Danesfield School Nursery Review

Play sets the direction at Danesfield’s nursery: children’s interests shape activities, while adults extend their curiosity into learning. This is the school’s own preschool provision in Medmenham, within a primary school whose age range starts at three. The nursery opened in September 2022; its roll was 34 children at the April 2023 inspection. That is a historical roll, rather than a current capacity figure.

Children have room to initiate their own activities. Adults respond to what catches their attention, making the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) a framework for learning through play. Its seven areas bring together movement, language and social development with early literacy, mathematics, creativity and exploration of the world. For parents, the practical emphasis is on developing communication and independence alongside early learning.

Outdoor space gives that approach a physical setting. The school grounds include woodland and a dedicated EYFS learning garden. In April 2023, early years children explored numbers through outdoor play as well as organised classroom activities. Learning included moving from counting to adding or removing a single item, connecting number work with something children could do and understand.

Ofsted’s April 2023 inspection found that nursery children were explicitly helped to concentrate, listen and wait for their turn, and that early years practitioners understood children’s development well. These are useful foundations for joining activities and learning alongside other children. Preschool also participated in the school’s Arts Week in June 2026, giving its children a part in a shared creative event.

Familiar routines help young children settle and build friendships. In April 2023, teaching routines supported the youngest children in doing both. This matters because learning to feel comfortable in a group is part of the nursery experience, alongside learning new skills.

Communication starts with the adults working directly with children. Across the school, teachers and teaching assistants share concerns about a child’s wellbeing with parents and the pastoral team. Parents can raise worries with their child’s teacher or arrange a Nurture Team appointment through the office.

For additional needs, the school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review alongside Buckinghamshire’s Graduated Approach. Teaching is adapted to individual needs, with targeted or specialist provision according to the child. The school’s support spaces include The Lookout, The Nook and a yurt, furnished with sofas, quiet space and tables for puzzles, crafts and games. These are school support facilities, rather than nursery-specific rooms.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process: Danesfield’s Reception applications go through the Buckinghamshire Coordinated Primary Admissions Scheme, via Buckinghamshire Council’s website. Treat the nursery choice and the later school application as separate decisions.

The preschool day runs from 8.35am until 3.05pm. Its timetable places a morning break at 10am to 10.15am and lunch between 11.30am and 12.30pm, giving families concrete timings around which to organise the day.

October half-term. The 2026/27 calendar has a two-week autumn half-term, from 19 to 30 October 2026. Families need to account for that longer break in their childcare planning.

For enquiries, contact office@danesfieldschool.co.uk or telephone 01628 483031. School tours can be arranged through the office, providing a direct route to a visit.