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Nursery at Merchant Taylors' Prep 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.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 sandwich-making home corner and woodland near The Manor give this nursery its character: stories become practical activities, with room for outdoor discovery. Merchant Taylors' Prep takes boys into Nursery at 3+. The Manor stands on the Merchant Taylors' Senior School campus, separate from the main Prep site, so families need to plan their journey around the early years location.
In May 2024, the early years provision included two Nursery classes. Nursery belongs to the school's own early years department, with specialist teaching supplementing the classroom team.
Practical activities and conversation drive the topic-based curriculum. Learning Dispositions give it a named approach: curiosity, independence and perseverance are among the habits the school aims to develop. French, PE and Music have specialist teachers, bringing different voices and activities into the nursery day. French begins orally, with rhymes and songs; PE includes gymnastics and adapted games to practise movement and coordination.
The Disgusting Sandwich provided a concrete example in March 2026. Children chose fillings, spread butter and cut their sandwiches, then decorated bread using edible paint for an outdoor picnic. They also watched a class sandwich decompose. In the home corner, pretend food preparation extended the story into play. One topic connected practical independence, language, observation and imagination.
Forest School uses a dedicated woodland area near The Manor. Activities follow children's interests and exploration, giving outdoor learning a different rhythm from classroom topics. A visit to Knebworth in May 2026 added dinosaur models, drawing and storytelling through the Storysaurus Stomp experience.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers early learning alongside children's welfare. Here, an exemption for pupils aged 3 and over allows a bespoke curriculum in place of its learning and development requirements; EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements still apply. At the ISI inspection of 14 to 16 May 2024, children across early years were making good progress, with teaching adjusted to their interests and needs. That finding covers early years rather than Nursery alone.
At the ISI inspection in May 2024, each early years child had a key person supporting individual needs and maintaining contact with parents or carers. In May 2024, early years staffing was sufficient and staff held appropriate qualifications. Parents received regular progress updates through an online platform, giving them a continuing picture of learning rather than relying solely on formal meetings.
Zones of Regulation starts in Nursery. Its colour-based approach helps children recognise their feelings and consider what will help them become ready to learn. In May 2024, staff also helped early years children manage emotions and consider how their actions affected others, working with parents when concerns arose.
School lunch is compulsory and charged separately. Across the school, Learning Support includes individual sessions, small groups and classroom strategies, with teachers and families involved in identifying needs.
Site checks. The May 2024 inspection identified a maintenance problem that existing checks had missed; it was corrected during the visit. More detailed, regular site assessments were recommended. This was a school-wide concern relevant to families considering its premises.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat the next stage as a separate admissions decision. For the school's 4+ entry route, families register online directly with the school, rather than through a local-authority allocation process. The registration deadline for 2027 entry is 9 October 2026.
Shared activities offer familiarity separately from admissions. Nursery children joined Reception children in mixed teams for a garden Easter egg hunt in spring 2026, practising counting and cooperation together. That contact should not be read as an admissions advantage.
The Nursery school day runs from 9am to 3pm. Breakfast Club at The Manor begins at 7.30am, while Junior Adventures Group (JAG) provides after-school care until 6pm, with flexible collection times. Stay & Play can be booked separately, and taster sessions offer families a way to try the provision.
For a personal tour of The Manor, email admissions@mtpn.org.uk. Ask the school for current charges, including the compulsory lunch charge; fee enquiries can go to accounts@mtpn.org.uk.
Nursery entry is at 3+.
At The Manor on the Merchant Taylors' Senior School site. The main Prep School occupies a different site.
The school day is 9am to 3pm. Breakfast Club starts at 7.30am, and after-school care extends to 6pm.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place. The school's 4+ application route uses online registration, with a deadline of 9 October 2026 for 2027 entry.
The school has an exemption from EYFS learning and development requirements for pupils aged 3 and over. It continues to uphold EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements.
