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Nursery at Dair House 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly Forest School and specialist French give Little Dair a distinctive preschool mix. This is Dair House School’s own nursery in Farnham Royal, with a classroom built for nursery use and participation in school assemblies and performances. Children have their own learning space while taking part in the school’s daily life.
The 2026/2027 fee schedule allows Lower Nursery entry in the term of a child’s second birthday. At the March 2024 inspection, the nursery occupied the main school site. Its classroom includes toilets within the room, helping keep everyday care close to the children’s activities.
Fine motor activities begin the typical day, followed by assembly and a circle-time conversation about the date. Free play, a snack and outdoor time come before a directed activity. Lunch brings another opportunity to play outside with Reception children; later activities can include French, reading, PE or music, with a story before home time. The sequence gives families a recognisable rhythm, while activities follow children’s interests.
Learning combines play and inquiry with tasks introduced by adults. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early language, physical development and relationships with literacy, number, creative expression and understanding the world. Daily phonics, creative activities and numeracy give these areas practical form. Specialist teaching adds music, French and PE, while the weekly Dair to Go Wild session takes learning outdoors.
An interactive whiteboard sits in the nursery classroom. Outside, a private, secure field contains play equipment and an outdoor classroom; children also use the school’s dining room and hall. These spaces allow the day to move between classroom activities, meals and active play.
ISI’s inspection of 19 to 21 March 2024 found that early years children generally progressed well and achieved the early learning goals. Those findings cover early years collectively, rather than providing a separate nursery grade.
Before joining, new nursery children can spend a short period at school to become familiar with it. Early years practitioners form part of the staff team. In March 2024, children’s emotional security was strong: adults paid close attention to their development and responded carefully to them. Early years also had enough staff with paediatric first-aid training, and supervision included both activities and breaks.
Tapestry gives parents updates on learning, alongside individual Learning Journeys. Autumn and Summer Parents’ Evenings provide scheduled discussions, while practitioners can talk with families daily. This gives parents both an ongoing view of activities and time to discuss development.
Lunch choices include vegetarian or meat dishes, plus jacket potatoes with fillings such as beans, tuna or cheese. Fruit is an alternative to the day’s pudding. For children attending all day, lunch and a morning snack are included in fees; lunch is a charged option for nursery children attending a shorter day.
Language support has a concrete early years example: vocabulary cards in children’s home languages helped communication in March 2024. The school’s Learning Support provision can include individual intervention, classroom help or small groups, according to need, with parents involved in reviews.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the school about Reception application requirements, the route and deadline.
Preparation for that change is practical. Regular shared activities with Reception children introduce nursery pupils to the EYFS spaces and routines. Their typical day also includes outdoor play together. Familiarity with children and surroundings supports transition; it does not secure admission.
Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are offered. The 2026/2027 schedule requires at least five sessions each week for both Lower and Upper Nursery. Morning drop-off runs from 8:15am to 8:25am; lunchtime collection is at 11:50am without lunch or 1:00pm after lunch. Extended care runs from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and carries additional charges.
Universal funding covers up to 15 hours weekly for three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday. Eligibility ends when the child enters a Reception class or reaches compulsory school age, whichever comes first. Funded sessions run Monday to Friday, 12:25pm to 3:25pm. Termly charges cover additional activities, and the fee structure includes snacks. Ask the school for current charges when choosing a pattern.
Enquiries and private tours can be arranged through admissions@dairhouse.school. A nursery uniform list is available through the school, with The School Shop in Beaconsfield as stockist; clothing must be labelled. The PTA also runs a second-hand uniform shop on the grounds.
Little Dair offers morning, afternoon and full-day sessions. The 2026/2027 fee schedule requires a minimum of five sessions per week in both Lower and Upper Nursery.
No. Ask the school about Reception application requirements, the route and deadline. Joint activities help children prepare for the change but do not secure a place.
Children have weekly Dair to Go Wild Forest School sessions, plus a secure private field with play equipment and an outdoor classroom.
Staff use Tapestry and Learning Journeys, hold Parents’ Evenings in Autumn and Summer, and are available for daily discussions.
The school offers up to 15 universal funded hours weekly for eligible three- and four-year-olds from the term after their third birthday, using afternoon sessions. Eligibility ends when the child enters a Reception class or reaches compulsory school age, whichever comes first. Additional activities carry termly charges. Lunch and a morning snack are included in all-day fees; lunch is a charged option for shorter nursery days.
