Moreton Hall School Nursery Review

Sing and Sign, Gym Minis and swimming give First Steps Nursery a distinctive mix of language, movement and play within Moreton Hall School’s grounds. Boys and girls can join from six months to three years. The nursery operates through school holidays as well as term time, making continuity of care part of its practical appeal.

First Steps is separately registered early years provision on the school site. At its April 2026 inspection, the registered setting had 67 places. ISI’s nursery inspection on 14 to 15 April 2026 judged inclusion and children’s welfare and wellbeing at the strong standard, with curriculum and teaching, achievement, behaviour and routines, and leadership at the expected standard; safeguarding was met.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form through conversation, books, number play and learning to cooperate. Babies hear number songs accompanied by fingers showing quantities. Older children count, identify shapes and choose shapes to create pictures, putting mathematical ideas to work through play.

Language develops in stages. Staff respond to babies’ sounds, introduce younger children to words and short sentences, and give older children time to ask questions and explain their thinking. Sharing books runs through the nursery. Role play gives children opportunities to practise playing together, with adults joining in to help.

Alongside Gym Minis and Sing and Sign, activities include ballet, music, languages, swimming and Outdoor Education. A low-level slide gives babies a concrete physical challenge: staff demonstrate climbing its steps and positioning themselves to slide. Older children use equipment to practise coordination. These experiences bring movement alongside quieter learning.

Teaching development. In April 2026, older children did not consistently receive the guidance needed to develop movement skills fully. Younger children’s care routines also offered learning opportunities that staff sometimes missed, while less purposeful activities could lose children’s attention. Better physical-development teaching, learning during everyday routines and guidance for newer staff were priorities. These are useful areas for families to discuss when visiting.

A key person gives each child a familiar adult who knows their needs. Settling starts with a visit a few weeks before entry, allowing parents to share information while their child explores nearby. Further visits introduce short periods away from parents; the pace adapts to the child. Parents may stay initially if they wish.

For babies, established sleep patterns are followed and staff work with parents on weaning. Whenever possible, the key person handles sleeping, eating and intimate care, giving these routines continuity. Healthy snacks and meals accompany opportunities for physical activity. Children also practise feeding themselves, washing their hands and managing coats and outdoor footwear, building everyday independence.

Support for special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is tailored to individual children, including small-group work on speech and language. Staff involve other professionals where needed and adjust support as needs change. Parents can borrow books and receive ideas linked to nursery themes, connecting learning at home with nursery life. Safeguarding responsibilities are fulfilled, although leaders’ other duties sometimes reduce the time available for detailed observation and feedback on teaching.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application for Reception through the normal admissions process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing nursery and securing the next school place as separate decisions.

Preparation for change is personal. When children move between nursery rooms, visits and support from their existing key person help them develop relationships with the next team. Children needing additional help have a more extensive programme of visits, meetings and support. This supports familiarity and confidence. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place.

Monday to Friday opening runs from 8am to 6pm, with an optional charged breakfast club from 7.30am to 8am. Care continues during school holidays. The 2025–26 booking options included Full Day, 8am to 6pm, and School Day, 8am to 4pm; families should obtain current charges from the school.

Nursery payments are monthly and made in advance, with one month’s written notice required. A visit can be arranged directly with First Steps on 01691 776078 or firststeps@moretonhall.com, giving parents an opportunity to meet the team and discuss settling before choosing their pattern.