Dean Close Preparatory School Nursery Review

Forest School, French and time on the playing fields give Dean Close's early years provision a distinctly school-based rhythm. Children can join from 2 years old, with the nursery sitting within the Pre-Prep section of Dean Close Preparatory School in Cheltenham. This is an independent school nursery, with school spaces and specialist teaching woven into its provision.

At the February 2024 inspection, there were two Nursery classes. That gives a useful picture of the provision's organisation at that time, rather than a measure of current availability.

Outdoor learning has two named strands: weekly Forest School visits led by specialists, and sessions in the onsite Forest Garden. Games use the playing fields, while the Pre-Prep hall accommodates PE alongside music and movement. Children therefore have opportunities to move between outdoor activity and learning indoors, rather than spending their sessions in one room.

Music and French have specialist teachers. Weekly library visits add another school space to the early years routine, alongside play organised around accessible resources. For parents, the distinctive feature is the combination of play with specialist input, rather than a timetable built solely around classroom activities.

In February 2024, ISI found that early years children progressed well through teaching adapted to their needs, with activities supporting imaginative thinking and language development. Personal, social and emotional learning also helped children understand and respect others. In everyday terms, learning here includes expressing ideas, developing physical skills and practising how to play together.

Lunch is a freshly prepared hot meal, included in the early years fees. Fruit snacks, water and milk are included too, making food and drinks part of the booked provision rather than separate routine additions.

The February 2024 early years findings describe staff establishing open relationships with children and using rewards to encourage positive behaviour. Planned activities helped children interact calmly and cooperatively. Support also developed children's ability to recognise their feelings and manage their responses, giving social learning a practical role in the nursery day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception admission procedures and any application deadline with the Pre-Prep admissions team.

Treat the nursery choice as a decision about your child's early years experience. A place now should not be taken as confirmation of a place at the next stage.

Attendance is term-time, with full-time and part-time options and a minimum booking of four sessions each week. Families book their sessions at the beginning of the term; additional sessions taken later are billed afterwards. Absence, including illness, remains chargeable. This makes the initial booking a practical commitment, rather than a week-by-week arrangement.

Part-session attendance is restricted to children attending solely for their free early years entitlement, and those places are limited. Families considering that option need to account for this restriction when choosing a pattern of attendance. Co-curricular activities can carry additional charges; contact the school for current charges.

For enquiries, contact the Pre-Prep admissions team at preprepadmissions@deanclose.org.uk or on 01242 258079. Personal visits and Open Days can be arranged through admissions, giving families a direct way to explore the nursery before applying. Withdrawal requires written notice covering a full term; otherwise, a full term's fees are charged.