St Edward's Prep Nursery Review

Science conversations, paper bridges and pretend pizzas made with herbs give this nursery its character: discovery through things children can handle, build and explain. In the June 2023 ISI inspection, Nursery children confidently explained their science activities, giving a concrete picture of learning through both action and conversation.

Little Griffins Nursery belongs to St Edward's Prep in Reading. At the time of that inspection, the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) section covered ages three to five. That describes the early-years section then, rather than a current nursery entry rule.

The early-years learning described in June 2023 connected early reading and number skills with practical exploration. Children built bridges from paper and wooden blocks, demonstrating skilled hand movements and physical coordination. Construction gave them something to test and adjust, as well as an opportunity to practise handling materials.

Number work had everyday uses. EYFS children counted the cups needed for milk, worked out quantities of building blocks and counted days in the week. These examples put numbers into recognisable tasks, helping children connect counting with a purpose. Nursery science activities also prompted children to explain their thinking aloud. Talking about an experiment was part of the learning, alongside doing it.

An outdoor learning area brought imaginative play into the picture. Early-years children made pretend pizzas by combining playdough and freshly picked herbs during play on the outdoor equipment. Elsewhere, a farm layout, magnets and painting provided opportunities to work together. The EYFS framework was visible in these foundations for language, number, movement and relationships: learning involved conversation and practical activity, rather than only completed work.

Cooperation was a clear strength in the early-years observations from June 2023. Children listened to one another, spoke considerately and helped their playmates during shared activities. This matters for a child learning to join a group: taking part involved attention to other people's ideas as well as their own.

Kindness also had an explicit place in EYFS learning. Children learned how their actions affected others, with considerate behaviour recognised and encouraged. Nursery children understood safety instructions when lining up, linking care with a familiar routine. These are specific examples of social learning and safe behaviour, rather than a separate nursery inspection grade.

Reception admission is separate. Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the normal application process and meet the applicable deadline. Treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two decisions; familiarity with a school should not be mistaken for an admission entitlement.

The school is at 64 Tilehurst Road, Reading, RG30 2JH. A personal school tour can be booked through its website, providing a direct way to see the setting before choosing it. For general enquiries, the school's telephone number is 0118 957 4342.