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Nursery at Quinton House 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A converted stable block and Forest School give Quinton House’s nursery a distinct setting within the school grounds at Upton Hall, Northampton. The nursery is for children aged 3–4, with preschool describing the academic year before Reception. In March 2026, nursery children under four were accommodated in one class. This is the youngest part of an independent school, with its own space and regular contact with the wider early years team.
Forest School sits alongside specialist language teaching in German, Spanish and French. Ballet and yoga are available at an additional charge. These give children experiences beyond their classroom play, while the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early communication, physical skills and learning to get along with others.
In March 2026, ISI found that early years teaching and planning responded to individual children’s interests and needs, helping them make good progress. Indoor and outdoor activities remain available for children to explore, rather than learning depending entirely on adult-led sessions. Staff introduce vocabulary through activities and strengthen children’s understanding of sounds in words. Craft work brings shapes and different materials into their learning.
Outside, balance boards and tricycles help children practise coordination and develop strength. Cutting and tracing activities exercise the smaller movements needed for drawing and writing. Social learning is equally practical: children share equipment, take turns and work towards a task together. Nursery discussions explore friendship and different family types, while early years activities introduce people who help others, including doctors, dentists and emergency services. There is learning in the everyday exchanges as well as the planned activities.
The nursery manager also holds an early years designated safeguarding lead role, giving safeguarding a place within the nursery’s leadership. In March 2026, early years leaders were knowledgeable about the children they cared for, and partnerships with parents supported children’s development. For Pre-Prep entrants, at least two settling-in sessions can help make the new setting familiar before the full routine begins.
Lunch is compulsory for the morning session and charged separately; tea is also compulsory for after-school care and charged separately. A morning snack is included for children up to Year 2. Meals therefore form part of the care routine, with their charges needing to be included in family planning.
Mealtime seating. In March 2026, early years dining furniture was the wrong height to support safer eating. Tables and chairs suited to the children’s ages were introduced during the inspection. Maintaining suitable seating at every meal remained a recommended next step, making this a practical point to consider on a visit.
The application process gathers information about dietary and medical needs, additional support and SEND. This gives families a way to explain their child’s needs before joining.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the admissions team to confirm the application arrangements for your child’s move to Reception. Offers depend on availability and the school’s admissions requirements at that time.
Transition has a separate, practical role. Weekly lessons with the Reception teacher and the head of EYFS and Key Stage 1 help nursery children become familiar with staff involved in their next stage. That continuity supports preparation for the change; it should not be confused with an admissions entitlement.
Morning sessions run from 8am to 1pm, afternoons from 1pm to 4pm, and after-school care from 4pm to 6pm. Nursery requires three mornings each week. Preschool requires five sessions weekly, including three mornings, so families need to plan for a larger attendance commitment in the year before Reception. Sessions cannot be booked ad hoc.
Provision follows the school’s term-time calendar, with holiday club provision additional to this. Eligible children aged three and four can access up to 15 funded childcare hours per week. Fees are billed by school term. Ask the admissions team for current charges, including compulsory meals and any optional activities you choose.
For enquiries, call 01604 684828 or email admissions@quintonhouseschool.co.uk. Private tours can be arranged to see the nursery’s setting and discuss the session pattern that fits your family.
The nursery is for children aged 3–4. Preschool is the academic year before children start Reception in September.
Morning sessions are 8am–1pm, afternoon sessions 1pm–4pm, and after-school care 4pm–6pm. Nursery requires three mornings per week; preschool requires five sessions, including three mornings.
Yes. Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access up to 15 funded childcare hours weekly. The nursery operates during school terms, and compulsory meals carry separate charges.
Forest School is part of the nursery provision. Early years outdoor equipment includes tricycles and balance boards for developing strength, balance and coordination.
No. Contact the admissions team to confirm the application arrangements for your child’s move to Reception; offers depend on availability and the school’s admissions requirements. Weekly lessons with Reception and early years teaching staff support transition, rather than guaranteeing admission.
