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Nursery at Burton Hathow Preparatory 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest School, Spanish and specialist music give Burton Hathow’s nursery a distinctive starting point. Care and education begin at age 2, with Caterpillars for younger children and Butterflies for those in their pre-school year. The nursery belongs to an independent preparatory school near Lincoln, rather than operating as a separate childcare setting.
The school grounds include woodland, while the nursery combines themed learning with opportunities for children to follow their own interests. Its stated priority is helping children feel secure enough to explore, develop friendships and attempt new challenges. That makes the balance between adult guidance and children’s choices central to the day.
An independent curriculum shapes learning here. Burton Hathow is exempt from the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and uses its own curriculum and assessment arrangements. In practical terms, children explore language, number, science, creativity and physical development through connected themes, rather than treating each as an isolated subject.
Specialists teach Spanish, music, sport and Forest School. These bring different kinds of activity into the nursery programme: movement alongside communication, and outdoor exploration alongside creative work. The wider school has three acres of woodland. Outdoor learning is also supported by daily access to designated play spaces, giving physical development a regular place in children’s routines.
ISI’s June and September 2025 inspection found that early-years learning included craft and engineering activities that developed problem-solving and language. Adults used questions to extend mathematical and scientific thinking, while visual prompts helped children build vocabulary. Established routines helped children maintain attention. These are useful details for parents: practical activity is paired with deliberate teaching, rather than simply keeping children occupied.
Settling begins before the nursery taster session. After the family’s school visit, two nursery team members visit the child at home, introducing themselves and learning about individual preferences and needs. The home visit lets staff meet the child somewhere familiar before the taster session, with information about the child informing the next step.
Morning and afternoon snacks are provided, and the catering team prepares lunch on site. Children attending the after-school session also receive a light tea. Food is built into the sequence of the day, including the later session.
In June and September 2025, early-years staffing ratios were appropriate, and warm staff interactions and clear routines helped children feel secure and willing to try activities. Early-years staff received paediatric first-aid training, with a qualified staff member always available. The nursery aims to include every child; the school also provides additional support plans and seeks reasonable adjustments for children with additional needs. An effective partnership with families helped early-years teachers understand the children in their care.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception continuation arrangements directly with the school.
Learning continuity is a separate benefit. Assessment arrangements connect Nursery with Reception, helping teaching build on what a child already knows. This supports the educational transition; it should not be confused with an admissions entitlement.
Caterpillars can attend mornings, afternoons or full days. For Butterflies, the pre-school pattern is a full day from 8.30am to 4:00pm. Before-school provision starts at 7:45 am, and the after-school session runs from 4:00 to 5:00pm. The age groups therefore have different booking patterns.
Families can choose term-time attendance or attendance throughout the year. Closures include inset days, the Christmas period and one week at the end of August for staff training. The nursery accepts 30 hours of funding for eligible children. Contact the school for current charges.
Tours can be booked using the enquiry form or by calling 01522 702657, and are tailored to the child’s age and educational stage. Early nursery applications are advised because waiting lists can occur. Arrange the visit early enough to consider the session pattern and home visit together.
Care and education begin at age 2. Caterpillars are the younger group, while Butterflies are in their pre-school year.
Caterpillars can attend a morning or afternoon session, or a full day. Butterflies attend from 8.30am to 4:00pm.
The nursery accepts 30 hours of funding for eligible children. Contact the school for current charges.
Following the family’s school visit, two nursery team members visit the child at home before the taster session to learn about their needs and preferences.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Learning assessments support continuity between Nursery and Reception, but that is separate from admission.
