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Nursery at Gateway 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A garden of its own, specialist music sessions and woodland learning give Gateway’s Preschool a distinct identity within the school grounds. This purpose-built provision serves children aged two to four in Great Missenden and belongs to the school’s Early Years department. Children also use the wider school’s music room, library and grassed play spaces, extending their day beyond the preschool building.
Play shapes the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines early language, movement and social development with reading, number work, creativity and exploring the world. Adults organise some activities; children initiate others. Their interests help determine topics and outings, while changing group arrangements create opportunities to work together or independently.
Specialist teaching adds specific experiences. Weekly language sessions introduce greetings, colours and numbers. Music and Rhyme brings melodies and instruments into play, while specialist PE develops coordination through jumping and running. A bespoke phonics sequence begins by exploring sounds in the environment before introducing sound blends. These are practical starting points for speaking, listening and early reading.
Outside, the dedicated garden supports sensory exploration. Woodland Adventure, the Early Years strand of Gateway Outdoors, adds another setting for learning. The school’s wooded outdoor learning area contains a fire pit and seating; preschool children also have access to play equipment and tennis courts. An annual Christmas performance gives families a chance to see children taking part together.
At the ISI inspection of 14 to 16 October 2025, early-years teaching supported good progress through planned experiences and opportunities chosen by children. Adults modelled speech patiently, giving children encouragement as they practised pronunciation.
A key person forms part of the preschool support structure. The team includes a Preschool Manager, teachers and practitioners, with degree and postgraduate teaching qualifications represented alongside Level 3 childcare training. That brings both teaching and practical care roles into the day.
Preparation begins before a September start: new families have a July familiarisation day, a summer information evening and access to joining materials through the parent communications platform. Parents can meet the teaching team and learn about daily routines before the first term begins.
Breakfast and lunch are cooked each day by the in-house chef. Lunch belongs to the morning session, and tea to the afternoon session, making meals part of the booking pattern.
In October 2025, early-years staff helped children identify feelings, take turns and settle their emotions. Dolls representing different skin tones and instruments from different countries supported learning about others. Early-years staff also received paediatric first-aid training. Across the school, support services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and SEND specialists, providing routes for additional help.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the applicable admissions process and meet its deadline.
Familiarity is a separate benefit. Preschool and Reception sit within the same Early Years department, so children already know the school setting and its facilities. This can make the next stage feel less unfamiliar; it should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.
For September 2026 to July 2027, morning sessions run from 08:00 to 13:15, with afternoons from 13:15 to 18:00. The minimum booking is four sessions. Fees are charged monthly; ask the school for current charges for your chosen pattern.
Holiday coverage. Families can choose term-time attendance or provision covering 47 weeks. The longer option closes for two weeks over Christmas, one at Easter and the latter two weeks of August. Term-time children can book holiday days subject to space, so occasional holiday care depends on availability.
Funded hours. The 15-hour weekly Early Years Funding Allowance is divided into blocks of four, four, four and three hours. Match that structure to the sessions you need when planning attendance.
Use the Preschool enquiry form or call 01494 862 407. Private tours can be requested through the Arrange a Visit form. For collection and drop-off, families can apply through the school communications platform for a Link Road Car Park permit.
The preschool caters for children aged two to four within Gateway School’s Early Years department.
For September 2026 to July 2027, mornings run from 08:00 to 13:15 and afternoons from 13:15 to 18:00. The minimum attendance requirement is four sessions.
The morning session includes lunch, while the afternoon session includes tea. The preschool also provides breakfast and lunch prepared daily by its in-house chef.
There is a 47-week option with specified holiday closures. Children attending in term time can also book holiday days if places remain available.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place, and families must apply separately for Reception.
