Nursery at St Margaret's Preparatory 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Fruit kebabs inspired by Handa’s Surprise, porridge after Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and outdoor exploration give this nursery a practical, story-led character. Children encounter books through cooking as well as listening, connecting stories with tastes and textures.
St Margaret’s nursery serves children aged 2 to 4 at Gosfield Hall Park in Gosfield, near Halstead. Entry starts from 2 years and 1 day. In October 2024, there were two nursery classes, grouping children aged 2 to 3 and 3 to 4. That separates the youngest children from those approaching school age within the school’s early-years provision.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines early reading, conversation, number work and physical development. In October 2024, the early-years curriculum addressed seven learning areas, with French and religious education added. Planning responded to children’s interests and needs. Adults developed vocabulary through conversation, while resources helped children explore numbers and patterns: early learning had concrete things to talk about and investigate.
Weekly nursery lessons include music and Forest School alongside PE and French. Specialist teachers introduce French from age 2 through songs, play, repetition and listening. The emphasis is on hearing and using the language, giving young children an introduction through familiar activities.
Outdoor learning has room to spread out across seven acres. Butterflies’ Thursday-afternoon Forest Fun includes looking for bugs, following nature trails and building dens; wellies remain at nursery. In October 2024, early-years children also used bicycles, climbed and walked around the grounds to practise coordination and balance.
Choice has a place in the routine too. During that inspection, early-years children voted for their closing story each day and helped tidy the setting after sessions. These are small, practical opportunities to make decisions and take responsibility.
At least two nursery taster sessions introduce children to the setting before joining. These settling experiences also form part of the school’s informal assessment, so they serve both familiarisation and the decision about offering a place.
The team includes a nursery coordinator with an early-childhood education degree and preschool teaching diploma, alongside a practitioner qualified at Level 3 in childcare. In October 2024, early-years children remained within staff sight and hearing, and staffing ratios met statutory requirements.
Lunch is cooked on site through Thomas Franks Ltd. Full-day nursery children receive a cooked meal, and lunch is included with morning sessions too. Parents can help choose early-years meals from a three-week menu each term. Allergies, dietary restrictions and religious requirements are catered for, allowing meal choices to reflect a child’s needs.
For SEND support, the special educational needs coordinator works with the child’s key person, family and relevant professionals to plan interventions. Support plans are reviewed termly with parental contributions. The school says support responds to the needs a child presents, rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Progression is not automatic: in rare cases, the school may decline a place where it judges that a child would not flourish or their needs cannot be met. Treat Reception as a separate admissions decision and approach the Admissions Manager about applying for the next stage. A formal offer and receipt of the required deposit establish a place.
The early-years day runs from 08:30 to 15:30, with registration at 08:45. Full days and afternoon half days are offered. Morning half days are restricted to newly enrolled Nursery 1 children in their first term, an important condition for families seeking shorter days.
School wraparound care extends from 07:30 to 18:00 at an additional charge. Larks provides breakfast; Owls includes a light tea. Early-years collection is at 15:30 unless a sibling or club arrangement applies, and late collection can incur extra charges. Contact admissions@stmargaretsprep.com or 01787 273 050 for enquiries and current charges. Personal tours can be booked throughout the year, including school holidays.
Children can join from 2 years and 1 day. The nursery age range is 2 to 4.
Morning half days are available only to newly enrolled Nursery 1 children during their first term.
Full-day nursery children receive a cooked lunch. Lunch is also included in morning sessions, and the kitchen caters for allergies and special dietary requirements.
No. Progression is not automatic, and in rare cases the school may decline a place because of a child’s development or its ability to meet their needs.
Book a personal tour through the admissions team. Tours can be arranged throughout the year, including school holidays. Nursery applicants can also attend at least two taster settling sessions.
