Millfield Preparatory School Nursery Review

Bikes, trikes and modelling dough give Millfield’s youngest children different ways to build physical skills, while storytelling and counting bring language and number into their learning. The nursery sits within Millfield Preparatory School’s pre-prep in Glastonbury, Somerset, where the school’s age range begins at two. There were two Nursery classes at the March 2026 inspection.

The early years provision has a clear emphasis on children’s interests. In March 2026, ISI found that staff used their knowledge of individual children to plan learning that developed confidence and independence. Caring relationships helped children feel secure. For parents, that connects the activities on offer with something more fundamental: adults who understand the child taking part.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) provides the framework for learning and care. Here, its everyday expression includes exploring numbers, developing language and practising physical skills. Established routines help children engage confidently, and staff build activities around their interests. That gives children a familiar structure alongside reasons to become absorbed in what they are doing.

Number learning involves comparing objects, putting them in order and counting them. Shared stories, conversations with adults, early writing and phonics support language development across the early years. These are concrete ways to connect speaking, listening and making marks, rather than treating learning as a sequence of isolated tasks. In March 2026, children across the early years were making good progress in their development.

Physical activity adds another dimension. Swimming and riding trikes or bikes develop movement skills, while working with modelling dough exercises smaller movements. Staff also help children learn about tooth care and the benefits of eating foods of different colours. Learning therefore extends to understanding their own bodies and everyday health habits.

Knowing the children well is central to the early years care described in March 2026. Adults help children recognise and manage feelings, using resources consistently to support that understanding. Sharing, taking turns and practising manners also feature in their social learning. These small routines give children practical ways to build friendships and participate alongside others.

Supervision includes appropriate staffing ratios across the early years, including at mealtimes. Staff working with this age group have suitable first aid qualifications. Together, these arrangements connect care with the ordinary moments of the day, when children are eating, playing or need help.

Lunch is included in the morning option that finishes at 1.15pm. This gives families a session choice that includes a meal before collection.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission as a separate application, using the normal route and meeting the relevant deadline. Plan that step alongside choosing nursery sessions, rather than assuming that joining the nursery settles the next admission decision.

For 2026–27, the daily session runs from 8.20am to 3.15pm. Morning choices finish at noon or, with lunch included, at 1.15pm; both begin at 8.20am. Full-time attendance is also an option. Nursery requires a minimum of two sessions each week on separate days, while Pre-School requires three. The distinction matters when arranging a weekly pattern.

Families can book a Pre-Prep open morning or a personal visit. Contact the school for current charges.