Bertie's Nursery at Leicester Preparatory School

Stories, conversation and pretend shops give Bertie's Nursery its clearest character: young children learning through language and play, with activities adjusted to their individual needs. This is Leicester Preparatory School's own nursery in Stoneygate, welcoming children from age 2.

In June 2024, the nursery comprised two classes within the school's early years provision. The school building has four levels, a hall and a refurbished playground. These are school facilities, rather than a description of a separate nursery campus.

Individual interests shape the learning. In June 2024, early years staff planned activities around what children already understood, helping them develop physically, emotionally, socially and creatively alongside their thinking skills. That gives the early years foundation stage a practical meaning for parents: learning involves communicating, playing with others and becoming more capable, as well as acquiring knowledge.

Books provide a sustained thread. Early years teaching used a selection of stories over each half term, giving children time to explore characters, understand what happened next and discuss feelings. Conversation with staff helped children expand their vocabulary. The emphasis was on children finding words for their ideas, rather than simply listening to adults.

Pretend shops introduced the purpose of money, while props helped children act out different jobs. These examples connect play with everyday life. Social learning was equally concrete: children practised sharing equipment, waiting for a turn and handling play resources safely. In June 2024, this helped them regulate their behaviour and recognise other children's needs. Discussions and celebrations also introduced different beliefs and cultures in the early years.

A key person adjusted activities to each child's needs. In June 2024, this included changing questions when a child needed help joining a discussion, so support could happen within the activity itself. Early years teaching was effective and children made good progress at that time.

Settling began before nursery attendance. The June 2024 induction arrangements included visits to children's homes, followed by help becoming familiar with nursery routines. Children also had appropriate supervision, including outside teaching time. For families, the combination gives practical substance to individual care: a familiar adult, tailored help and an introduction to the daily routine.

Safeguarding. In June 2024, the school's internet filtering and monitoring arrangements failed to meet the required guidance; early years children had no internet access at that time. By February 2025, effective filtering and monitoring were in place, and safeguarding arrangements were effective across the school, explicitly including early years. The monitoring visit confirmed compliance with the standards it examined, rather than awarding a nursery grade.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat nursery and Reception admission as separate processes, with a separate application through the normal route by the applicable deadline. Familiarity with the school should not be treated as an entitlement to a place.

The nursery's operating model announced for January 2023 covered 7.30am to 6pm throughout the year, excluding bank holidays. That was a long-day arrangement rather than a school-hours-only model. Nursery invoices are monthly; contact admissions for current charges.

Private tours can be booked through the admissions team. Email admissions@leicesterprep.co.uk or call 0116 270 7414. The school address is 2 Albert Road, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2AA.