Highfield Priory School Nursery Review

A messy room, woodland sessions and somewhere to nap give Highfield Priory's youngest children a day with room for both exploration and rest. Nursery and Preschool welcome children aged two to four at this independent school in Fulwood, Preston. Both occupy The Barn, a purpose-built building that opened in January 2025, with two spacious playrooms and an outdoor area.

The distinction between the two groups matters practically: Nursery operates across 51 weeks, while Preschool follows school terms. They share a building, but their hours differ.

Play does the teaching here. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) focuses on learning to communicate, developing movement and managing feelings and relationships. Sensory experiences and activities chosen by adults sit alongside children's own ideas. In The Moment Planning lets practitioners develop learning from an interest as it emerges, rather than relying entirely on activities planned ahead.

Preschool adds small-group work on phonics and writing names, with groups swapping between teaching and activities such as painting. Children can choose the builder's workshop, explore miniature worlds or spend time with books and music. This gives early reading and writing a place within a day that still includes plenty of play. Nursery children also have library visits each week and dance with Lancaster Ballet and Theatre school; Preschool adds weekly French and specialist physical education.

Outdoors, children paint with puddles, climb and examine insects beneath logs with magnifying glasses. Forest School takes place in Highfield Haven, the school's private woodland space, using natural materials for play led by children. The Barn's wet room provides somewhere to clean up afterwards. At the October 2023 ISI inspection, early-years children progressed quickly through activities adapted to their interests and abilities, including investigations with water and containers.

Each child has a key person, giving parents a first contact for conversations about their child. Observations reach families by email through 2simple during their child's focus week. Before joining, a taster day gives children time with prospective teachers and peers, and gives staff an opportunity to get to know them; it also includes assessment.

The staffing structure includes a Nursery Manager with Early Years Professional Status and a qualified early-years teacher in Preschool. Practitioners hold childcare qualifications at level 3 or above, with apprentices working towards level 3. Paediatric first aid and safeguarding training are part of the team's preparation. In October 2023, early-years staff helped children form friendships, practise patience and share activities within a calm, closely supervised setting.

Meals are freshly prepared each day, with provision for allergies, vegetarian diets and Halal requirements. Nursery children can have breakfast, and receive snacks, milk and drinking water during the day. A sleeping facility in The Barn accommodates naps. Parents must share medical conditions and dietary needs; long-term SEN support carries an additional charge, and continued attendance depends on the school being able to meet the child's needs adequately.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate admissions decision and address the application directly with the school: movement from Nursery to the infant department requires children to demonstrate appropriate ability through entrance assessment.

Preparation is a different matter. Preschool children have transition visits with the Reception teacher throughout the year, giving them opportunities to build familiarity ahead of the change. Those visits do not secure admission.

Nursery opens Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, for 51 weeks, closing over Christmas for one week and on bank holidays. Preschool runs Monday to Friday, 8am to 3:15pm, during term time; children can be booked into holiday care during school holidays. Breakfast Club runs from 7:15am to 8am for children aged three and above. Nursery attendance has a minimum of two days.

Changing sessions. Withdrawing from Nursery or Preschool, or reducing booked sessions, requires six weeks' written notice or payment in lieu. Missed sessions remain chargeable and cannot be transferred to another day, so the booking pattern needs to suit the family's regular routine. Nursery invoices are paid monthly in advance by direct debit. Ballet Club and Bite-size Bootcamp attract extra charges for Preschool children; ask the school for current charges.

Arrange a tour or make an enquiry through the school office on 01772 709624 or schooloffice@highfieldpriory.co.uk. Outdoor kit should be labelled: waterproofs, wellies and winter accessories for colder weather, and a sunhat and sun cream in summer. Parents remain responsible for supervision before handing children to staff and after collection, including around the car park and zebra crossing.