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Nursery at Clarendon Cottage 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Stories, climbing frames and seasonal Forest School blocks give Clarendon Cottage’s early years a mix of classroom learning and physical exploration. This is nursery education within an independent school in Eccles, at Ivy Bank House. The school welcomes children into its Pre-Prep provision from two and a half.
In June 2026, the school had two Nursery classes. These belong to its early years section, distinct from The Cottage Nursery, the linked childcare setting for younger children. Families should keep that distinction clear when choosing provision.
Child-chosen activities sit alongside teaching in groups, pairs and individual sessions. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers children’s learning and development: here, that means building language, mathematical understanding, physical skills and the ability to play alongside others. The June 2026 ISI inspection found that early years teaching covered every learning area.
Stories become material for conversation and drawing, giving children ways to show what they understand. In June 2026, early years children concentrated during adult-led activities and became absorbed in their own drawing, storytelling and shared play. Counting, exploring shapes and investigating how much containers hold turn early mathematics into something children can handle and test.
Physical learning has concrete equipment behind it. Climbing frames and ride-on toys help children practise larger movements; PE develops catching and throwing. Forest School adds three blocks across the academic year for Prep 1, bringing seasonal outdoor exploration into the programme. Children aged three and above also take part in two productions annually, with early years performances at Easter and Christmas. Learning includes speaking and performing, as well as listening.
Emotional understanding is part of the teaching. In June 2026, early years children were learning to identify and regulate feelings, share resources and take turns. Those less confident using English received specialist language help and progressed. These are practical foundations for joining in with other children.
Meals are prepared on site by the catering team. Children can have a cooked lunch, while EYFS provision includes an afternoon snack and light tea; most dietary requirements can be accommodated. In June 2026, children were supervised within adults’ sight and hearing, with paediatric first aid staff overseeing eating and watching for choking. Handwashing before meals was also taught.
Before joining, children are offered a trial session in their prospective class. That provides an introduction to the people and activities they would encounter. The June 2026 inspection found that attendance and safeguarding practice was effective, although the school’s policy wording needed updating to match statutory guidance. Both policies were corrected during the visit; keeping policy wording current remained the recommended next step.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the office what application steps are required for Reception, when to complete them and whether nursery attendance confers any priority. Treat choosing the nursery and obtaining a Reception place as separate decisions.
For 2026–27, Prep 1 has flexible hours within 7:30am to 6:00pm. Morning-only attendance requires collection by 1:00pm; afternoon-only attendance starts from 1:00pm. This gives families a clear boundary for planning shorter days.
Before accepting a school Prep 1 place, ask the office to confirm which booking patterns, funded hours and charge arrangements apply to it. Confirm whether attendance can be term-time or year-round, and request the applicable Chargeable Extras Policy and current charges.
Arrange a Nursery Visit using the visit form, or contact the office at admin@clarendoncottage-school.co.uk. The admissions process includes a tour and a chance to discuss the child’s needs with relevant staff.
The Pre-Prep provision welcomes children from two and a half. The linked Cottage Nursery caters for younger children and is distinct from the school’s own Nursery classes.
For 2026–27, Prep 1 operates within 7:30am to 6:00pm. Morning-only collection is by 1:00pm, and afternoon-only drop-off is from 1:00pm.
Food is cooked on site, with a hot lunch option and an afternoon snack and light tea for EYFS children. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated.
No. Ask the school office about Reception application requirements, deadlines and any priority criteria.
Select Nursery Visit on the school’s visit form, or email admin@clarendoncottage-school.co.uk. Children are also offered a trial session with the class they would join.
