Nursery at Bablake 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland learning and early sound blending give Little Explorers its character: Bablake’s nursery combines outdoor activity with the beginnings of reading. Children join from age three, within The Grange Nursery and Pre-Prep in Coventry, on Brownshill Green Road. This is a separate site from the older school, so families should plan their journey around The Grange.
Two nursery classes were recorded at the ISI inspection of 21 to 23 April 2026. The nursery belongs to Bablake’s own provision, with the pre-prep occupying grounds of six acres.
Learning has an academic thread from nursery onwards. In April 2026, the early-years curriculum covered the seven learning areas effectively, with ambitious expectations and planned development of literacy and number skills. In parent terms, learning extends beyond early reading and counting to children’s broader development. Nursery children practise joining sounds together, giving them a concrete starting point for reading.
Outdoor learning contributes to physical development. Woodland activities sit alongside a structured early-years programme that develops both larger movements and finer hand control. The grounds therefore have a learning role as well as providing space outdoors.
Social learning is equally concrete. During the same inspection period, early-years children shared resources and waited for turns, supported by adults demonstrating these behaviours. They cared for plants and showed kindness to each other. Taking turns as the helper gives children a small responsibility they can understand and carry out.
Shopping role play introduces money through pretend transactions. Children also learn about people’s jobs and community helpers, while visitors introduce festivals, religions and cultures. These activities connect classroom learning with people and experiences beyond school.
Snack and lunch supervision has specific safeguards. In April 2026, an appropriately trained adult was present whenever early-years children ate, and staff supporting this age group held paediatric first-aid qualifications. Regular supervision meetings also gave early-years staff a route to raise concerns and discuss training.
Safeguarding checks. The April 2026 findings included failures in recruitment reference verification and unmet safeguarding and leadership standards across the school; the unmet requirements explicitly included an EYFS recruitment rule. References were not consistently checked by someone with suitable authority, and governors’ oversight was ineffective. Families should weigh this concern alongside the positive findings about children’s daily learning and care.
Lunch comes with the paid midday session. Parents supply nappies, wipes and personal-hygiene items, so these need to be included in preparation for the nursery day. After a place has been formally accepted, families receive information to support their child’s start at The Grange.
Attending Bablake’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate admissions decision, rather than assuming that nursery attendance secures the next stage.
For entry at age four, Bablake’s pre-prep admissions route uses an online application, followed by an offer and formal acceptance. Applications go directly through the school’s process. Keep that decision distinct from choosing a nursery attendance pattern.
The nursery’s 2025/26 arrangements offered funded mornings from 8:30am to 11:30am. Funding began in the term after a child’s third birthday, with up to 15 hours each week and a yearly maximum of 570 hours. Paid additions covered midday, 11:30am to 1pm with lunch, and afternoons from 1pm to 3:30pm. Families could combine sessions, but their chosen pattern had to be booked ahead and remain fixed for the term.
Those arrangements also included charged wraparound care from 7:45am to 8:30am and 3:30pm to 6pm during term time. An external provider ran holiday provision separately. Refer to the school for current charges. Full uniform was optional for nursery children, although many wore it.
Contact Pre-Prep Admissions at admissions@csfoundation.org.uk or 024 7627 1190. Personal tours can be booked through the Pre-Prep tour form. Stay and Play runs on term-time Wednesdays, from 9:30am to 10:30am, giving families an opportunity to become familiar with The Grange before choosing a place.
Children can join Nursery from age three at The Grange Nursery and Pre-Prep.
No. Reception should be treated as a separate admissions decision. Bablake’s pre-prep application route is directly through the school’s online application process.
The 2025/26 arrangements placed funded hours in the 8:30am to 11:30am morning session, starting in the term after the child’s third birthday. The allowance was up to 15 hours weekly, with a maximum of 570 hours annually.
Lunch is included in the paid midday session. Families provide nappies, wipes and other personal-hygiene items.
The April 2026 ISI inspection identified shortcomings in recruitment reference checks and governors’ oversight. Safeguarding and leadership standards were unmet, including an EYFS requirement concerning recruitment references.
