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Nursery at Holy Cross 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Mud kitchens, bug hotels and a play village give Little Sparks its character: this nursery draws on eight acres of school grounds in Kingston. Woodland and a pond bring the natural world into the learning setting, while specialist teaching connects nursery life with the facilities of Holy Cross Preparatory School.
Girls can currently join from age three. From January 2027, Little Sparks will welcome boys and girls aged two to four, with entry from the term or half term after a child's second birthday. That is a significant change for families considering a younger start. Both term-time and all-year attendance patterns are offered.
Learning links physical independence, conversation and relationships with the beginnings of reading and mathematics. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the organising areas: children practise listening and speaking, develop coordination and learn to manage themselves, alongside creative work and exploration of the world. Little Sparks includes early mark making, name writing, initial letter sounds and numbers from one to ten. These are recognisable small steps towards using language and numbers independently.
The school holds an exemption from the EYFS learning and development requirements for children aged three to five, renewed in 2021, allowing flexibility in teaching approaches. The safeguarding and welfare requirements still apply. Nursery learning includes Forest School, French and drama, alongside art, music and sport. The enhanced provision also includes baking, yoga and ballet, with access to the main school's sports hall and music room. Learning therefore extends beyond nursery activities alone.
Outside, the adventure playground and sports pitches provide space for movement; mud kitchens and bug hotels offer opportunities to investigate and get messy. During the ISI inspection of 28 to 30 November 2023, early-years teaching was found to adapt activities to children's interests and needs, with children making good progress. Number games, tracing numerals through sand and investigating coins connected mathematical ideas with practical activity. Those findings concern the early years collectively.
In November 2023, early-years staff helped children handle emotions through their own example and used observations of behaviour to decide how to respond. Children developed confidence and awareness of other people's needs. Outdoor exploration also supported physical development, and sufficient early-years staff held paediatric first-aid training.
A qualified teacher and additional staffing form part of the nursery's enhanced provision. Parent contact within that package includes a meeting and a written annual report, alongside invitations to celebrations and performances. Food also forms part of the practical day: the package includes two daily fruit or vegetable snacks. Breakfast Club provides breakfast, while Tea Club combines supervised play and adult-led activities with a fruit snack in its first session and a light tea in its second.
For learning concerns, parents can approach the class teacher or Learning Support Co-ordinator. The school's SEND provision supports mild to moderate learning difficulties; individual education plans, where used, are reviewed with parents twice yearly. Discussing a child's needs at application helps the team plan support.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the registrar through admissions@holycrossprep.com how Reception admission works for nursery children. The admissions criteria give priority to Catholic families and siblings of existing pupils. Consider Reception admission separately from the nursery choice.
All-year provision operates for 51 weeks, closing for one Christmas week and bank holidays; term-time provision covers approximately 34 weeks. Standard days run from 8am to 3pm, extended days to 6pm, and term-time mornings finish at noon. Drop-off is between 8am and 8.45am. Breakfast begins at 7.30am.
Attendance commitment. All-year bookings require at least two full days. Term-time attendance requires five mornings and at least three afternoons each week, rising to four or five afternoons in the summer term before Reception. All-year bookings and term-time afternoons must be confirmed before the preceding term starts. Term-time wraparound extras use School Gateway, with booking up to 24 hours ahead.
Funding and extras. Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access 15 or 30 funded hours weekly over 38 weeks, with the nursery's funded daily window running from 8am to 2pm. Enhanced provision carries an additional charge; families wishing to opt out can speak to the registrar or bursar. Snacks and trips also carry supplementary charges. Ask the school for current charges and use the enquiry form to register interest or admissions email to arrange a tour.
Girls currently join from age three. From January 2027, the nursery will accept boys and girls aged two to four, starting in the term or half term after turning two.
Yes. All-year provision runs for 51 weeks, with a Christmas week and bank holidays excluded. Term-time attendance covers approximately 34 weeks.
Little Sparks has access to woodland, a pond, an adventure playground and a play village. Mud kitchens, bug hotels and Forest School add opportunities for exploration.
Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access 15 or 30 hours per week over 38 weeks. The daily funded window is 8am to 2pm; enhanced provision and supplementary charges need separate consideration.
No. Ask the registrar how Reception admission works for nursery children; the school's admissions criteria give priority to Catholic families and siblings of current pupils.
