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Nursery at Wellesley Prep 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland adventures, swimming and uninterrupted play give Wellesley’s nursery its character. Children aged two to four belong to the Pre-Prep department at Wellesley Prep School in Stratfield Turgis, with the school setting adding specialist teaching to their early learning.
The nursery sits within a purpose-built Pre-Prep building, with spacious classrooms and learning materials for exploration. At the February 2025 monitoring visit, 18 children attended Nursery. That is a dated roll figure, rather than a capacity figure.
Play has room to develop here. The nursery combines time for children to pursue their interests with teaching that introduces sounds, numbers, music and swimming. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework guides this learning: children build language, confidence and early understanding through play and activities suited to their development.
Communication receives particular attention. In May 2024, ISI found that early-years children developed their ideas through stories and conversation, while learning themes followed their interests. Adults adjusted support to individual needs. For parents, the practical significance is a day shaped around children’s developing interests, with language woven through their activities.
Outdoor learning happens daily, including woodland adventures. At the May 2024 inspection, early-years classrooms and outdoor resources included locally available natural and recycled materials, giving children things to investigate and use imaginatively. Children also made insect habitats in the grounds, connecting their learning with caring for the environment. There are boundaries alongside that freedom: in May 2024, nursery children could explain and demonstrate how to use the sandbox safely.
The admissions team guides families towards an initial settling-in session, and new starters are invited to a summer settling morning with other joining children and parents. This gives families an opportunity to begin building familiarity together.
Parents can follow EYFS activities and development through Tapestry. Learning support also has an early-years connection: the school can seek advice from the Area Inclusion Officer. Where assessment identifies additional needs, an Individual Education Plan sets targets for regular review, with extra support discussed with parents. Outside assessments may involve an Educational Psychologist, Occupational Therapist or Speech and Language Therapist, following discussion of concerns with parents.
Food is part of the routine. Children receive a homemade morning snack and a lunch comprising two courses, bread and a salad bar. A vegetarian choice is provided, and catering accommodates allergies, intolerances and religious or cultural requirements. Parents record dietary needs in the medical questionnaire and must notify the school about subsequent intolerances.
Inspection context. In May 2024, school-wide weaknesses concerned notification of non-standard pupil transfers and inconsistent assessment tracking across ages and subjects. In February 2025, the monitoring visit confirmed that the relevant standards considered were met, including updated admissions and attendance systems. The assessment recommendation remains a separate consideration.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception arrangements with the admissions team; choosing the nursery should not be treated as securing the next stage.
Day-to-day familiarity is a different matter. Pre-Prep activities cross year groups, helping children get to know the department’s teachers. Phonics and personal, social and health education continue from Nursery, giving the learning itself some continuity. These arrangements support the move between stages, independently of admission.
Families can choose term-time attendance or 51-week provision. The nursery day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm, with wraparound care covering 8am to 6pm on weekdays. That longer care window matters for parents fitting nursery around work.
Early Years Funding, Childcare Vouchers and Tax-Free Childcare are accepted. Contact the school for current charges. A nursery enquiry form accepts registration enquiries and private-tour requests; families can also call 01256 882707 or email office@wellesleyprep.co.uk.
The school provides a uniform list after admission, with purchases through its supplier or second-hand sales. Wellies and coats stay at school, so outdoor clothing is ready for the nursery’s daily exploration.
Wellesley’s nursery caters for children aged two to four.
The nursery day is 8.30am to 3.30pm. Weekday wraparound care covers 8am to 6pm, and families can choose term-time or 51-week provision.
Children receive a homemade morning snack and lunch. Vegetarian food is available, and allergies, intolerances and cultural or religious dietary requirements are accommodated.
No. Confirm Reception arrangements with the admissions team.
Parents of EYFS children can use Tapestry to follow their child’s development, activities and work.
