Royal Masonic School for Girls: Ruspini House Nursery

Weather walks, Spanish and pretend shopping give Ruspini House its character: play connects language, movement and everyday understanding. This is the nursery provision at Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth Park, serving children aged 2–4. Pre-School welcomes boys and girls in the half term of their second birthday; Nursery entry at 3+ is for girls.

At the ISI inspection of 3–5 February 2026, there were 38 children across two Nursery classes. That is an attendance snapshot, rather than a capacity figure. The early-years findings describe children progressing well across all seven learning areas, with play and conversation doing much of the work.

A walk through the school grounds starts the early-years day, with children observing the weather. It gives outdoor time a purpose beyond exercise: noticing changes and talking about them become part of learning. Indoors and outdoors, activities develop both small hand movements and larger physical skills; age-appropriate games also build balance and coordination.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form here through play, communication and growing independence. In February 2026, children could reach learning resources themselves and pursue their interests. Staff adjusted their language to individual needs, while paired and group activities gave children practice in sharing and working together.

Role play brings everyday situations into learning. Shops and restaurants introduce pretend payments using play money and credit cards, while phonics helps children recognise sounds and expand their vocabulary. Spanish begins in the early years. The enhanced nursery offer also includes specialist teaching in modern foreign languages, PE and music, giving children different ways to explore language, movement and sound.

Settling starts with stay-and-play sessions after a nursery place has been accepted. These give children time to become familiar with nursery life before starting. Daily conversations and online exchanges between early-years staff and parents were part of the February 2026 findings, keeping home and nursery in regular contact.

Emotional support is practical. Staff observed children’s social and emotional needs and worked with families to respond; children also learnt to manage feelings and get along with peers. This makes support part of the ordinary day, alongside learning to share resources.

Food depends on the package chosen. The enhanced offer includes healthy snacks and an on-site, two-course hot lunch. A funded-only place excludes food, consumables and additional activities, and the allergy rule prevents families bringing food from home. That distinction matters when choosing a morning pattern.

Ruspini House children are guaranteed a Reception place in Cadogan House. Familiarisation opportunities run throughout the year, helping children become accustomed to the next stage. The place entitlement and the preparation for moving are separate benefits.

For prospective Reception applicants, the school uses online registration and a January Taster Morning with observation by early-years staff, rather than a formal assessment. For 2027 Prep entry, registration closes on Wednesday 16 December 2026; offers follow on Friday 22 January 2027, with acceptance due Friday 5 February 2027.

Mornings run from 8:30am to 12:45pm, afternoons from 12:45pm to 3:45pm, and full days from 8:30am to 3:45pm. An afternoon must accompany that day’s morning. Breakfast Club starts at 8:00am; Tea Club runs until 5:00pm, followed by Late Club until 6:00pm.

Attendance commitment. Pre-School requires at least five sessions each week, rising to eight for Nursery. Families need a regular pattern that meets those minimums. Cancelling or reducing sessions requires a full term of written notice; additional sessions should be arranged a term ahead where possible, with ad-hoc bookings potentially available through My School Portal.

Universal funding provides up to 15 hours weekly from the term after a child turns three, across 38 weeks. Ruspini’s term-time provision covers 36 weeks; funding can also cover the first two summer-camp weeks. Funded time falls between 8:30am and 11:30am. Funded-only places depend on availability; the voluntary enhanced package covers extras and must be taken as a whole. Contact Ruspini House for current charges.

Enquiries and individual visits can be arranged through the nursery team on 01923 725316 or ruspinihouse@rmsforgirls.com. A private tour can also be booked using the admissions enquiry form.