, afternoon learning begins at 1.15pm and the core day finishes at 3.15pm. A full day therefore includes both morning and afternoon learning, with lunch between them.
Play-based activities sit alongside a deliberate focus on language and number. In the early years, staff use children’s interests to shape activities, while planned work introduces letter sounds, develops vocabulary and puts mathematical ideas into practical use. This gives parents a concrete picture of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): learning to communicate, explore ideas and become more independent through activities suited to young children.
Learning friends and Think Equal add a social dimension. The former helps children practise persistence and independence; the latter develops their understanding of equality and how their behaviour affects others. Nursery children also take part in introductory PES Pathfinders sessions at the Pelican, giving them a taste of the outdoor education programme.
Emotional learning has specific routines. Early-years children practise mindfulness and use Think Equal activities to recognise and discuss feelings. Adults demonstrate considerate behaviour, helping children learn to share resources, wait for a turn and listen to others. These are everyday skills for managing group life.
The nursery fee includes lunch, a morning snack and most school trips, so food is part of the standard day rather than a separate lunch purchase. For children with special educational needs, families should discuss the application with the Pelican before assessment. The school's accessibility plan includes the Pelican within its framework for children aged 3–18, linking support to individual needs.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception has a separate application process: families applying for that year group use the school’s online registration form, with a deadline of 19 October in the year before entry. This is a direct school application route.
The Pelican describes nursery children progressing into Reception alongside external entrants. That continuity does not guarantee a place. Families already attending nursery should confirm their transfer requirements directly with the Pelican.
Attendance starts with a minimum of three full days each week. Four or five days are possible when capacity permits, so a longer weekly pattern depends on space. The school calendar sets the term dates; Club Pelican provides separate holiday childcare for children attending the Pelican.
Larks offers an early start from 8am. After the core day, Owls provides late care, with options ending at 4.15pm or 5.30pm. These services carry additional charges. Club Pelican can be booked by the day or week and includes activities, a hot lunch, morning snack and afternoon tea. Qualified teaching staff from The Perse run the holiday club, providing continuity with the school.
For nursery enquiries, contact pelican@perse.co.uk or call 01223 403940. Personal tours can be booked through the Pelican admissions page. Ask the school for current charges. Bursary support. The Pelican does not offer bursary assistance, so families need to plan for its fees and any extra care they book.
Children must be three by 1 September in their entry year.
Yes. The minimum is three full days; four or five days are possible if space permits.
The nursery fee includes school lunch and a morning snack, as well as most school trips.
No. Reception applications use the school’s online registration process, with a deadline of 19 October in the year before entry.
Club Pelican provides holiday childcare for Pelican children. Families can book individual days or a full week, with care from 8am until 5.30pm.
