St John's Preparatory and Senior School Nursery Review

Den-building, a Maths Playroom and specialist French lessons give this nursery a character that extends beyond its classroom. Children can join from their third birthday, in a purpose-built room within St John's Preparatory and Senior School in Potters Bar. The nursery forms part of the school's early years provision, with two playgrounds reserved for EYFS children.

This is a school nursery with access to school grounds for outdoor learning, drama and games. Weekly specialist teaching begins in Nursery, so children encounter subject teachers alongside their familiar early years staff.

Play and adult-led learning share the day. Children choose activities as well as working with adults, giving them opportunities to pursue an interest and practise following guidance. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) concerns children's early learning and development. There is an important qualification here: in February 2026, the Department for Education approved an exemption from its learning and development requirements for children aged three to five. EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements still apply.

Practical maths runs through classroom life. Counting appears in songs, stories and tidying, while the Maths Playroom provides games and a setting for smaller groups. WRMH and NCETM materials support maths teaching, adapted around children's interests and needs. PenPals guides handwriting development. Computing introduces touch-screen computers, coding toys and iPads, adding another way to explore and solve problems.

Outside, Forest School uses the grounds for activities such as making dens and looking for animal tracks. The flower garden and sensory areas add different textures and opportunities for discovery. ISI's April 2026 inspection described early years activities including gardening, climbing and supervised fire-lighting, connecting physical challenge with perseverance and confidence.

Specialists teach French, drama, art, music, PE and Forest School each week from the start of Nursery. Early years staff accompany the children. That gives these sessions continuity with the adults who support them through the rest of their day.

Emotional learning has a place in the timetable. Weekly circle time uses Jigsaw to explore friendship, respect and awareness of feelings. In nursery classes, children also practise calm breathing together, with adults helping them participate and take turns. These are concrete opportunities to practise listening and recognising emotions.

The April 2026 inspection found that early years progress was reviewed regularly with parents, allowing staff to adjust provision to children's development. Maths learning in Pre-Prep is recorded on Tapestry, providing a record of children's work alongside those discussions.

Meals receive attentive supervision in early years, and staff hold paediatric first aid qualifications. School lunches are included without an additional charge. Together, these details matter for families considering a full day: eating is part of the care routine as well as a break between activities.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission as a separate process. Confirm the Reception application requirements and deadlines directly with the school, keeping admission distinct from the educational transition.

Early years staff support children's move into the Reception class. Familiarity with the school can help with that change, but it should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.

Attendance pattern. Pre-Prep requires five full days or five half-day sessions. The options are 8am to 3.15pm, mornings from 8am to 11.45am, or afternoons from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. This suits families seeking a regular week rather than occasional sessions.

After-school care. An additional charged session runs from 3.30pm to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday. The later collection option therefore needs to be considered alongside the main session's finishing time.

Fees are organised by school term, with the annual charge divided into three equal payments. Contact the school for current charges. Nursery enquiries can go to the Prep School office on 01707 657294 or admin@stjohnsprepandsenior.co.uk, or through the contact form.