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Nursery at The Elms 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Weekly swimming from age three, woodland learning and Montessori principles give this nursery a distinctive mix of practical activity and exploration. It belongs to The Elms School in Colwall, an independent school, with early years based in the main school building. Nursery education starts at three.
The early years provision is Montessori accredited. The school aims to encourage independence and curiosity through that approach, while its values of Compassion, Perseverance and Endeavour translate into being kind, trying again and making an effort. These are useful expectations for children beginning to learn alongside others.
Practical learning gives the day its character. The Montessori approach includes play, exploration and everyday skills, with concrete experiences used to introduce language, numbers and the natural world. Alongside this, the Early Years Foundation Stage covers the required areas of learning: children build their independence, communication and understanding through activity rather than simply preparing for formal lessons.
In October 2024, the early years curriculum supported good progress. Extra work on numeracy and deliberate attention to speaking and listening complemented weekly woodland lessons, where children developed vocabulary. Outdoor learning therefore serves a clear purpose beyond exercise. Play equipment also extends children's physical experiences.
Woodland Challenge brings opportunities to explore trees and make dens. Time on the farm involves caring for animals and practical tasks. Indoors, art includes clay, collage and painting, giving children different ways to experiment with texture and shape.
Swimming takes place weekly from age three in the heated indoor pool, so water activities need not depend on warm weather. Drama also begins at three, with weekly lessons and participation in a musical for each year group. Weekly class music adds another regular creative activity. Together, these give children opportunities to express themselves through movement, sound and imaginative play.
Early years teachers work within a Nursery and Pre-Prep team. Its head also holds deputy safeguarding responsibility for early years, and a SENDCo forms part of the team. For families considering support for additional needs, those roles provide clear points of responsibility.
Safeguarding needs its inspection context. In October 2024, staff were failing to follow the early years rules on personal phones, and some recruitment checks had not been completed before staff began work. Written procedures also failed to cover staff reporting and securely storing their own medication, although the practice was appropriate.
The progress monitoring visit on 21 March 2025 found that all the relevant standards considered were met. Early years staff received the required recruitment checks and safeguarding training; revised mobile phone procedures were reinforced by signs for staff and visitors. The monitoring findings confirmed action on recruitment checks and early years mobile phone procedures.
Lunch is included with an unfunded full day. For funded sessions, meals, snacks and consumables sit outside the funded hours, with their associated charges optional. Families should distinguish the childcare entitlement from those additions when choosing sessions.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception rather than treating their nursery booking as an admission to the next class. Keep that decision separate from choosing the nursery's daily activities and care.
Term-time attendance follows an academic year of 33.5 weeks in 2026-2027. Three days each week are recommended. A full day runs from 8.15am to 3.45pm; morning-only attendance ends at 11.15am, and afternoons run from 12.45pm to 3.45pm. A lunch session bridges the two.
The school accepts government funding for three- and four-year-olds. Entitlements of 15 or 30 hours can cover core hours between 8.15am and 3.45pm. Fees are collected before each term, with extras billed afterwards. Ask the school for current charges.
Afternoon clubs run from 3.45pm to 4.30pm, followed by extended care with supper until 5.50pm. Enquiries can be made by telephone or email, and families can arrange a personal tour or attend a termly open morning.
Nursery education begins at age three.
Full days run from 8.15am to 3.45pm. Morning-only sessions finish at 11.15am; afternoon sessions begin at 12.45pm and finish at 3.45pm.
Yes. The school accepts funding for three- and four-year-olds, with 15 or 30 hours usable against core hours. Lunch, snacks and consumables are outside those hours, and the associated charges are optional.
No. Families must apply separately for Reception.
Yes. Personal tours and termly open mornings are available, with enquiries by telephone or email.
