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Nursery at The Webber Independent 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Four rooms give Little Webber a clear progression from baby care to preparation for school. Little Explorers, Little Adventurers, Little Learners and Pre-Reception form the nursery provision at The Webber Independent School in Milton Keynes, welcoming children from six months to five years. Each group has its own learning focus, and movement between stages follows development rather than birthdays alone.
The nursery has its own outdoor space, alongside access to an eco-garden and outdoor classrooms. This gives exploration a physical place in the day. ISI judged the registered early years provision good at its 15 to 17 October 2024 inspection; that judgement applies to this provision rather than serving as an overall school grade.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning through play, relationships, movement and communication, with early reading and number work developing alongside them. Little Explorers concentrates on physical skills, language and emotional development. In Little Adventurers, guided play introduces sounds, letters and numbers through resources children can choose and use.
Little Learners adds daily number and literacy activities, with specialist input in music, languages, PE, yoga and digital learning. Pre-Reception concentrates on independence and solving problems. The stages give parents a practical picture of how activities change as children develop, rather than treating preparation for school as an early start to formal lessons.
In October 2024, children transferred water with scoops and pipettes, explored whether objects sank or floated, and used tweezers for sorting. Outdoors, large plastic shapes became pretend cars, while a wooden xylophone offered opportunities to experiment with sound. A ladder and slide supported repeated physical practice. Children also had time to sustain their own play, helping them concentrate and make decisions.
Early communication. In October 2024, adults supported older children’s language through planned investigations, but sometimes missed opportunities to introduce simple vocabulary to younger children during care routines. Developing staff knowledge and confidence in this area was the recommended next step. This matters for babies and toddlers whose conversations often happen during ordinary care.
Settling starts with learning about a child’s interests and needs before attendance, then offering familiar activities at the beginning. In October 2024, parents received daily communication and online progress information, helping home and nursery share an understanding of the child. The nursery team includes specialist, degree-qualified teachers, while the manager supports staff through supervision and appraisal.
Meals are part of learning to manage everyday tasks. In October 2024, younger children practised using spoons, older children worked with knives and forks, and conversations about vegetables connected lunch with healthy eating. Familiar hand-cleaning and apron routines helped younger children anticipate snack time. Nursery catering accommodates vegetarian choices, allergies and cultural dietary requirements.
Children needing extra help were monitored through observations, with support informed by their development and parents’ knowledge. Additional needs. The school describes limited SEND facilities and possible mobility restrictions arising from the buildings and site. Families should disclose needs before admission so adjustments can be considered; outside specialist intervention may carry additional charges.
Site safety. The October 2024 findings included shortcomings in vehicle risk management and secure storage of hazardous objects, with relevant EYFS safety requirements unmet. On 13 June 2025, the progress monitoring inspection confirmed that the standards it checked were met, including effective safeguarding in early years, secure storage and vehicle-access procedures. Nursery collection procedures also included passwords for alternative collectors in October 2024.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the school’s admissions team to confirm the Reception offer process and any application requirements or deadlines. The independent school’s admissions route is through its own team.
Preparation is a separate benefit. Pre-Reception develops independence and problem-solving, and nursery children interact regularly with Reception and older groups. Familiarity with people and routines can support the change to school; it should not be read as an admissions entitlement.
Little Webber opens for 51 weeks annually, from 7:30am to 6:00pm. A session means a full day. The usual minimum is two sessions each week, increasing to an expected three in Pre-Reception. Half-days are a paid option only for siblings of children already attending the nursery or school, and cannot use early years funding. Extra days can be booked subject to space; existing days cannot be swapped.
Funding includes universal entitlement for three- and four-year-olds and eligible working-family entitlement from nine months. Stretching across the year gives up to 11 or 22 funded hours weekly. The policy places funded hours between 7:30am and 1:00pm and excludes food, disposable consumables, specialist education and additional activities. Some external trips and visitors cost extra. Contact the school for current charges.
Bank holidays, up to five INSET days and the Christmas closure are excluded from charging. Use the online enquiry and tour form to arrange a visit; Little Webber Stay & Play sessions also offer a chance to meet the team and explore the nursery.
Children can attend from six months to five years, with four developmental stages from Little Explorers to Pre-Reception.
Opening hours are 7:30am to 6:00pm across 51 weeks of the year, with bank holiday, INSET and Christmas closures.
Half-days are offered only to siblings of children already attending Little Webber or the school. They are paid sessions and do not qualify for early years funding.
No. Reception admission is a separate decision through the school’s admissions process. Transition activities do not constitute an entitlement to a place.
The nursery policy excludes food, disposable consumables, specialist education and additional activities from funding. Some external trips and visitors may also attract charges.
