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Nursery at Gosfield 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Cub Woods gives Gosfield’s nursery day a distinctive direction: children explore the grounds with staff trained in Forest School, alongside play and learning in their own outdoor space. Mud and discovery have a place here. The nursery occupies purpose-built accommodation at Meadow Court, shared with the Prep School, and welcomes children aged 2–4 during term time.
Teacher-led planning is another defining feature. A qualified teacher leads early years, supported by a Nursery Manager and nursery practitioners, bringing a teaching structure to these first experiences of school.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), using Development Matters, combines early number and literacy learning with communication, movement, creativity and understanding the world. Personal and emotional development receives extra attention in a child’s first term. Listening to others, joining a group and developing independence are practical priorities, so the start is about learning how to participate as well as what to learn.
Half-term themes give activities a focus. Children paint, build, cook, try role play and listen to stories, with adult-led activities alongside choices they make themselves. Free-flow learning gives them further opportunities to follow an interest while staff record developmental milestones.
Weekly specialist sessions add Spanish, music, PE and dance. Songs and instruments sit alongside movement and language activities, giving children several ways to take part. Outdoors, Forest School and trips into Cub Woods extend exploration beyond the nursery’s own play space.
In September 2025, ISI found that early-years teaching supported good progress, with communication and language a particular strength. Children’s chosen activities and outdoor exploration helped develop curiosity and confidence. That makes the balance between planned teaching and independent play a meaningful feature of the day.
Settling sessions form part of joining the nursery, giving children an introduction before their place is offered. Gosfield recommends at least three sessions each week, using half or full days, to help children settle and build relationships with the Early Years Team. This is a recommendation rather than a stated minimum booking requirement.
Parents receive learning updates through Tapestry, the online journal used to track development, and a weekly nursery newsletter covering activities and topics. These give families concrete starting points for conversations about what their child has been doing.
Lunch and snacks are prepared by the catering team. After lunch, children who need it can sleep, rest or have quiet time, allowing the pace to ease before further activity. Food preparation. In September 2025, early-years food preparation procedures did not take account of every potential risk. Leaders were recommended to review food preparation processes so that potential risks were assessed and mitigated; families should consider this concern alongside the meal arrangements.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families apply separately for Reception through the school’s Admissions Team; those applying through the nursery loyalty scheme receive a Reception registration form from that team. Treat the next place as a separate decision and application.
Classroom familiarity is a different matter. From the spring term of Pre-Reception, children make monthly visits to the Reception classroom, meeting staff and exploring the space. This introduces the people and surroundings involved in the next step, separately from securing admission.
All Day runs from 8am to 5pm, Morning from 8am to 1pm, and Afternoon from 1pm to 5pm. Morning and All Day include lunch and a snack; Afternoon includes a snack. A charged Late Session runs from 4pm to 5pm. Fees are paid a term ahead; contact the school for current charges.
Funded hours. Gosfield accepts 15 hours weekly from the term after a child’s third birthday, across 34 weeks annually. These are restricted to five afternoon sessions, from 1pm to 4pm, during term time. Two-year-old entitlement funding is not accepted, so age and the afternoon-only pattern matter when planning childcare. Changes to hours require written notice one month ahead.
Personal tours can be arranged with the Admissions Team at admissions@gosfieldschool.org.uk or 01787 474040. Visits can take place during term time or school holidays, giving families a direct way to explore the nursery and Forest School.
Children aged 2–4 can attend. The nursery operates during term time only.
All Day is 8am–5pm, Morning is 8am–1pm and Afternoon is 1pm–5pm. There is also a funded 1pm–4pm session and a charged Late Session from 4pm–5pm.
Tapestry shares significant learning moments and tracks development. A weekly nursery newsletter covers activities and topics.
From the term after a child turns three, Gosfield accepts 15 hours per week across 34 weeks each year, restricted to five term-time afternoon sessions from 1pm to 4pm. It does not accept two-year-old entitlement funding.
No. Families apply separately through the school’s Admissions Team. Monthly classroom visits begin in the spring term of Pre-Reception to help children become familiar with staff and surroundings.
