Minibeasts Nursery at Notre Dame Prep School

Digging, growing and woodland exploration give Minibeasts a clear outdoor character. This is Notre Dame Prep School’s on-site nursery in Norwich, welcoming boys and girls aged two to four within a Catholic independent school. Families of any faith, and those with none, are welcome.

Children belong to the wider school community from the start. Teachers and early years practitioners work with families to understand each child’s needs, giving the nursery a link between home life and school life rather than treating learning as a separate concern.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines activities guided by adults with those led by children. Here, talking and listening, movement and emotional development receive particular attention. In parent terms, learning includes expressing needs, becoming more physically confident and managing feelings, alongside exploring new ideas.

The garden and woodland area extend that learning outdoors. Dedicated spaces for discovery, digging and growing plants give children practical ways to explore the natural world. Indoor and outdoor activities both contribute to the nursery’s preparation for school; independence is one of its stated aims.

In January 2025, ISI found that early years children developed their skills successfully through considered teaching and activities. Examples across the early years included constructing miniature igloos from sugar cubes, experimenting with melting ice and learning about Antarctic animals. These connect making and investigation with understanding the world. Sound-based activities supported the beginnings of reading and writing, while washing toy vehicles at a water table and tackling jumping obstacles developed hand control and larger movements.

Settling begins with gradually introduced taster visits, giving children time to become familiar with adults and classmates. Before joining, families receive a Welcome Pack. Partnership with parents also forms part of everyday nursery practice, with attention to children’s individual needs.

Lunch is prepared by the on-site kitchen team, with dietary needs accommodated. A healthy snack arrives mid-morning: choices include vegetables and fruit, crackers and breadsticks. Meals also provide opportunities to practise table manners and talk about eating healthily, making food part of the learning day.

January 2025 early years findings described children becoming more independent in shared play, co-operation and turn-taking. Safeguarding practice included limits on devices with cameras, a concrete protection relevant to the youngest children’s care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should treat entry to Pre Prep, the school’s Reception class, as a separate application through the school’s admissions team. Registration applies from Pre Prep onwards; offers follow successful taster visits, and a full year group means joining a waiting list.

For children joining at the start of a new academic year, a summer-term Transition Morning provides an opportunity to prepare for the change. Familiarisation and admission are separate matters: taking part in transition activities does not secure a place.

Wraparound care extends from 8am to 5.30pm and carries an additional charge. SchoolsBuddy handles after-school bookings, which can be made for individual days or blocks until 11.30am on the session day. That gives families some flexibility when arranging a longer day.

The nursery advertises 30 hours of government-funded childcare. For 2025/26, its charging model included a maximum of 15 funded hours each week for all three- and four-year-olds, with additional hours charged separately. Drinks and snacks, and hot lunches, also carry charges. Contact the school for current charges.

Arrange a personal tour through admissions@notredameprepschool.co.uk or call 01603 625593. The school’s drop-off and collection arrangements use the West End Street playground, with later after-school collection supported by parent parking off Dereham Road.