The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Skippers Hill Manor 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Woodland, fields and a purpose-built Kindergarten give the youngest children at Skippers Hill room to explore. This is the school's nursery for children aged two to four, in Five Ashes, near Mayfield. It has two classrooms, with early years teachers supported by teaching assistants, and occupies its own building on the wider school site.
The character comes from the combination of outdoor discovery and familiar school connections. Woodland Learning, gymnastics and activities with older children bring experiences beyond the nursery rooms while children retain a separate base.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes the curriculum. For younger children, the emphasis is on movement, talking, listening, relationships and handling emotions. Reading, maths, creative work and exploring the world become more prominent as children show they are ready. This gives the day a developmental focus rather than treating every child as ready for the same task.
Inside, printed materials change with children's interests. Interactive touch screens in both rooms support phonics and maths, taught individually or with small groups; everyday routines also introduce mathematical ideas through practical experiences. Art, drama, dance and music provide other ways to express ideas.
Outside, children explore seasonal changes in the fields and woodland through Woodland Learning. A nursery team member also leads a weekly pre-gymnastics session, with children aiming to earn badges and certificates for presentation at assembly. In June 2024, ISI found that nursery language work helped children develop speaking and listening quickly, while early years adults adjusted activities around children's questions, including how nests remain in trees. Curiosity has a practical place here. Outdoor climbing equipment and tricycles also helped early years children develop coordination.
Settling follows the child. The process is adapted individually, supporting attachments to parents and carers while children become familiar with staff and their surroundings. Fun Fridays, the toddler group, can provide an early introduction. Regular parent meetings, individual learning journals and an open-door approach keep families involved in their child's progress.
The Head of Kindergarten holds a master's qualification in Early Years Education and Early Years Teacher Status. Lower Kindergarten staff include a Level 3 early years educator. During June 2024, early years children developed friendships, learnt to handle feelings and practised responsibility through classroom jobs and turn-taking.
Food is tied to the session booked. Morning attendance includes a snack and hot lunch with dessert; the afternoon has a snack, and evening food is included in the session charge. Parents bring nappies, with separate charges for the associated wipes, gloves and disposal.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should treat Reception as a separate application, following the normal admissions process and meeting the applicable deadline. The school's Admissions team is the contact for applications.
Familiarity is a different matter. Joint activities with Reception and other Pre-Prep children, weekly assemblies involving the whole school and shared events introduce nursery children to the wider setting. These experiences support the change of classroom and routines; they should not be read as an admissions advantage.
Term-time Kindergarten runs from 8.15am to 4.15pm, with optional Late Stay until 5.45pm. The morning session finishes at 1.15pm, when the afternoon session begins. Holiday cover is separately charged, with provision for up to 48 weeks per year and holiday hours of 8.15am to 4pm.
Funding pattern. Up to 15 funded hours per week apply during term time to afternoon sessions only, excluding Holiday Club. Under-three funding is means tested by ESCC; for over-threes, funding is open to all children, reaching the school the term after the child turns three and being applied to the account once received. The school submits a Parental Declaration Form each term on parents' behalf. Afternoon snack and wipe charges are additional, so funded hours need to be considered alongside consumables.
Monthly invoices arrive through the Parenta app with itemised costs. Contact the school for current charges. Families can use the nursery enquiry form or book a personalised school tour through Admissions to see how the rooms, outdoor spaces and session pattern fit their child.
Kindergarten caters for children aged two to four.
They explore woodland and fields, including seasonal changes, through Woodland Learning. The June 2024 inspection also described early years children using climbing equipment and tricycles.
Settling is led by the child and adapted individually, supporting relationships with parents, carers and staff. Fun Fridays offers an earlier introduction to the setting.
Funding applies to afternoon sessions only: up to 15 hours weekly during term time. Holiday Club is excluded, and afternoon snack and wipe charges are additional.
No. Treat Reception admission separately from nursery attendance. Joint activities and assemblies help children become familiar with the wider school, but do not establish an admissions entitlement.
