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Nursery at Embley
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
French, Natural Sciences and lunch with the Prep School give Embley’s youngest children a school-shaped day, while quiet areas and parent-led sleep routines make room for their care needs. Children can start from age two. Nursery and Pre-School sit within Embley’s all-through school at Embley Park, Romsey; in September 2025, the nursery comprised three classes.
Families can choose attendance across 48 weeks or a 34-week term-time pattern. That choice matters for parents balancing a school calendar with year-round work.
The main day runs from 08:30 to 15:30, with a morning option finishing at 13:00. Both include lunch. Specialist teaching brings Music and French alongside Natural Sciences and PE, giving children different ways to use language, move and explore.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines learning with children’s development and care. In September 2025, ISI found that early-years activities covered the required learning areas and were shaped around children’s interests and developmental needs. Adults encourage children to explain their ideas and extend their vocabulary. Mathematical learning starts with words for quantities and measurements; pretend-money play introduces coins and change. These activities give children practical introductions to mathematical ideas.
Movement-based play supports physical development, while outdoor play includes expectations about courtesy and consideration for others. Books also connect nursery children with the wider school: during Embley Wellbeing Week in February 2025, they enjoyed stories in the Woodland Library. In February 2026, mindful stretching preceded a Paddington story. Those examples show how shared events can bring movement and storytelling together.
Settling starts with introductory sessions followed by a full taster day. The early-years lead considers how each child settles and participates, alongside the provision they need, before a place and session availability are confirmed. Families therefore get a staged introduction before the booking is settled.
Lunch is cooked daily by the resident chef using fresh, local ingredients. Children eat with the Prep School, and snacks are accompanied by water or milk. Fees cover lunch and, where applicable, snacks in the morning and afternoon.
Sleep and toilet training follow an approach agreed with parents. Sleeping bags are used in quiet areas, and low toilets help children practise managing for themselves. In September 2025, early-years routines and staff encouragement supported independent and shared play; staffing ratios were appropriate, and staff held paediatric first-aid training.
Site safety. September 2025 brought concerns about school-wide maintenance and health-and-safety oversight, including boarding-window restrictors. The May 2026 progress monitoring inspection found that all relevant standards examined on that visit were met. These are school-wide findings, rather than a separate nursery rating.
Sharing lunch with the Prep School helps children become familiar with a routine they will encounter at the next stage. Attendance also increases before the move: the final Pre-School term requires at least four full days each week. Families need to plan for that larger commitment.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission separately from these transition activities. Embley’s admissions route is direct to the school, with online registration for applicants; Prep School applications are accepted throughout the year where places remain. Progression through Embley is normally conditional on attitude to learning, behaviour and academic achievement.
Monday-to-Friday opening extends from 08:00 to 18:00. Breakfast Club covers 08:00 to 08:30, Afternoon Club runs from 15:30 to 16:00, and After School Crèche continues from 16:00 to 18:00. These additional sessions carry separate charges; contact Embley for current charges. Bank holidays are closure days.
Minimum attendance. Under-threes need three sessions weekly, with a half day counting as one and a full day as two. After the third birthday, the minimum becomes three full days or their equivalent. This is a regular attendance model, so occasional bookings alone will not meet the requirement.
Eligible working families with two-year-olds, and all families with children over three, can use Government-funded EYE sessions from 13:00 to 16:00, including Afternoon Club, on a full-day booking. The booking condition matters when comparing funded time with the complete day.
For nursery enquiries, call 01794 527393 or email admissions@embley.org.uk. Individual visits can be arranged through the school.
Children can join Nursery & Pre-School from age two.
A morning session runs from 08:30 to 13:00 and includes lunch. Minimum weekly attendance rises after a child’s third birthday. In the final Pre-School term before Reception, children must attend at least four full days each week.
Staff work with parents on consistent sleep and toilet-training routines. Quiet areas have sleeping bags, and children use low toilets.
Eligible working families with two-year-olds, and all families with children over three, can use EYE sessions from 13:00 to 16:00, including Afternoon Club, based on a full-day booking.
No. Transition activities help children prepare, but do not guarantee admission. Embley handles applications directly, and progression is normally conditional on learning attitude, behaviour and academic achievement.
