St Mary's Preparatory Nursery Review

French, music and PE begin in Nursery at St Mary's, alongside trips to an outdoor classroom and exploration around Henley. This is a nursery with a school-shaped day: children encounter different teachers and learning spaces while building their first literacy and number skills.

The early years provision caters for ages 2 to 4 within St Mary's Preparatory, an independent school in Henley-on-Thames. In February 2026, the Nursery class had 19 children. That is a dated class count, rather than a measure of places available. The school occupies a Victorian townhouse, and nursery children have an outdoor area of their own as well as access to the main school facilities.

First-hand experience gives the curriculum its character. Specialist sessions introduce French, PE and music, while offsite visits connect classroom learning with local sights and the outdoor classroom. Children practise learning with different adults and in different rooms, rather than spending every activity in one classroom.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers seven areas of learning and development. In parent terms, learning extends beyond letters and numbers to communication, movement, relationships and growing independence. The February 2026 ISI inspection found that the early years curriculum supported good progress and that children settled into school through a carefully planned introduction.

Practical examples make that learning tangible. During the same inspection, early years children discussed which materials would work for an assault course, using language to explain their choices. A role-play flower shop gave them an opportunity to choose and buy real flowers for Mother's Day celebrations. These activities connect speaking and early understanding of money with something children can actually do.

Physical development includes regular movement and access to pedal-free bicycles. In February 2026, leaders were exploring further development through specialist yoga and swimming lessons. The dedicated outdoor area adds another setting for play, alongside the nursery's offsite experiences.

Settling into school is supported by an introduction planned around young children. Conversations about emotions help them understand feelings, concentrate on activities and become accustomed to routines. In February 2026, early years children were cooperating, taking turns and agreeing roles during play. Those are useful foundations for managing a group day.

Parents can exchange information with staff at collection and drop-off, and receive updates through Tapestry. Progress is also recorded online across the seven learning areas, making children's development visible beyond a brief conversation at the door. Nursery teaching is adjusted through assessment, with additional help or extra challenge according to the child.

Safety has concrete staffing support. In February 2026, early years supervision met the required staffing ratios, paediatric first aid trained staff were available, and children played in a secure, organised environment. Early years leaders also monitored children's safeguarding and wellbeing needs.

Attending St Mary's Nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the admissions team about the arrangements for moving into Reception, including any application requirements and deadlines. Keep that decision separate from the familiarity children gain through nursery life. St Mary's takes enquiries through its admissions team and uses registration as the first application step.

For the 2024/2025 fee schedule, nursery booking patterns included two to five days, or three to five mornings or afternoons. Ad-hoc sessions and hourly Tea club were also included. These patterns give a useful starting point for planning; contact the school for current charges.

Enquiries can be made through the contact form, by calling 01491 573118 or by emailing info@stmarys-henley.co.uk. Personal tours can be arranged at a suitable time and usually take up to an hour. The school is at 13 St Andrew's Road, Henley-on-Thames. Parking is on surrounding residential roads, which matters when planning the journey with a young child.