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Nursery at Rupert House 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Shapes, stories and woodland exploration give Rupert House’s nursery its character. Children practise conversation through play, work together over sand and take part in outdoor learning from Nursery onwards. This is the first stage of an independent school in Henley-on-Thames, with entry in the autumn after a child turns three and Reception entry in the September after their fourth birthday.
At the April 2024 ISI inspection, Nursery had 15 children. That is a dated roll, rather than a promise about class size today. Nursery belongs to the school’s early years phase, so its learning and care sit within a shared early years structure.
Learning combines individual tasks, group activities and time together as a class. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework across seven areas of learning. In April 2024, planning across those areas supported good progress: for parents, the practical picture is children developing their language and early number skills through activities they can handle, discuss and explore.
Storytelling and pretend play support conversation. Adults use questions and model language, including when Nursery children fit shapes into an outline. That connects mathematical thinking with vocabulary rather than treating them as separate exercises. For NSPCC National Number Day, Nursery children also compared carrot lengths and explored different representations of ten. Familiar objects made measurement and number tangible.
Outside, regular learning takes children into a woodland area beside the playing fields. A pond, vegetable planters and a covered outdoor classroom provide things to investigate and shelter for activities. The bug hotel adds another focus for exploring nature. Trained Outdoor Learning specialists lead sessions, giving this part of the day its own staff expertise.
Social learning includes adult examples and help with disagreements. In April 2024, Nursery children supported one another while shifting containers of sand. Cooperation was being practised through an ordinary play activity, with adults helping children learn how to manage relationships.
Early years leaders meet to review children’s progress and adapt planning to changing needs. Care routines also have practical safeguards: the April 2024 findings included suitable supervision for early years activities on and off site, paediatric first aid training, and medicine records. Parents were informed following medicine administration or an injury.
The Learning Support team can help at any stage of a child’s time at Rupert House. Support may take place individually, in a small group or in class, with parents and outside professionals involved where appropriate. Families provide learning, medical and dietary information when applying. Rupert House is a nut-free school, making allergy information a practical part of preparation.
Nursery attendance gives priority when Reception places are allocated, but it does not guarantee a place. Reception remains a separate admissions step through the school’s Reception to Year 6 application route. Existing Nursery families should confirm with the admissions team what they need to complete for Reception entry.
Attendance is expected to build towards at least three full days each week by the summer term before Reception. That matters when choosing an initially lighter pattern: the intended commitment grows. End-of-year staff transition meetings support continuity by passing on an understanding of children and expectations; this is distinct from admissions priority.
Morning and full-day choices are offered Monday to Friday, and families can change their session choices later. Mornings run from 8.15am to noon. Confirm the collection time when booking: full-day attendance choices run to 3.15pm, while the nursery day from September 2026 runs from 8.15am to 3.45pm.
Trips and optional extras carry separate charges. Fees are payable in advance by the first day of term, and withdrawal requires a full term’s written notice before term begins; otherwise a term’s fees are due. Ask the school for current charges.
For enquiries, email admissions@ruperthouse.co.uk or call 01491 574263. Individual term-time tours can be booked ahead, allowing families to meet staff and see the school during a normal working day.
Children may enter in the autumn term after their third birthday.
Yes. Morning choices run from 8.15am to noon, Monday to Friday. Session choices can change later.
No. Children already attending Rupert House receive allocation priority, but families still need to handle Reception as a separate admissions step through the school.
Children take part in regular outdoor learning from Nursery onwards. The woodland learning area includes a pond, vegetable planters, a covered outdoor classroom and a bug hotel.
Book an individual term-time tour through the admissions team at admissions@ruperthouse.co.uk or on 01491 574263.
