Fairfield Prep School Nursery Review

Exploration and outdoor play give Fairfield’s early years provision its character. Activities follow children’s interests, with adults guiding some learning and children directing other parts themselves. That balance gives young children opportunities to make choices as well as respond to teaching.

Fairfield Prep School admits children from age three. Its nursery provision belongs within an independent, mixed school in Loughborough, part of Loughborough Schools Foundation. The pre-prep section caters for ages three to seven, placing the youngest children within the school’s first phase of education.

Children’s interests help shape the learning. In November 2024, early years staff planned activities that encouraged investigation, exploration and making decisions. Teaching combined adult direction with children’s own activity, and children progressed well across the areas of learning. For parents, the practical significance is a curriculum that gives children something to work out themselves, alongside guidance from adults.

Learning also involves working with other children and doing things independently. The early years environment encouraged children to explore confidently, while planned activities gave them opportunities to collaborate. These are distinct experiences: joining another child’s activity calls for cooperation, while an independent task gives a child room to make their own decisions.

The dedicated outdoor space adds a physical dimension. In November 2024, children could play and explore in areas equipped for their age, with staff using outdoor activity to develop movement, emotions and relationships. Outdoor learning therefore served more than exercise alone.

Pencils, craft materials and scissors provided another kind of physical practice. Children handled these competently, showing developed fine motor skills. Alongside the larger movements of outdoor play, these smaller hand movements support children’s ability to use everyday learning materials.

Friendships and emotions receive deliberate attention. In November 2024, early years staff taught politeness and respect as children began making friends and understanding their feelings. Sharing and fair play were part of this work too. The implication is practical: learning to be alongside other children forms part of the education, rather than being left separate from it.

Early years profile reports give parents information about their child’s development. Staff supervision also forms part of the school’s evaluation of provision, connecting observation and assessment with discussions about further development.

Recruitment records. The November 2024 school inspection recommended recording the verification of references for new appointments. References were checked, but those verification checks were not recorded. This was a school-wide recruitment issue relevant to families considering its nursery provision.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the normal admissions process. Treat the nursery decision and the subsequent school application as separate decisions, rather than assuming that starting here secures the next place.

Fairfield’s office can be contacted on 01509 215172 or fairfield.office@lsf.org. Private tours can be booked throughout the year, giving families an opportunity to see teaching and ask questions. Select Fairfield Prep School when arranging a Foundation visit so that the enquiry concerns the school’s provision.