Rowan Preparatory School Nursery Review

A sheltered painting area, bikes and a playhouse give Rowan’s Preschool a practical, hands-on character. This is the nursery provision for girls aged two to four at Rowan Preparatory School, an independent school in Claygate. It belongs to Rowan Brae, the younger children’s campus at 41 Gordon Road, rather than Rowan Hill.

The classes are Squirrels for ages two to three and Hedgehogs for ages three to four. In the ISI inspection of 24 to 26 June 2025, early years provision was recognised as a significant strength. That finding covered early years across the school; it is not a separate nursery grade.

Play and planned learning work together here. The early years foundation stage (EYFS) combines children’s developing communication, physical skills and emotional understanding with early learning. At Rowan, daily activities include maths, phonics, emotional literacy and literacy, while specialist teachers bring French, drama, music, games, gym and dance into Preschool. Children have different ways to participate, from moving and performing to talking and exploring.

Language receives deliberate attention. In June 2025, adults extended children’s vocabulary and thinking through play, alongside planned work on speaking, listening and comprehension. Assessment shaped the next steps in teaching. This gives children who need extra help support within their learning, rather than relying on one pace for the group.

Purpose-built early years rooms open directly onto their own outdoor areas. Preschool children can use water play, a sandpit and climbing equipment; the sheltered messy-play space adds somewhere to paint outdoors. The Glen brings a willow den, a story circle and a dig pit into the mix. These are spaces for making, pretending and investigating.

Rowan Rangers Forest School adds regular woodland exploration, with weekly sessions included in the early years programme. Children help direct their activities within a structured setting. In June 2025, the youngest children also had daily physical activity, and adults supported independent choices and collaborative play. Learning to balance, take turns and express feelings is part of the day’s work.

Observation drives individual support. Preschool teachers build a learning profile for each child, using it to understand her strengths and needs. In June 2025, early years staff were trained to work with two-year-olds, and assessments helped them spot children needing additional support and provide it promptly.

Families have a role too. The pastoral team works with parents and teachers, supported by regular communication, workshops and specialist talks. Settling-in events and family support accompany the move towards Reception, helping parents participate in that change as well as their daughters.

Lunch is cooked on site each day, with a vegetarian option and a qualified staff member helping children choose and eat. Dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated when families inform the school. Morning sessions include lunch, so eating together forms part of the nursery routine. Breakfast Club provides breakfast; after-school care includes sandwiches, biscuits and fruit.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Existing Preschool families should confirm their Reception application requirements with Rowan’s Admissions team. In the published registration timetable for September 2027 entry, registrations close on Friday 20 November 2026; offers follow at the end of the autumn term, with acceptance due on Monday 4 January 2027. Places remain subject to availability and the school’s admissions criteria.

Transition support is a different matter. Preschool and Reception staff collaborate, with classroom visits, shared routines and spaces, and activities before children move up. Familiarity can ease the change. It should not be mistaken for an admissions entitlement.

Standard Preschool mornings run from 8:45am to 12:30pm, with afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:15pm. Rowan advises at least five sessions weekly for Squirrels throughout the year. For Hedgehogs, the recommendation is five mornings plus one afternoon in autumn, two in spring and three in summer. This is a progressively longer attendance pattern.

Universal Funded Early Education covers up to 15 hours weekly for six terms, beginning the term after a girl’s third birthday, subject to completing the Surrey declaration each term. Rowan receives funding for its term times, usually around 33 weeks annually; remaining funded weeks may be sought from another registered provider. Attendance beyond funded hours is charged, and the funded morning excludes the separately charged lunch period. Contact the school for current charges.

Breakfast Club starts at 7:45am. After-school care runs from 4pm until 6pm, ending at 5pm on Fridays, with one- or two-hour bookings. Holiday camps provide another option outside term time. Preschool uniform comes from AlleyCatz. Visits and enquiries go through admissions@rowanprepschool.co.uk or 01372 462627, option 4; individual tours are available during term.