Moor Park School Nursery Review

Woodland exploration and sensory play give Tick Tock its character. Part of Moor Park School, Tick Tock takes babies from three months and toddlers up to three years, on the school site at Richard’s Castle, Ludlow. It sits alongside the school’s pre-prep provision, rather than being the same class as Kindergarten.

At the ISI inspection of 14 to 16 January 2025, the registered early years provision was judged good overall, with effective safeguarding. That judgement applies to the registered provision, not to the whole school. Its distinctive combination is practical: care for babies and toddlers, familiar adults and regular opportunities to explore outdoors.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes shape through play, conversation and physical exploration. In January 2025, babies shared picture books with adults, pointing at illustrations while staff read. Older children chose books for themselves. These are small, purposeful steps towards language and reading, rather than formal lessons for very young children.

Physical learning has concrete equipment behind it. A ball pit gave younger children opportunities to practise grasping and crawling; on the climbing frame and slide, older children worked on balance and taking turns. Toddlers tackled toy animals trapped in ice, experimenting with pipettes, sticks and warm water. The task connected persistence with discovery.

Specialist adults taught PE, while sensory sessions served the youngest children. Regular woodland exploration helped children investigate nature. In January 2025, the timetable distributed different teaching experiences across attendance days, so a child’s learning was not restricted to the activities on one particular day.

Activity planning. In January 2025, some adult-led tasks involved excessive equipment and choices, making the intended learning harder to follow. Sharper selection of resources was needed to leave children more room to decide and think independently.

A free half-day settling session follows nursery registration, giving children time to explore the rooms and get acquainted with the early years team. In January 2025, children had secure relationships with their key person. Staff shared observations of progress with parents, who could also contribute examples from home, connecting learning across both settings.

The Colour Monster helps children talk about feelings through colour. Staff also use mindful activities and conversations about emotions. January 2025 findings showed adults responding promptly to tiredness and hunger, with predictable sleeping, snack and lunch routines helping younger children understand the day. For children with SEND, staff worked with families and external providers to arrange suitable early support.

Thomas Franks, the in-house catering team, prepares food on site. A full day includes breakfast, snacks with fresh fruit, and hot meals at lunch and tea. Families work with the catering manager on allergies, intolerances and other dietary needs. Children can reach their own water bottles or beakers. Health support includes an onsite qualified Matron and a school doctor; all nursery staff have paediatric first-aid training.

Mealtime independence. In January 2025, adults sometimes prepared and cut food that capable children could have tackled themselves. More opportunities to practise these everyday skills were needed.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the Registrar at registrar@moorpark.org.uk to confirm the application and acceptance arrangements for Reception. Applications are accepted throughout the year, subject to availability.

Emotional preparation is a different matter from admission. In January 2025, key people accompanied children into their next nursery room, helping them become familiar with the space and adults before moving. This supported confidence during room changes; it should not be read as an admissions advantage.

For the 2025/26 fee cycle, nursery sessions ran from 08:00 to 18:00 for a full day, with half-days of 08:00 to 13:00 or 13:00 to 18:00. For children aged nine months to three years receiving local-authority funding, the arrangement stretched 30 hours to 22.5 hours per week. Additional attendance periods carried charges, so families should distinguish funded time from the complete booked session. Ask the school for current charges.

The Tick Tock Nursery Enquiry form is the route for discussing childcare needs and arranging a nursery tour. Whole-school Open Days also include nursery tours once per term. Transport. School bus eligibility begins in Year 1, so nursery families need their own travel arrangements.