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Nursery at Snaresbrook Prep 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A garden for practical play and an early years unit with its own toilets give Snaresbrook Prep’s youngest children a distinct base within the school. The nursery class is called Lower Foundation Stage. Usual entry is around three-and-a-half, although the early years programme begins at three.
This is the nursery of an independent school in South Woodford. Its early years accommodation comprises two bright rooms, while the separate school hall is used across the age groups for activities including drama, music and PE. The combination gives young children their own space alongside access to shared facilities.
Sleeping Animals captures the nursery’s approach better than a subject list. In this example lesson, children sing a rhyme, pretend to sleep, then move like an elephant, lion or monkey. Movement, listening and imaginative play happen together. Taking turns also makes the game an exercise in managing feelings and joining in with others.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects seven areas of development. In parent language, that means learning to communicate, move confidently and build relationships alongside early reading, number work, creativity and discovering how the world works. Staff use observations during ordinary activities to identify needs and plan subsequent learning.
Outside, the purpose-built garden supports practical activities and play; an artificial-grass area is shared across the school. In June 2024, early years teaching placed emphasis on physical skills and emotional and social development, with outdoor activities contributing to learning. The ISI inspection of 4 to 6 June 2024 found good progress across the seven learning areas, including confident vocabulary use. These findings cover early years collectively.
Settling starts with individual conversations between parents and the class teacher, and a preliminary visit can be arranged where appropriate. Children receive a diary and school folder. A parent meeting follows after three weeks, giving families an early opportunity to discuss how the start has gone.
Contact continues through termly meetings, conversations with staff after the day ends and written reports in autumn and summer. In June 2024, early years children had close adult supervision. Feeling cards helped them communicate emotions, while everyday responsibilities included putting coats away, tidying and using the toilet independently. These are practical steps towards managing more of the day themselves.
School lunches use fresh ingredients, with three menus changing in rotation each week. Lunch is an obligatory charge alongside tuition. Before-school care includes optional breakfast, with yogurt, toast and cereal among the choices; after-school care provides a sandwich and drink as a light tea.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should confirm progression requirements with the school. Applicants seeking an available Reception place use the school’s registration and waiting-list process. For applicants seeking an available Reception place, the process includes a meeting with the head and time in the relevant classroom; any offer depends on the admission requirements applying then.
Preparation for the next stage has a different purpose. A meeting towards the summer term’s end covers changes to the day, learning through play and the home reading programme. It helps families understand the next stage rather than establishing an admissions entitlement.
The nursery day starts at 8:40am and finishes at 3:15pm; doors open at 8:30am. Before-school care runs from 7:40am to 8:30am, and after-school care continues until 6:15pm. Both care services are open to all children and carry additional charges. Before-school registration uses an online system; after-school bookings can be made through the communication diary or by email.
The fees effective from 1 September 2026 provide for a 15-hour Early Years Grant in Lower Foundation Stage, deducted from tuition charges. Trips are charged separately, as are some activities delivered by external providers. Contact the office for current charges or to arrange an informal visit: office@snaresbrookprep.org or 020 8989 2394. Lower Foundation Stage has its own uniform list, and children do not need blazers.
Collection and travel. Late collection leads to charged after-school care. Nearby roads require parking permits after 8:30am, making the journey part of the daily planning.
Feedback. The June 2024 inspection identified inconsistent application of marking and feedback across the school, including with younger pupils. This was a school-wide concern; parents should discuss how feedback supports their child’s next steps.
Most children join around three-and-a-half. The school describes its early years programme as beginning at three.
The youngest children have a purpose-built garden for play and practical activities. An artificial-grass play area is shared across the school.
The class teacher speaks with parents individually, and a preliminary visit can be arranged where appropriate. A parent meeting takes place after three weeks, followed by termly meetings.
No. Families should confirm progression requirements with the school. Applications for available Reception places follow the school’s registration and waiting-list process, with offers subject to its admission requirements.
The 15-hour Early Years Grant applies to Lower Foundation Stage and is deducted from fees. Lunch is an obligatory charge; before- and after-school care, trips and some externally provided activities attract additional charges.
