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Nursery at St Nicholas' 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 exploration, story time in the Junior Library and specialist music give St Nicholas' nursery a distinctly school-shaped week. Creative play sits alongside adult-led activities, with children choosing half-day sessions or a full day.
Girls and boys can start from 2 years 9 months, in the term of their third birthday. The nursery belongs to the independent St Nicholas' School in Fleet and shares Branksomewood with the Infant School. In October 2025, the early years occupied a separate building alongside Years 1 and 2, with one nursery class. That gives the youngest children their own base within the school.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework: learning to communicate, move confidently and manage relationships sits alongside early reading, number work, creativity and discovering the world. Independent play sits alongside teacher-led sessions. Activities are adapted to individual needs rather than treating every child as ready for the same next step.
There is substantial variety across the week. Forest School takes children into the woodland, while Junior Library visits combine stories with choosing a book for home. Music introduces rhythm, singing and instruments; Performing Arts uses story characters. Three PE lessons each week focus on movement and coordination. Weekly phonics connects sounds with classroom activities, and mindfulness also has a weekly slot.
Outside, children have access to a mud kitchen, a giant sand pit, climbing equipment and an outdoor classroom. These give imaginative play and physical exploration distinct places to happen. Water activities and ride-on toys supported early-years movement skills in October 2025. The ISI inspection of 14 to 16 October 2025 also found that staff developed children's language through conversation and new vocabulary, and planned learning steps around individual development. Everyday talk has a clear teaching purpose here.
Settling begins before the first regular session. After a place is confirmed, families are invited to Stay and Play sessions, giving children further opportunities to become familiar with nursery life. A taster session follows registration and confirmation of availability.
Parents receive learning updates through Tapestry, the online journal, alongside parent evenings and coffee mornings. The Super Curriculum gives families ideas for continuing learning at home, including current themes, books and next steps. This creates practical connections between classroom activities and family life.
Food is also part of learning. In October 2025, early-years children practised independence and conversation during snacks and meals, with adults helping them listen, ask questions and take turns. Staff in the early years had paediatric first-aid training. Breakfast Club includes food, with choices including cereal and hot dishes, for children using the earlier start.
Nursery attendance has a specific benefit here: children progressing from Nursery have a guaranteed Reception place. This is an explicit admission arrangement at St Nicholas', so families can distinguish that entitlement from the familiar surroundings and learning continuity.
Phonics, literacy, numeracy and mindfulness programmes extend from nursery into the next stage. These provide continuity in learning, separately from the guaranteed place. Families can discuss support for their child with the Admissions Team, which is available all year round.
Term-time sessions can be combined, subject to availability; at least three sessions are recommended. A full day runs from 8:45am to 3:45pm. Morning attendance ends at 11:45am, or 12:45pm with lunch; the afternoon session runs from 12:45pm to 3:45pm. An afternoon option including lunch is also offered.
Up to 15 funded EYE hours can be used from the term after a child's third birthday, subject to completing a Parent Declaration Form. Funding covers morning and afternoon learning sessions and excludes the lunch hour. Lunch attracts a separate charge. Ask the school for current charges when choosing a pattern.
Breakfast Club starts at 7:30am, followed by Early Birds at 8:00am; After School Club runs from 3:45pm until 6:00pm. Each carries an additional charge. After-school activities include Lego, craft, outdoor play and quiet time, giving families options beyond the nursery session. Contact the Admissions Team on 01252 850121 or complete the Admissions Enquiry form; personal nursery tours can be arranged.
Girls and boys can join from 2 years 9 months, starting in the term they turn three.
Yes. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions can be combined, subject to availability. A minimum of three sessions is recommended, and lunch options are offered.
Up to 15 EYE-funded hours are accepted from the term after a child's third birthday, subject to a Parent Declaration Form. These cover term-time morning and afternoon sessions, excluding the lunch hour.
Yes. St Nicholas' admission arrangements give children moving from its Nursery a guaranteed Reception place.
Tapestry carries learning updates, while parent evenings, coffee mornings and the Super Curriculum connect families with themes, books and children's next steps.
