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Nursery at Ratcliffe College
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Dough, pretend shopping and early number games give Ratcliffe’s nursery its character: small children learning through things they can make, handle and act out. The existing Cygnets and Swans provision takes children aged three and above within the Preparatory School, on the Ratcliffe on the Wreake campus. In December 2025, there were two nursery classes within the school’s early years setting.
A substantial expansion is planned for Spring 2027, subject to final approvals. This would extend care to children aged six months to four years, with separate spaces for babies, toddlers and preschool children. Families choosing now need to distinguish the existing preschool day from that future childcare model.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form here. At the December 2025 ISI inspection, children strengthened hand control with dough, practised conversation through pretend shopping and explored numbers with number lines. An alphabet activity used interactive technology, while making advent calendars brought design and colouring into the mix. These are purposeful play activities, connecting physical skills, language and early mathematical understanding.
Experienced early years practitioners adapt learning to children’s interests and individual needs. Development is checked each day and logged digitally against early learning goals, giving staff a continuing picture of where to offer help or introduce another challenge.
Movement and social learning have their own place. Hopping and jumping build balance; catching and throwing practise coordination. Pretending to deliver post gives children a reason to interact, while adults demonstrate how to talk and behave with others.
For the planned expansion, woodland access, Forest School experiences and outdoor play spaces would add opportunities for exploration. The new nursery would sit beside the Preparatory School within the 200-acre campus. These are future arrangements, rather than a description of the current nursery’s facilities.
Emotional learning starts early. In December 2025, the youngest children were learning to describe their feelings and consider how other people feel. Alongside adults modelling social behaviour, that gives children practical ways to understand one another during play.
Settling can involve a gradual increase in attendance. Children’s patterns may change considerably during their first months, sometimes building from five or six sessions towards full-time attendance during the first year. That allows the amount of nursery time to develop as a child settles.
Food depends on the session chosen. Morning and afternoon options each include a choice with lunch or without it. Day fees include a midday meal and afternoon tea, so families should match the meal arrangement to their booked hours.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm with the Admissions Office what you need to do for Reception admission, including any application deadline. Ratcliffe accepts applications throughout the year; registration is online, and an offer depends on admissions criteria and space being available. Familiarity with the school should not be treated as an entitlement to a place.
A deposit becomes payable when a child enters Reception, although none is required for nursery entry. That is a further financial step for families planning to continue, separate from the question of admission.
The existing full day runs from 8am to 3.30pm. Morning attendance finishes at noon without lunch or at 1pm with lunch. Afternoon attendance begins at noon with lunch or at 1pm without it, ending at 3.30pm. Separately charged wraparound care runs from 4pm to 6pm and is excluded from nursery day fees.
Changing attendance. Agreed changes to regular attendance can alter billing, but sickness and other absences do not qualify for refunds. Families building up sessions should account for that distinction. Contact the school for current charges.
Subject to final approvals, the Spring 2027 model would operate Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm, across 51 weeks. Guideline sessions divide the day at 12.45pm. Existing preschool provision is also planned to move to year-round operation, retaining a term-time option. Eligible families would be able to use government-funded childcare support and Early Years vouchers under the expanded model.
Enquiries go to the Admissions Office on 01509 817072. Private tours can be arranged throughout the year, and families can register interest in the expansion online.
The existing Cygnets and Swans provision is for children aged three and above. An expansion for ages six months to four years is planned for Spring 2027, subject to final approvals.
It runs from 8am to 3.30pm. Wraparound care from 4pm to 6pm is charged separately.
Yes. Morning and afternoon sessions have options with or without lunch, alongside the full-day arrangement.
No. Confirm with the Admissions Office what you need to do for Reception admission, including any application deadline.
Subject to final approvals, the Spring 2027 expansion would operate for 51 weeks, Monday to Friday. Existing preschool provision is also planned to retain a term-time option.
