Cheltenham College Nursery School

Outdoor learning gives this nursery its clearest connection to the wider Prep: Cheltenham Prep includes outdoor learning for every child. The Nursery School welcomes children aged 3 to 4 and belongs to Cheltenham Prep, alongside Pre-Prep and The Prep. It is an early step within the school's education, with its own nursery entry point.

Learning extends outdoors across Cheltenham Prep, including its youngest children. The school aims to develop children's curiosity and help them discover their strengths. For a nursery family, that places exploration alongside the practical business of choosing childcare: the educational purpose matters as well as the hours booked.

A funded attendance pattern consists of two days each week under the 15-hour Government scheme. That gives families a concrete way to combine nursery attendance here with care elsewhere, subject to the funding limits below.

Learning support needs form part of registration. Families give details of support their child needs or has received, covering areas including communication-related conditions, sensory needs, physical needs and emotional or social difficulties. They can upload a MyPlan or similar supporting documents and consent to contact between the learning support team and their child's current setting. This creates an opportunity to explain individual needs before entry.

Health information is gathered too, including allergies, medical conditions and significant mental health concerns. Parents can request contact from the Health Centre team to discuss support. Sharing those details gives the school information with which to assess whether it can appropriately support the child's education; registration itself is not an offer of a place.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact Prep admissions to confirm the Reception application requirements and deadline.

Reception is a distinct entry choice alongside Nursery School. The Prep admissions team handles enquiries across these stages, so families can discuss Reception requirements with the same team while keeping nursery attendance and a Reception offer separate.

Funded hours. Children aged 3 to 4 can use up to 15 hours of Government-funded childcare each week here, either taking that allowance at the nursery or dividing it with another provider. Families entitled to 30 hours can use up to 15 here and the remainder elsewhere. Plan the childcare week around that limit.

For children attending only the two funded days each week under the 15-hour scheme, neither a registration payment nor an acceptance deposit is required. Ask the school for current charges when considering attendance beyond that arrangement.

Tax-Free Childcare can be used towards nursery fees. Eligibility requires the child to be under 11 and living with the parent; the scheme provides another practical payment route for qualifying families.

Enquiries can be made through the school enquiry form or directly to Prep admissions at prepadmissions@cheltenhamcollege.org, on 01242 265639. Individual Prep tours run on weekdays during term time, usually in the morning, and typically take 1.5 to 2 hours. They include facilities and grounds, conversations with staff and the chance to meet the Head of Pre-Prep or Prep Head. Registration uses the Nursery to Year 8 form, with an individual submission for each child.