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Nursery at Newtown 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Den building, porridge play and playground searches for winter give Newtown’s Pre-School a practical, exploratory character. Firecrests and Goldcrests are its named classes, within Newtown School on Berkhampstead Road in Chesham. The provision starts at age two: capacity is 48 places for three- and four-year-olds, with eight afternoon-only spaces for two-year-olds. Those younger children have a more restricted attendance pattern.
At the inspection on 15 and 16 July 2025, Ofsted graded the school’s early years provision Good. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play gives children concrete things to investigate. Firecrests’ class activities include exploring ice indoors and looking for seasonal changes around the playgrounds. Activities based on Goldilocks include porridge play and making differently sized beds for the bears, connecting the story with sensory exploration and size comparisons. Children also choose songs during rhyme time, giving them a say in the group’s music.
Outside, climbing equipment provides opportunities to practise jumping and balance. Den building carries on outdoors, while ball games, crawling and running add different physical challenges. Creative examples include lantern making and painting a dragon outdoors for Chinese New Year. Other Firecrests activities have included poppy printing, rangoli art and making clay divas, bringing festival learning into practical creative work. These are specific examples of learning through making, movement and conversation, rather than a promise of a fixed daily timetable.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) approach brings together communication, independence, creativity and learning about the world. Newtown uses Development Matters to plan for children’s developing knowledge and skills. Its early years curriculum also encourages shared projects, questions and problem-solving, so adults can extend an activity through discussion as well as practical exploration.
In July 2025, adult conversations supported early years learning effectively, and practical materials helped children develop secure number skills. The emphasis is on understanding through interaction and activity.
Settling begins with contact beyond the classroom. On 3 September 2026, Pre-School was closed for home visits to children joining the setting. That gives families a point of contact with staff before classroom attendance. The staffing structure includes a Firecrests room leader, a Goldcrests teacher and an EYFS leading teaching assistant.
Fruit and milk are provided as daily snacks; children bring a labelled water bottle. For a full day, families choose between a packed lunch and a charged meal from The Kids Lunch Company. Lunch therefore needs to be part of the full-day plan.
Across Newtown, SEND support generally takes place in groups, with individual support described as unusual even for children with Education and Health Care Plans. This is a useful distinction for families considering how support will work. Staff receive safeguarding training annually. Early years children were managing emotions and behaviour successfully in July 2025, supporting their participation in learning and play.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through Buckinghamshire Council, including those whose children already attend Newtown’s Pre-School. Treat the nursery place and the later school application as separate decisions.
Three- and four-year-olds can attend five mornings, from 8:25am to 11:25am, or five afternoons, from 12:05pm to 3:05pm. Eligible families whose children start school in the following academic year can access the 30-hour funded pattern, with a day running from 8:25am to 2:25pm. Younger children are offered 15 hours, organised as three hours daily.
An optional, charged extension runs until 3:05pm. Extended hours and school meals are billed through ParentPay, with an invoice each term. Contact the school for current charges.
Pre-School registration goes directly to Newtown using its form and a copy of the child’s full birth certificate. Entry points are September, January and April, depending on age. Visits can be arranged through the office: email office@newtown.education or telephone 01494 783713.
Children can join from age two. There are eight afternoon-only spaces for two-year-olds and capacity for 48 three- and four-year-olds.
Morning sessions run from 8:25am to 11:25am and afternoons from 12:05pm to 3:05pm. The full 30-hour funded day is 8:25am to 2:25pm, with a charged extension until 3:05pm.
Newtown offers it to eligible families whose children will start school in the next academic year. Younger children are currently offered 15 hours, arranged as three hours a day.
Bring a named water bottle. Fruit and milk are supplied daily. Children staying all day need either a packed lunch or a charged school meal from The Kids Lunch Company.
No. Parents must apply separately through Buckinghamshire Council, even if their child already attends Newtown’s Pre-School.
