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Nursery at King Edward VI 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Little Meadow gives this nursery its outdoor character: an orchard, insect hotels and spaces for building dens, with a path leading to the farm. Children aged 2 to 4 attend KES Prep Nursery in Romsey, divided between Toddlers and Pre School. The nursery occupies the ground-floor Early Years building, with a canopied play area extending the space for learning outside.
Year-round contracts cover approx. 50 weeks; a limited number of term-time contracts cover approx. 34 weeks at each age. That makes the choice of contract a practical part of choosing the nursery, especially for families needing care through school holidays.
Children's interests shape the learning. In February 2024, early-years children made good progress, with time to develop their ideas through activities they initiated themselves. Adults used questions with several possible answers to develop reasoning and problem-solving. This gives the Early Years Foundation Stage a concrete meaning for parents: children explore, talk and test ideas, with adults helping them take their thinking further.
A classroom shop supplied one example during that inspection: children organised stock and made clay items to sell. Play gave them a way to explore how buying and selling work. Indoor resources and outdoor activities supported this approach, while Little Meadow's orchard and den-building spaces offer physical settings for exploration.
Specialist activities add another dimension during term time. Forest School and Farm Explorers sit alongside Yoga, Performing Arts and PE; Pre School children also have swimming in the Summer Term. The mix changes with children's ages, the seasons and specialist staff availability. Families should therefore expect a changing timetable rather than an identical programme throughout the year.
A Nursery Manager and Deputy Manager, both Early Years specialists, lead the practitioner team. Staffing provides at least one adult for five Toddlers aged 2 to 3 and one for eight Pre School children aged 3 to 4. The nursery aims for one adult to four children in the younger group; that is an aim rather than a guaranteed ratio.
Settling starts with a familiarisation session accompanied by a parent or carer. Staff observe small-group play to understand the child's development and readiness; early offers depend on successful taster and settling sessions. In February 2024, parents received useful updates on early-years progress, helping them support the next steps in learning. Early-years safeguarding included risk assessments and safety measures for activities and visits.
Snacks and a hot lunch are provided. Full Day and Morning bookings carry a daily meal charge, while children attending funded-only hours receive this food at no extra cost. Nappies and wipes are included, with families free to supply their own.
Additional needs. The Learning Support team works across the school, but the school says it cannot always accommodate high levels of need. Some support beyond the core provision incurs extra charges agreed with parents in writing. Discuss the child's needs and the proposed support together before accepting a place.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately through the school's online application process. Reception entry involves a taster session, with staff assessing children through small-group play before confirming a place.
Preparation and admission are separate matters. The nursery aims to prepare Pre School children for the move; after a Reception offer has been accepted, children joining in September are invited to three Summer Term settling sessions, two with an accompanying adult and one independently. These provide familiarity before the change.
For 2026/27, Full Day runs from 08:30 to 16:30 and Morning from 08:30 to 12:30. Nursery Breakfast starts at 07:45; Nursery High Tea extends care until 17:30. Wraparound bookings require advance confirmation. Minimum attendance is three sessions weekly, with a full day counting as two; agree the pattern a term ahead.
Funding needs careful matching to the booking. Term-time contracts allow up to 15 funded hours weekly. For year-round children entitled to 30 hours, funding is stretched to up to 22 hours weekly. A full day can use up to five funded hours, a morning only one. Additional ad-hoc sessions cannot use funding. Families reconfirm eligibility and their claim each term through Funding Loop.
Leaving or changing days. Notice is one full term for term-time contracts or 12 weeks for year-round contracts. Pre School families leaving instead of continuing to Reception must give notice by the Autumn Term's end. A deposit for non-funded hours is non-refundable if the child does not progress to the Prep School's Reception.
Contact Admissions at admissions@kes-prep.school or 01794 528360 to enquire or arrange a nursery visit. Ask the school for current charges.
Toddlers caters for ages 2 to 3, and Pre School for ages 3 to 4.
Year-round contracts cover approx. 50 weeks, subject to nursery closures. Term-time contracts cover approx. 34 weeks; additional holiday days may be possible, but are guaranteed only for year-round contracts.
Three sessions per week for 2026/27. One full day counts as two sessions.
A Full Day can include up to five funded hours from 11:30 to 16:30; a Morning can include one from 11:30 to 12:30. Eligibility and the booked pattern determine the claim.
No. Reception requires a separate school application and a successful taster session before a place is confirmed.
