Griffin House School Nursery Review

Pouring drinks, choosing resources and investigating outdoors give Little Griffins its practical character. This is Griffin House School’s own preschool in Little Kimble, with children able to start in the term after their second birthday. It forms part of the school’s early years provision. At the ISI inspection of 12 to 14 March 2024, preschool had 16 children; that is a dated roll, rather than a measure of capacity.

Play and teaching share the day. Children choose activities, while adults join their play to introduce vocabulary and help them think further. Small groups provide time for direct teaching and conversation, and individual work responds to each child’s interests and needs. Specialist staff from the main school also join the timetable. The balance gives children room to pursue an idea alongside time with an adult.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects learning with everyday experience: talking, moving, managing feelings and exploring how the world works. Children investigate nature, people and technology through play and planned activities. Balance scales provide a concrete example, giving children something to test while learning words to explain their discoveries.

Classrooms and outdoor learning spaces have resources children can reach themselves. Outdoor activity continues except in extreme weather, so exploration is part of the routine. Choosing equipment independently also makes self-care and decision-making part of learning.

In March 2024, early years teaching drew effectively on children’s abilities and interests. Children sustained attention, attempted unfamiliar activities and developed their understanding of letter sounds, alongside reading, writing and independence. These early years findings give substance to the emphasis on learning through individual interests.

Settling starts before the first regular session. Children are invited to stay and play, with contact maintained ahead of joining. That provides an opportunity to begin getting familiar with preschool before attendance starts.

Parents have several ways to follow learning: Tapestry updates, conversations at collection and drop-off, and consultations each term. An annual written report covers seven learning areas, how the child approaches learning and their next steps. Longer teacher appointments can also be arranged, giving concerns room beyond a brief daily chat.

Food provides another opportunity to practise independence. Snacks combine bread or crackers with vegetables or fruit; children may pour drinks, spread crackers and prepare fruit themselves. Water is available throughout the day, with milk offered in the morning. Kitchen staff prepare meals on site and cater for allergies and special diets. Adults sit with children at lunch, supporting conversation and table manners.

Individual teaching time allows staff to respond to different learning needs. The staffing structure also combines leadership of early years with the SENDCo role, linking the phase with oversight of special educational needs and disabilities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception arrangements directly with the admissions team before making plans for the next stage. Familiarity with preschool should never be treated as an admissions entitlement.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to noon and exclude lunch. Full days finish at 3.30pm and include lunch. The usual minimum is three mornings each week, although a basic 15-hour arrangement can be considered through discussion on a limited basis. These patterns make the lunch boundary an important part of choosing a session.

Funding options incorporate 15 or 30 hours, with entitlement described as beginning in the term after a child’s third birthday. Tuition is invoiced by term. Wraparound care, educational visits and after-school clubs carry separate charges; contact the school for current charges.

All Day Care adds breakfast provision from 7.45am and care after lessons until 6pm. Bookings are flexible, including the possibility of booking on the day, which helps families whose collection needs vary. For nursery enquiries or an Open Morning or private visit, contact admissions@griffinhouseschool.co.uk or call 01844 346154.