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Nursery at Amesbury 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Outdoor classrooms and specialist lessons across the school campus give Little Amesbury its character. The nursery provision occupies a purpose-built early years building at Amesbury School in Hindhead, with learning spaces outside as well as indoors. Children have room to explore, and their week takes them beyond their base classroom.
Pre-Nursery caters for ages 2 to 3. Nursery begins in the term after a child's third birthday, while Pre-School covers age 4 until Reception age. These stages sit within Little Amesbury, the school's early years provision. Baby Amesbury is a separate setting on the same site; this review concerns the school nursery stages.
Play and adult-guided activities share the day. Children can choose activities themselves and use indoor and outdoor classrooms independently, while staff plan learning and respond to what they observe. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, manage feelings and move confidently with early reading, number, creativity and understanding the world. Development Matters also informs planning.
Specialist teaching adds a distinctive rhythm: children have dance, French, tennis, music and Forest School each week. The smallest children also learn Makaton. Lessons around the campus introduce different teachers and classrooms, giving children experience of learning with adults beyond their immediate team.
The June 2025 ISI inspection found that early years staff supported learning effectively and used indoor and outdoor resources successfully. Stories, reading and conversation developed children's language. Climbing and outdoor exploration helped their physical development, while imaginative play included making a sailing boat with seats for classmates. These are practical foundations: talking, moving, sharing ideas and making space for other children.
Social learning receives close attention. In June 2025, adults in the early years helped children practise conversation through play and build friendships. Children learned to explain their feelings and consider how their actions affected others. Support therefore extends beyond completing an activity to managing the relationships around it.
Settling influences the booking pattern: Little Amesbury requires at least two sessions each week, with the stated aim of helping children settle and benefit from their education. Staff also work with parents on children's learning at home, connecting classroom experiences with family life.
Food has both a practical and a learning role. Early years children learn about healthy food choices. Across Amesbury, cooks make 90% of meals from scratch on site each day, and menus rotate over three weeks. Parents receive menus through iSams. Dietary requirements should be sent in writing to the school nurse; allergies can be discussed with the nurse and kitchen. The school aims to exclude nuts but cannot eliminate every allergy risk.
Safeguarding arrangements were effective for children in the early years in June 2025. Staff training included the youngest children, and recruitment checks covered adults working with them.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate admissions decision and contact the admissions team about applying, rather than assuming that a nursery booking secures the next stage. For this independent school, enquiries go directly to Amesbury's admissions team.
Familiarity develops through everyday nursery experiences: children learn with specialist teachers around the campus and encounter different classrooms. That is useful preparation for change, rather than an admissions entitlement.
School Day sessions run from 8.15am to 4pm; Full Day runs from 8.15am to 6pm. Early Birds adds 7.45am to 8.15am, and Twilight covers 4pm to 6pm. From Pre-Nursery onwards, bookings are term time only, with holiday club available to book separately.
Government-funded childcare is offered to eligible families. A funded-hours-only pattern covers 10am to 4pm daily for 30 hours, or two days at those times plus 1pm to 4pm on a third day for 15 hours. Discuss these arrangements with the Bursar. Food and specialist-activity charges during funded hours are voluntary; families accessing funded hours only have registration and acceptance fees waived. Contact the school for current charges.
Visits to Pre-Nursery and Nursery usually take place on Thursday or Friday mornings. Book through admissions@amesburyschool.co.uk.
Pre-Nursery takes children aged 2 to 3. Nursery starts in the term following the child's third birthday, and Pre-School covers age 4 to Reception age.
School Day is 8.15am to 4pm and Full Day is 8.15am to 6pm. Early Birds runs from 7.45am to 8.15am, with Twilight from 4pm to 6pm. At least two sessions are required weekly.
Yes. Eligible families can discuss funded-hours-only attendance with the Bursar. Charges for food and specialist activities during funded hours are voluntary, and registration and acceptance fees are waived for families accessing funded hours only.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact Amesbury's admissions team about applying for the next stage.
Email admissions@amesburyschool.co.uk. Pre-Nursery and Nursery visits usually take place on Thursday or Friday mornings.
