Apple Tree Nursery at Salisbury Cathedral School

Separate rooms for Pippins and Russets, a shared play space and 27 acres of grounds give Apple Tree Nursery a distinctive shape: time with children of a similar age, alongside opportunities to mix. This is Salisbury Cathedral School’s own nursery, within the Cathedral Close, welcoming children from their second birthday.

Pippins caters for ages 2–3 and Russets for ages 3–4. Moving between them happens shortly after a child turns three, with parents involved in the discussion. Sessions accommodate a maximum of 20 children. The nursery combines its own spaces with access to the wider school’s facilities and specialist teaching during term time.

Play leads the learning. Younger children choose activities indoors and in the grounds, with adults joining their play and building learning around their interests. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives this a purpose: developing conversation, friendships, emotional control and physical independence, alongside early reading, maths, creativity and understanding the world.

For the older nursery children, construction, stories and problems to solve sit alongside creative activities supporting literacy and numeracy. Weekly specialist lessons bring French, music, sport, computing and ballet into the pre-school day. There is also time to rest after lunch. Structure increases gradually as children approach the next stage, rather than arriving all at once.

Outdoor learning has concrete places to happen. An adventure playground, pond dipping area and outdoor stage provide different settings for movement, discovery and imaginative play; the grounds also include fire-pits and an outdoor pool. In November 2024, early-years teaching made purposeful use of both indoor and outdoor spaces, while craft and movement activities developed hand control and larger physical skills.

Each early-years child has a key person. Families get to know that adult through settling visits, classroom sessions and daily conversations. After registration, a taster lasts around an hour and a half, with children attending without their parent and able to bring a familiar comfort toy. A gradual start is possible; the nursery recommends at least three sessions to help relationships and familiarity develop.

Staffing ratios are 1:4 for two-year-olds and 1:8 for ages 3–4. Practitioners hold early-years qualifications at level 3 or above. Parents receive daily updates, Friday email bulletins, learning journals each half term and termly reports, giving several ways to follow a child’s development.

Food is prepared on site, with snacks and hot lunches included in fees. Morning choices include fruit and homemade flapjack. Lunch has two courses, usually in the Undercroft dining room, although younger children may eat in the nursery by agreement with families. Dietary and cultural requirements are accommodated, including vegan and gluten-free diets.

Rest can involve a child’s own blanket and pillow or a sleeping pod, with staff monitoring sleepers closely. Nappy-changing facilities and help with potty or toilet use support children at different stages. Accessible toilets and wider doors serve the Nursery and Pre-Prep; additional needs are supported through plans shared with families and staff.

Safeguarding needs its full context. ISI’s November 2024 inspection identified failures in safeguarding oversight, including staff references and notifications to local authorities, with early-years requirements among the unmet standards. The May 2025 monitoring inspection found that all relevant standards considered were met, with recruitment checks completed before employment and systems for the required notifications in place.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the applicable admissions process; familiarity with the school should never be treated as an allocation advantage.

Preparation is practical. Children encounter increasing structure, while settling sessions and the My School picture booklet help introduce their next classroom and teachers. Independence with coats, shoes, dressing and eating is encouraged, making the change about everyday confidence as well as learning.

The core nursery day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Provision operates for 50 weeks per year, with term-time-only care also offered. Breakfast club begins at 7.30am, and Little Spires extends care until 6.00pm, including a substantial snack. Outside school terms, the curriculum changes while children retain access to nursery staff, facilities and grounds.

Contact the Registrar on 01722 555315 or admissions@salisburycathedralschool.com to enquire. School tours and open-day visits are available. Ask the school for current charges, including any specialist support costs: individual specialist SEND provision may attract an additional charge.