The Peterborough School Nursery Review

Pancake mixing, hairdresser play and walks to the nature garden give this nursery a practical, exploratory character. It shares a site with The Peterborough School’s preparatory and senior provision, while operating as a separately registered early years setting. At the February 2024 inspection, it catered for children aged six weeks to four years, with 81 full-time equivalent places and 91 children attending.

ISI judged the registered early years provision Good at its inspection on 13 to 15 February 2024. That judgement belongs to the nursery provision itself. Its strengths included children’s emotional security and progress, alongside specific weaknesses in teaching and outdoor resources for the youngest children.

Learning takes tangible forms here. Toddlers measured and stirred pancake ingredients using real utensils; older children organised appointments and waited their turn in hairdresser role play. These activities combine language, practical coordination and social learning. Songs, gestures and shared books also help younger children build vocabulary.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum connects activities to children’s interests and developmental stages. Staff observe children and record their learning electronically, using those observations to choose suitable next activities. Older children tapped shapes onto wooden boards with tools, strengthening the hand muscles needed for later writing. Toddlers pushed vehicles through sand, while older children invented a skittles game. There is room for children’s own choices.

Beyond the play spaces, younger children explored the school grounds and nature garden. Farm and museum outings extended older children’s experiences. However, in February 2024, resources outdoors for the youngest children were sparse, and planned teaching for this age group was sometimes delivered inconsistently. Monitoring did not reliably address these weaknesses. Strengthening staff oversight and support was the nursery’s recommended next step, making the youngest children’s learning a significant point for families to consider.

Settling starts before attendance. The Nursery Manager normally arranges two familiarisation visits with parents, giving children an introduction before their first sessions. A key person talks with parents about their child’s development before they start and uses that understanding when planning learning. In February 2024, relationships between children and their key person were positive and secure.

Everyday care includes adapting to changes in sleep routines and helping children wash their hands before eating. Children practised cutting fruit and pouring drinks, turning snack time into an opportunity for independence. Healthy food accommodated allergies and preferences; meals and snacks are included in nursery fees, with no separate food or consumables charges.

Staff were well qualified in February 2024, and safeguarding was effective. Support for additional needs included acting on advice from speech and language therapists and seeking professional guidance on allergies. Parents received information about learning through an online platform, helping them follow their child’s experiences beyond the nursery day.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must register separately through the School Application Form and meet the school’s entry requirements. The September 2025 Admissions Policy sets registration for entry at the start of an academic year by the end of November in the preceding year. For September 2027 entry, that means November 2026. Nursery families are exempt from the additional registration fee.

Familiarity is developed separately from admission. The policy describes a Reception familiarisation morning in the preceding Spring term, followed by feedback to parents, and a further Familiarisation Day in June. These experiences introduce the classroom and school routines; they do not secure admission.

Morning sessions run from 8am to 1pm, afternoons from 1pm to 6pm, and full days from 8am to 6pm. A Full Week booking is also offered. Charged extensions allow a 7.30am start or 6.30pm collection when booked at least 24 hours ahead. Late collection attracts a charge, so the agreed finishing time matters.

Funding depends on the family’s circumstances, and time beyond funded hours is charged. The Nursery Manager provides individual cost information; contact the school for current charges. Families can arrange a nursery visit with their child before applying, then complete the nursery application and return the signed contract with a deposit before starting. Nursery uniform comes through School Blazer’s online service.