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Nursery at Northbourne Park 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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, gardens and the Old Rectory give Squirrels Nursery its character. Part of Northbourne Park School’s Pre-Prep in Betteshanger, Deal, this provision serves children aged 2 to 4. Children can begin from the half term after their second birthday, giving families a specific starting point rather than an immediate birthday entry.
The nursery belongs to the school’s early years department. At the April to May 2025 ISI inspection, that department comprised a nursery class and a Reception class, with 38 children across the two. That is a combined early years roll, rather than a nursery places figure.
Play carries the learning. In April to May 2025, early years teaching combined activities guided by adults with play that developed children’s language, independence and ability to solve problems. This is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in practical terms: children learn through conversation, exploration and doing things for themselves. Adults use questions that invite more than a short answer, helping children explain their ideas.
Specialist teaching in Music, French and Forest School adds distinct strands to the Nursery and Pre-Prep timetable. The Old Rectory sits among woodland, with gardens and woods available for exploration. Outdoor learning extends classroom activity: children investigate together, practise judging manageable risks and develop their observation through play in nature.
Small responsibilities matter too. Early years children help with snacks and put shared spaces in order, building cooperation through ordinary routines. Role play introduces recognising coins and making purchases, giving early mathematical ideas a familiar purpose.
A settling-in session takes place before children start. Families can tour with their child and meet nursery staff beforehand, so the first session follows an opportunity to get acquainted. The team includes a Nursery Room Leader with Early Years Teacher Status and an EYFS Nursery Practitioner.
In April to May 2025, teaching in the early years responded to individual needs through changes to the task, pace and language. Staffing ratios were appropriate, and paediatric first-aid training was represented among early years staff. These are useful foundations for children who need different kinds of help during the day.
Learning Support staff discuss needs with parents before entry. Where required, specialist teachers provide individual or small-group support, with a Provision Plan reviewed with parents each term. Additional support agreed with parents is charged separately. Lunch and a break appear in the shared Nursery and Pre-Prep timetable at 12.30pm.
Risk assessment review. In April to May 2025, school leaders did not consistently revisit assessments after near misses or educational visits. Strengthening that review was a recommended action, relevant to families considering a provision where outdoor exploration features prominently.
Attending Squirrels Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Existing nursery families should confirm with the admissions team what paperwork is required to continue into Reception.
For Reception applicants, the process involves a family visit, a Provisional Entry Form and a taster day. If visiting is not possible, a video call is arranged with the family and child. A formal offer follows the taster day or call, with final entry paperwork afterwards. Familiarity with the school should therefore be kept separate from securing the next place.
Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 1.00pm; full days finish at 4.00pm after the same start time. A full-time pattern comprises five full days. The shared Nursery and Pre-Prep timetable also includes breakfast service from 8.00am and late service from 4.00pm to 6.00pm, extending the possible care window beyond the core session.
Both termly and 48-week provision accept 15-hour and 30-hour funding. Fees can be paid monthly or before each term begins; nursery registration involves an administration fee and a refundable deposit. Ask the school for current charges when choosing a pattern.
Enquiries go to admissions@northbournepark.com or 01304 611215. A visit or introductory video call can be booked, allowing families to discuss their child’s needs with the team.
Children aged 2 to 4 attend. They may start from the half term after turning 2.
Morning sessions are 8.30am to 1.00pm, and full days are 8.30am to 4.00pm. Full-time attendance comprises five full days.
Yes. Both 15-hour and 30-hour funding are accepted for termly and 48-week provision.
Children are invited to a settling-in session before their start date. Families can also visit with their child and meet nursery staff.
No. Existing nursery families should confirm with the admissions team what paperwork is required to continue into Reception.
