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Nursery at Manor 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A pirate ship in the Orchard garden and Forest School in The Dell give Manor House’s youngest children room to explore beyond the classroom. This is the school’s co-educational provision for ages two to four in Little Bookham: Nursery takes two- to three-year-olds, while Kindergarten serves children aged three to four.
Both classes occupy purpose-built accommodation beside Reception, with outdoor space of their own and access to the wider school grounds. The distinction matters for the nursery day: children have a dedicated base, while subject specialists from the school also teach them.
Play combines with activities planned around individual children. The curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, with elements of Montessori practice alongside it. In everyday terms here, that means opportunities to explore, talk, build and play, with adults adjusting activities to children’s interests and learning needs. Specialist teaching brings music, French, dance and performing arts, and PE into that mix.
Indoors, children can invent stories through role play, spend quieter time with books or build in the construction zone. Resources respond to their interests and the topic for that half term. Outdoors, the all-weather playground has climbing equipment, a train and a sensory kitchen, alongside opportunities for water and sand play. The Orchard garden adds the pirate ship and bigger equipment shared with older children. These are different spaces for different kinds of play, rather than a single outdoor break area.
Weekly Forest School takes children to The Dell for practical activities and nature walks. Children also have access to a Forest School Leader as part of the provision. During the ISI inspection of 12 to 14 March 2024, early-years children enjoyed hands-on activities, including messy play, and made rapid progress as adults responded to their interests. Children also chatted readily with adults and one another, using detailed vocabulary. Exploration and conversation work together here.
Small working groups each have a key staff member, giving children a familiar adult within the larger team of qualified early-years practitioners. Settling sessions take place in the term before entry, after the nursery offer has been accepted. In March 2024, early-years children settled readily with their key adults, talked about feelings and showed consideration for each other, including sharing a pencil and promising to return it.
Lunch is served at tables in the Dining Room, with teachers present at 12.10pm. That keeps an adult close during the meal as well as during learning. Nursery leadership includes an EYFS special educational needs co-ordinator, providing a named role within the team for additional needs. In March 2024, nursery events included termly parent drop-in afternoons.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the school’s admissions team. Places depend on successful completion of the school’s selective admissions process and the Headteacher’s discretion.
The Reception process involves an appointment and tour with the early-years lead, registration and a taster session. A reference is requested when a child already attends nursery or preschool before a formal offer is made. Familiar surroundings are useful: the nursery sits alongside Reception. That physical continuity should be kept separate from the application decision.
Monday to Friday, families can choose a morning from 8.00am to 12.30pm, a day from 8.00am to 3.30pm, or an extended day from 8.00am to 6.00pm for children aged two and over. Preferred sessions are requested during the application process and depend on availability. Holiday cover is offered to current pupils, giving families an option beyond the school terms.
Funded hours are available, and term-time wraparound care is offered. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery children are brought in by parents; the school bus is for pupils aged eight and above. For enquiries and an individual tour, contact admissions@manorhouseschool.org or 01372 457077.
Nursery is for children aged two to three, and Kindergarten is for children aged three to four. Both welcome boys and girls.
Morning sessions run from 8.00am to 12.30pm, day sessions from 8.00am to 3.30pm, and extended days from 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. The extended day is for children aged two and over.
Yes. Weekly sessions take place in The Dell, with nature walks and practical outdoor activities.
No. Families apply separately through the school’s admissions team, and Reception places depend on the selective admissions process.
Email admissions@manorhouseschool.org or call 01372 457077 to arrange a tour.
