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Nursery at The Dulwich School Cranbrook
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Sign language, woodwork and outdoor play give the early years at Dulwich Cranbrook a distinct character. Fledglings and Nursery belong to Nash House, the school's early years section for children aged two to five. This places the youngest children within their own section of a larger independent school in Cranbrook, Kent.
At the ISI inspection of 13 to 15 January 2026, there were 55 children in Nursery. That is an attendance figure for that visit, rather than a number of places available to book. The strongest detail here concerns how children learn: play, communication and growing independence work together.
Purposeful play combines with learning outdoors. In January 2026, early years teaching supported the foundations of reading, writing and mathematics, while activities inside and outside helped children develop movement skills and confidence. In parent terms, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and personal development together rather than treating them as separate parts of the day.
Communication has a distinctive practical tool. All early years staff used signs alongside phonics, helping children connect communication with the sounds of language. Children spoke confidently and expressively to adults and one another. They also understood their own learning targets, giving them a clear sense of what to practise next.
Challenging play equipment, yoga and woodwork added physical activity to the early years programme. These give children different ways to practise control and coordination. Responsibility was practical, too: children took turns leading the line and helped prepare or clear away lunch and activities. Small jobs made taking turns and listening part of ordinary routines. Children also helped decide their classroom agreements in the early years. That brought rules into everyday learning: children had a part in setting expectations, helping them understand right and wrong and respect the rules they shared.
Visits from a veterinary surgeon and emergency services personnel introduced early years children to people who help their local community. The learning extended beyond classroom activities into recognisable jobs and responsibilities.
Story time supported emotional development in January 2026. Staff explored feelings through stories, helping children recognise emotions and explain their own. This gives a child language for expressing feelings as well as opportunities to listen to others.
Early years staffing ratios were appropriate, and staff training included paediatric first aid. These are useful care details for families weighing the provision alongside its learning activities.
For children joining the early years, transition events include craft afternoons. They offer a shared activity during the move into school. Lunch is included for full-day pupils; Nash House also has an optional After School Care Club & Tea, extending care into the later afternoon.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat the nursery choice and Reception admission as separate decisions. Before choosing the nursery, ask the admissions team what existing nursery families must do for Reception entry. Registration itself does not guarantee an offer.
For Reception entry in 2026, the registration deadline was Friday 12 December 2025. That was a past admissions cycle, not a deadline for a future start. Craft afternoons support children joining the early years; they should be understood as transition activities, rather than an admissions advantage.
Five-morning and full-day options apply to Fledglings and Nursery, with flexible session rates for Nursery. Nash House's optional After School Care Club runs until 5.00pm, or until 5.30pm with tea. The later collection option may help families fit care around work.
Early Years Free Entitlement is available. Eligible two- to four-year-olds who qualify for the Free Early Education Scheme and attend beyond their entitlement receive lower fees according to the entitlement used and the length of the term. Ask the school for current charges for the chosen pattern, including optional after-school care.
Enquiries and individual tours can be arranged through the admissions team at admissions@dulwichcranbrook.org. Tours take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, providing a practical opportunity to explore the school during term time.
Fledglings and Nursery are part of Nash House, the early years section for children aged two to five.
The January 2026 early years findings describe purposeful play, outdoor learning, sign language alongside phonics, and activities including yoga and woodwork.
Lunch is included for full-day pupils. Optional Nash House after-school care can also include tea.
Early Years Free Entitlement is available for eligible two- to four-year-olds who qualify for the Free Early Education Scheme. Charges for attendance beyond the entitlement depend on the entitlement taken and term length.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place, and registration does not guarantee an offer. Ask the admissions team what existing nursery families must do for Reception entry.
