The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Charlotte House Preparatory School
Last reviewed: October 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A large garden, an outdoor classroom and specialist Spanish give Charlotte House’s nursery a character beyond its phonics sessions. This is provision for girls aged 3 to 4 within an independent school in Rickmansworth. Most join in the term following their third birthday. The school aims for a nursery intake of 20 children; that is an intake ambition, rather than a current roll.
One nursery class forms part of the early years department on the main school site. Flexible attendance lets families choose sessions, while the garden and contact with other age groups make the nursery part of school life from the start.
Play is the starting point. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together early communication, learning and personal development: here, children practise letter formation, explore numbers and begin phonics alongside painting, stories and topic activities. Spanish, Music and PE have specialist teachers. Maths primarily follows White Rose, with class teachers teaching the nursery children.
There is a recognisable school rhythm. Registration leads into assembly at 8.40am, followed by learning periods and a break at 10.00am. Afternoon sessions finish at 3.30pm. Monday mornings introduce fresh topics, sounds and concepts, so the school recommends including that session when choosing an attendance pattern.
Outdoor learning has substantial space: the large garden and outdoor classroom complement the indoor classrooms, and garden play belongs to the daily routine. Gym, dance and ball games develop movement skills. Nursery children also take part in an autumn Nativity, giving performance a place alongside classroom activity.
The ISI inspection of 3 to 5 December 2024 found that early years teaching emphasised communication and reading, with individual adult reading sessions each day helping children develop advanced reading skills for their age. Assessment at entry and thereafter identifies children needing extra help. Early years children also practise waiting, listening and taking turns, making social learning part of the day rather than a separate task.
Settling begins before the first day, with familiarisation sessions after an offer is accepted. Children can get to know their surroundings and other children before starting. An end-of-session conversation with a nursery team member provides a regular point of contact for parents.
In December 2024, early years staff communicated effectively with families and used an online record of children’s activities and achievements. Picture cards helped children learning English as an additional language acquire vocabulary, while paediatric first aid provision included the early years. These are practical supports for communication and care.
A SENCO coordinates additional learning support, with parents, the class teacher and SENCO meeting termly when a child needs a support plan. External specialists can contribute where necessary. For meals, Charlotte House operates as a nut-free school and can accommodate allergies and dietary requirements. Full-day blended places include provision of lunch, charged separately.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the school to confirm the arrangements for Reception entry before committing to nursery attendance.
There is useful familiarity to build on. Nursery children join Reception children for themed activities and projects, giving them contact with the older group before moving on. That is transition experience, rather than an admissions entitlement.
Families can choose a funded-only place or combine funded time with private hours. Universal funding provides 15 hours a week for eligible children aged 3 and 4, beginning in the term after their third birthday. Funded-only sessions run from 08:20 to 11:20 or 12:30 to 15:30, with no extra hours included. Full-day blended attendance runs from 08:20 to 15:30.
Term-time funding. The nursery opens for 35 weeks annually. Families taking their universal entitlement here forgo the additional three funded weeks, which matters when planning holiday care. Private hours require a full term’s notice to stop; lunch is a separate charge within blended packages. Ask the school for current charges.
Larks opens at 7.35am and includes breakfast; Owls finishes at 6.00pm and includes a light snack. Uniform comes from Beat School Uniform, with termly second-hand sales organised by the PTA. For enquiries or a private tour, contact the registrar on 01923 772101. The school also accepts enquiries through its contact form.
The nursery caters for girls aged 3 to 4. Most start in the term after their third birthday.
Yes. Funded-only attendance offers sessions from 08:20 to 11:20 or 12:30 to 15:30. Funding operates over the nursery’s 35 open weeks, and these places include no additional hours.
Activities include painting, storytelling, number work and garden play. Specialist staff teach Spanish, PE and Music.
Charlotte House is nut-free and can cater for allergies and dietary requirements. Lunch is charged separately for full-day blended places.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the school to confirm the arrangements for Reception entry before committing to nursery attendance.
