King's Ely Acremont Nursery Review

Creative play and practical responsibility give Acremont its character: the early years children learn through activities such as caring for guinea pigs and working together on model-making. King's Ely Acremont Nursery sits within the independent school's nursery and pre-prep section in Ely, with provision for ages two to four. There were two nursery classes at the March 2025 inspection.

Children normally start in September after their second birthday. Joining nearer the birthday can be discussed with Admissions, so the starting point need not be tied entirely to the school year.

Play has a clear learning purpose here. ISI's inspection of 18 to 20 March 2025 found that early years children progressed well throughout their learning, with creative activities and questioning helping them develop language. Adults introduce vocabulary and ask children to explain their thinking. One example involved children explaining why newly hatched chicks needed to leave an incubator for a warm brooder box: practical experience becomes an opportunity to reason and talk.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with children's social, emotional and physical development. At Acremont, the early years programme includes solving problems together, listening to stories and practising everyday responsibilities. Children constructed a model car with brake lights and windscreen wipers, thinking about what would make it safe. A role-play shop gives them opportunities to use coins. These are concrete ways to connect play with an understanding of the world.

Co-operation is practised in small tasks, too. Children help one another care for guinea pigs, tidy after creative work and put chairs away. Sharing and taking turns are taught alongside these responsibilities, giving children opportunities to contribute to the group.

Settling begins before the start date. Nursery staff arrange three individually tailored sessions, increasing their duration to suit the child. That gives families a gradual introduction rather than making the first full session the starting point for familiarity.

In March 2025, early years staff reviewed risks daily and met to discuss learning and support. Across the school's phases, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities received teaching adapted to their needs, backed by pastoral and learning support teams. The safeguarding team also included early years representation, connecting this part of the school with specialist help.

Parents supply nappies and sun lotion; wipes, nappy cream and whole milk are included. The school's fee structure includes lunch for day pupils. These distinctions matter when preparing a child's bag and understanding what the charges cover.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate admissions step through King's Ely Admissions: registration and visits can happen at any time, with trial days before September entry followed by a written offer. Families should apply again through that process rather than assume their nursery booking secures the next stage.

Contracts cover either 34 weeks for term-time attendance or 47 weeks for a full-year place. A minimum of three sessions each week applies. Choices are mornings, short days ending at 16:00 and full days ending at 18:00; nursery sessions cover the period between 08:00 and 18:00, rather than using a separate wraparound booking.

Funding. Government-funded nursery places are not offered. Employer childcare vouchers are accepted under eligible schemes, which Admissions can confirm. Ask the finance team for current charges; invoices are issued each term for advance payment, with chargeable extras billed afterwards.

Uniform is required, with the Acremont handbook supplied during admissions providing the list. Enquiries go through the nursery and pre-prep form or Admissions on 01353 660707. Personalised tours can also be arranged through the enquiry form, giving families a direct route to see the nursery before choosing a booking pattern.