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Nursery at Crackley Hall 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play, specialist lessons and familiar faces across the early years give Little Crackers its character. This is Crackley Hall School’s on-site day nursery in Kenilworth, taking children from nine-months-old. It sits within an independent Catholic school, with nursery learning organised into groups for two-year-olds, three-year-olds and pre-school children.
At the ISI inspection of 3 to 5 June 2025, there were three Nursery classes, and early years leadership was effective, with activities matched to children’s interests and needs. Children made good progress. That gives parents a useful picture of the learning approach, rather than a separate nursery grade.
Children’s interests shape the learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early language, physical skills and emotional development with literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world. In parent terms, learning to talk, make friends and manage feelings sits alongside exploring numbers and making marks. Play and adult-led activities both have a place.
Specialist teachers introduce French, dance, PE and music during the early years. In June 2025, role play helped children practise speaking, while storytelling and books encouraged their interest in reading. Mathematics also built on earlier experiences: children used what they remembered about patterns to devise and arrange their own. These are concrete steps from exploring an idea to using it independently.
Movement has space beyond the nursery classroom. Nursery children can use the school’s gymnasium, two netball courts and main field for lessons and clubs. Early years activities observed in June 2025 included yoga and toddler rugby. Structured physical teaching and purposeful play developed balance, co-ordination and the smaller movements needed for handwriting, connecting physical activity with other learning.
Emotional learning is part of the early years day: children are taught to recognise their feelings and manage them. During circle time, they greet one another in their own languages, giving different home languages a place in the group’s shared experience.
Safeguarding starts with knowing the child. In June 2025, early years staff recognised individual needs, noticed changes in behaviour promptly and followed safeguarding procedures supported by effective training. Supervision arrangements also covered the early years throughout the school day.
Across the school, a SENDCo and Learning Support assistants provide additional support, alongside a resident qualified speech and language therapist. The SENDCo works with families to plan support and share progress. Individual specialist teaching and small-group tuition carry additional charges in any year group, so families considering these interventions should include them in their planning.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Children already attending Little Crackers in their pre-school year receive priority for Reception places, but families must arrange Reception admission separately through the school’s admissions process.
For September 2027 entry, the early bird application deadline is Friday 16 October 2026; the on-time registration deadline is Monday 1 February 2027. The final application deadline is Friday 28 May 2027. Contact the admissions team to confirm the Reception admission steps for children already attending Little Crackers. External applicants apply through online registration.
Familiarity is a separate benefit from admission priority. Reception teachers read stories to Nursery classes, and specialist teachers work across the early years, helping children recognise adults when they move on.
Personal tours include Nursery and can be requested for a preferred day and time, subject to confirmation of availability. This gives families an opportunity to meet staff and discuss their child’s needs before registering.
Contact admissions on 01926 514410 or admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk. Little Crackers has its own online registration form; supporting SEND documents can be submitted where applicable. Refer to the school for current charges.
Little Crackers takes children from nine-months-old.
The EYFS combines language, emotional and physical development with early literacy, mathematics, creativity and understanding the world. Early years children also experience specialist dance, music, PE and French lessons.
No. Children attending Little Crackers in their pre-school year receive priority, but Reception admission is a separate process through the school.
Reception teachers visit Nursery classes to read stories. Specialist teachers also work across the early years, giving children familiar adults as they move on.
Request a personal tour with your preferred day and time. The admissions team confirms availability; contact 01926 514410 or admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk.
