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Nursery at Reddiford School
Last reviewed: September 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, rhymes and Busy Fingers sit side by side at Reddiford's Pre-School, a nursery class within the independent school's Early Years Department. The department has its own building at 8 Cecil Park, separate from the Pre-Prep and Prep departments. The school admits children from age two overall, while its current entry material advertises Nursery assessment at 3+; families should confirm the applicable start point for their child.
The June 2025 ISI inspection counted 43 children across one Nursery class and two Reception classes. That is not a published Nursery capacity, but it does show the compact scale of the department. The nursery can be booked part-time from six sessions each week or full-time across five days.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) links play, communication, physical development and early literacy and mathematics. Reddiford makes that framework concrete through termly themes: Ourselves and Seasons in autumn, Favourite Stories and Animals in spring, then Transport and Nursery Rhymes in summer. Children listen to songs and stories, use role play, learn colours and shapes, count towards ten where appropriate and start Jolly Phonics.
Practical work matters. The published curriculum includes climbing equipment, pouring and mixing sand and water, construction materials, scissors, pencils, percussion instruments and outdoor sand-and-water play. An autumn walk and a visit to Paradise Wildlife Park connect classroom topics with the wider world. During the June 2025 inspection, stories and rhymes were seen building children’s vocabulary, while Busy Fingers activities developed fine-motor control. Specialist music and Spanish broadened the week.
Warm relationships are the strongest inspected feature. Inspectors reported that early-years children thrived through positive relationships with staff, and that planned activities followed their interests and earlier learning. Feeling boxes, a worry monster, breathing exercises, a sensory area and circle time help children recognise and regulate emotions. Those are useful, tangible tools for children who cannot yet explain a difficult feeling in a long conversation.
Communication with families is frequent, according to the same inspection, helping parents understand and support development. Early-years safeguarding and welfare requirements were in place. Across the school, additional needs are identified early, personalised plans are reviewed as needs change and outside specialists are used where appropriate.
Hot lunches are available to all pupils through YumYum Foods, with dietary requirements and food allergies catered for. Families should ask the school how lunch works for their chosen part-time pattern.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reddiford publishes separate 3+ Nursery and 4+ Reception assessment routes. Families should ask the school whether a separate Reception application is required, what assessment applies and whether Nursery attendance brings any priority.
The shared Early Years Department may make the educational move feel familiar. That continuity is distinct from admission: it does not secure a Reception offer or remove the need to check the 4+ entry arrangements.
The core Early Years day starts at 8:45am, with supervision and gates opening at 8:25am, and ends at 3:15pm. The admissions page describes part-time and full-time Nursery places, with a minimum booking of six sessions each week and full-time attendance over five days. Ask admissions which morning and afternoon combinations are currently available and whether funded entitlement can be used for a chosen pattern.
Admission includes a short assessment in the setting. The school also says children must be fully toilet trained and able to use the facilities independently. Nursery uniform centres on a red crested polo shirt, navy jogging bottoms or summer shorts, a navy sweatshirt and soft-soled shoes; named book, rucksack and PE bags are also listed. Current charges and any extras should be confirmed directly with the school.
Children follow EYFS learning through stories, rhymes, role play, early number work, Jolly Phonics, physical play, art, construction and music. Published themes change each term.
The day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm, with supervision from 8:25am. Part-time attendance starts at six sessions per week, while full-time attendance covers five days.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the school whether a separate application is required, what assessment applies and whether Nursery attendance brings any priority.
Staff use feeling boxes, a worry monster, breathing exercises, a sensory area and circle time. Warm staff-child relationships, feeling-regulation strategies and frequent communication with parents support children’s wellbeing.
Yes. The published list includes a red crested polo shirt, navy jogging bottoms or summer shorts, a navy sweatshirt and soft-soled shoes, plus named bags.
