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Nursery at Exeter Pre-Prep 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 planting, outdoor climbing and play with a purpose give this nursery its character. Exeter Pre-Prep’s youngest children belong to the Exminster site on The Avenue, rather than the wider school’s Exeter campus. That distinction matters for the daily school run.
ISI’s inspection of 11 to 13 June 2024 recorded one nursery class for children aged three to four. Its early years findings described children who cooperate indoors and outside, with planned learning that supports good progress from their individual starting points. This is a nursery within the pre-prep school, with learning and care assessed as part of its early years provision.
Play has a learning purpose here. In June 2024, early years activities used resources chosen to support particular learning aims, while children also had opportunities to explore for themselves. The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, covers communication, physical and social development alongside early reading and writing, maths, understanding the world and creative activities. This gives children foundations across learning and everyday skills.
An outdoor learning area lets children carry their exploration beyond the classroom. Climbing and working around obstacles develop physical coordination; PE adds further opportunities to practise movement. Woodland lessons bring practical safety into the activity itself, with gardening gloves used when planting flowers. Children learn how to take part safely as well as what to do.
Following individual interests. The June 2024 inspection recommended more opportunities for early years children to pursue their own interests and develop learning suited to their ability. For parents, the useful distinction is between resources linked to adult-planned aims and enough freedom for a child’s own curiosity to shape the activity.
Supervision in June 2024 kept early years children within staff sight or hearing, and staffing ratios met the relevant requirements. Qualified first-aiders administered medication. Those arrangements connect individual attention with the practical business of keeping young children safe.
Parents receive updates on early years achievement through an online learning journal, giving them a way to follow learning beyond the classroom. Social development receives direct attention too: children are guided as they learn to cooperate, share and work together. The safeguarding policy covers early years welfare as well as older pupils.
Lunch is compulsory in the pre-prep. Families should include that requirement when planning attendance and consult the school for current charges. Before joining, registered children are invited for a taster day, providing an opportunity to experience the setting ahead of a formal offer.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception admission is a separate decision from choosing nursery provision. Applications to Exeter Pre-Prep use the school’s own online registration route, followed by its offer and acceptance process. Families should confirm the arrangements for moving into Reception directly with the admissions team.
Children may start in the half term after their third birthday, provided they no longer need nappies during the day. That condition makes daytime toileting readiness part of planning a start.
Nursery hours above 15 are charged by the hour. Consult the school for current charges before agreeing attendance. Enquiries can go to admissions@exeterschool.org.uk, and individual family visits can be booked through the admissions team. A tour gives families a practical opportunity to explore the nursery’s classroom and outdoor learning arrangements before applying.
The June 2024 inspection recorded a nursery class for children aged three to four. Children can join in the half term after turning three, provided they no longer require nappies during the day.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission as a separate decision through the school’s admissions process.
Yes. The June 2024 early years findings describe an outdoor learning area, climbing and woodland planting activities.
An online learning journal keeps early years parents informed about their child’s achievement.
Yes. The admissions team offers individual family visits and can help book a tour. Registered children are also invited for a taster day before a formal offer.
