King Henry VIII School Nursery Review

Drawing club, pretend shopping and outdoor exploration give King Henry VIII School’s nursery at The Grange a day built around talk, imagination and growing independence. King Henry VIII School’s nursery welcomes children from age three and belongs to The Grange, its nursery and pre-prep provision on Brownshill Green Road in Coventry. This is a separate site from the junior and senior schools, an important distinction when planning the family journey.

In April 2026, the nursery comprised one class. The provision’s character comes through most clearly in its early-years teaching: reassuring routines sit alongside guided play and opportunities to try unfamiliar activities.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together children’s learning and their personal, physical and emotional development. Here, conversation runs through organised activities and adult-guided play. In April 2026, ISI found that early-years language teaching helped children develop confidence in speaking and understanding, with suitable teaching of letters and sounds.

Drawing club combines stories with imaginative pictures, giving children something to discuss and a way to build their own narratives. Pretend shopping introduces exchange and spending while children practise considerate behaviour. These are concrete ways to connect language with everyday situations.

Classroom learning is complemented by outdoor areas where children explore and develop independence. Activities encourage curiosity and the confidence to attempt something new. Specialist instruction also covers swimming, games and PE; in April 2026, children were making good progress through this teaching. Physical development has a distinct place alongside storytelling and play.

Settling rests on predictable, calm routines and attentive reassurance from staff. In April 2026, relationships with familiar adults helped early-years children feel confident enough to join new activities. Children remained within adults’ sight and hearing throughout activities, and early-years staff had the required qualifications for supervision, including paediatric first aid.

Under the 2025/26 nursery arrangements, lunch forms part of the paid midday session. Families can register for daily milk until their child turns five, and supply nappies, wipes and personal hygiene items themselves. Those provisions make the division between nursery care and family supplies clear.

Safeguarding concerns. The April 2026 ISI inspection found effective safeguarding practice within early years, supported by staff supervision meetings each term, but school-wide safeguarding standards were unmet. Recruitment references had not all been checked by appropriately authorised people, and oversight was inadequate. Admission-register management and notifications to the local authority about children joining or leaving also required correction; unmet requirements included EYFS safety and recruitment provisions. Families should weigh these failures alongside the positive findings about daily early-years care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception applications use the school’s online pre-prep admissions process. Existing nursery families should confirm their required next steps directly with admissions.

The process involves an application, an offer initially made verbally and then confirmed in writing, and formal acceptance. Reception admission is therefore a distinct decision from choosing nursery sessions. Familiar relationships and increasing independence help prepare children for further learning, but should not be confused with an admissions entitlement.

The 2025/26 arrangements divide attendance into weekday mornings from 8.30am to 11.30am, a midday session from 11.30am to 1pm including lunch, and afternoons from 1pm to 3.30pm. Families can combine sessions, with their pattern booked ahead and fixed for the term. A full day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm.

Funded provision in those arrangements covers up to 15 hours weekly for three- and four-year-olds, capped at 570 hours annually, beginning in the term after the third birthday. Funding is assigned to morning sessions. Midday and afternoon sessions carry charges, as does wraparound care from 7.45am to 8.30am and 3.30pm to 6pm. Provision is term-time only; an external provider runs a separately charged holiday club. Ask the school for current charges.

Full school uniform is optional for nursery children. To enquire or arrange a personal tour of The Grange, contact pre-prep admissions on 024 7627 1190 or admissions@csfoundation.org.uk. The personal-tour form includes a pre-prep option, helping families book for the relevant provision.