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Nursery at Churcher's College
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Gardening, woodland visits and stories acted out by children give Churcher's College Nursery its character: early learning with room to explore. This independent school's nursery takes boys and girls aged three to four, welcoming them from their third birthday. It shares the Junior School site on Midhurst Road in Liphook, so families should plan their journey around that address.
In December 2025, the early years comprised one Nursery class and one Reception class, with 38 children across the two. That is a combined early-years roll, rather than a nursery places figure. The ISI inspection of 9 to 11 December 2025 found that indoor and outdoor learning helped early-years children become more confident and independent.
A story provides the thread through early-years learning. Children take on characters, explore unfamiliar words and make art connected with the story. These activities bring speaking, imagination and knowledge together, giving children several ways to understand the same idea. Nursery pupils also learn with subject specialists, and Spanish starts in Nursery.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) connects these experiences with children's developing language, social confidence, movement and early understanding of numbers. Counting through play, recognising shapes and comparing amounts turn mathematical ideas into something children can handle and discuss. Early-years progress is reviewed regularly, allowing staff to adjust learning to children's needs.
Outside, sensory activities sit alongside gardening and trips into woodland. These give children direct experiences of the natural world, while encouraging them to try unfamiliar things. Indoors, classrooms have controlled entry systems; outdoor play is closely supervised. Exploration and care sit together in the day.
Settling starts before the first regular session. Children are invited to a taster and further familiarisation sessions, giving them time to get used to the people and surroundings. Class teachers handle everyday pastoral care, supported by senior teaching colleagues, and parents are encouraged to keep communication flowing both ways.
Meal supervision is a concrete strength of the early-years care arrangements identified in December 2025. Adults watch children closely while they eat and remain alert to choking risks. Early-years staff receive paediatric first aid training, and adult staffing levels meet the required ratios. Lunch can form part of a full day, or occupy the interval between morning and afternoon sessions.
For additional needs, the Learning Enrichment Department supports the Junior School and Nursery, but its resources cannot accommodate every disability. Individual adjustments are considered with parents. Support consistency. The December 2025 school-wide improvement action called for more consistent use of SEND teaching strategies. This was a concern across the school, rather than a nursery-specific finding, and gives families a useful focus when discussing their child's support.
Nursery attendance alone does not guarantee Reception admission. A conditional guarantee applies when families meet the minimum Nursery session requirements and the school is satisfied with their child's development and progress. Families choosing sessions with Reception in mind should factor both conditions into their decision.
Reception has its own entry process through the school's registration route, followed by a taster visit. Familiarity is a separate benefit: Nursery children get to know routines, teachers and surroundings before moving on. That preparation should be distinguished from the conditions attached to a place.
Term-time sessions include mornings from 8:20am to 11:30am and afternoons from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Lunch runs between them. Full days with lunch run from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Early Birds and Tea Club provide charged care before and after the nursery day.
Eligible children can use up to 15 funded hours in afternoon sessions during term time, starting in the term after their third birthday. Parents must complete a declaration each term. Lunch and wraparound care carry additional charges; contact the school for current charges.
Agree the session plan before each term. Changes within a term require school agreement and, when approved, begin at the next half term. Nursery charges are collected by termly Direct Debit. For enquiries or visits, contact the Junior School and Nursery team on 01730 236 870.
Children can join from their third birthday. The Nursery age range is three to four.
It is on the Junior School site at Midhurst Road, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7HT.
Eligible children can use up to 15 funded hours in term-time afternoon sessions, from the term after turning three. A Parent Declaration Form is required each term.
Attendance alone does not. The school offers a conditional guarantee when minimum Nursery session requirements are met and it is satisfied that the child is progressing and thriving.
Children are invited to a taster and settling-in sessions before starting, helping them become familiar with the setting.
