Repton Preparatory School Nursery Review

Indoor play, outdoor exploration and children choosing their next activity give Repton Prep’s nursery its character. It belongs to the school’s Pre-Prep department, alongside the younger primary year groups. A five-day, full-time nursery option is offered for three- and four-year-olds, giving families a regular pattern across the school week.

The March 2024 ISI inspection recorded one Nursery class and found that the early years curriculum supported good progress across the learning areas. That assessment covers the early years provision within the school, rather than a separate nursery grade.

Choice has a practical role here. In March 2024, early years children selected activities, sought help when they needed it and explained their learning accurately. Staff shaped activities around children’s interests, connecting their enthusiasm with work on language, early reading and number skills. Children had opportunities to take the lead.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together these beginnings in learning with physical, social and emotional development. At Repton Prep, the early years centre and its outdoor learning space support both sides of that work. Play equipment helps children practise small hand movements as well as larger movements involving their whole body. Learning takes place inside and outdoors, so physical development is woven into play.

Baking provides a concrete example of learning through activity: early years children made cakes and pretended to sell them to teachers. Visits from fire and police services also introduced early years children to different jobs. These experiences connect classroom learning with familiar actions and people beyond it.

Within the Pre-Prep timetable, a morning snack and break punctuate the day, with lunch in the dining hall at midday. The afternoon ends with a story, assembly or circle time. That gives the day shared routines as well as opportunities for individual choice.

Emotional support is part of the learning day. In March 2024, adults’ relationships with early years children helped them handle feelings and regulate their behaviour. Encouragement and clear expectations supported their social development, giving children guidance as they learnt to manage themselves alongside others.

First-aid and food-hygiene training, together with supervision, supported children’s safety. Early years safeguarding leaders also held weekly meetings and shared information with staff, keeping concerns within an organised team process.

Meals bring younger children together in the dining hall, where they receive close supervision. The catering team prepares home-cooked meals and snacks and accommodates allergies and specific dietary needs. For families managing food requirements, that provision matters beyond the menu itself.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception application requirements and timing with the Prep admissions team. Repton Prep handles applications individually, and its Pre-Prep entry arrangements cover Nursery through to Year 2. Keep the admissions decision distinct from your child’s experience of nursery life.

Pre-Prep children can come from 8am, with registration at 8.45am; the day finishes at 3.45pm. After-school club continues until 6pm. These are the department’s day arrangements, alongside the nursery’s session-based and five-day full-time booking options.

Additional care costs. Nursery lunch with an hour of care is a separate charging category, and nursery after-school care, activities and clubs attract additional charges. Contact the school for current charges when comparing attendance patterns.

For enquiries, contact the Prep admissions team on 01283 707112. Individual family tours can be arranged, offering an opportunity to see the nursery within the wider Pre-Prep setting.