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Nursery at Sandroyd 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Rope swings, a water wall and swimming lessons give Sandroyd’s nursery a day that extends well beyond its two learning spaces. Garden Cottage takes children from age 2 and forms part of the school’s Pre-Prep in Tollard Royal. Its purpose-built accommodation gives younger children their own base, with access to facilities used by older pupils.
Three age groups share the space: Quails for 2-year-olds beginning nursery, Pheasants for ages 2–3, and Kites for ages 3–4. Children play together across these groups, so the age divisions do not keep them apart throughout the day.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) gives learning its structure. Language, movement and emotional development form the foundations; creative expression, understanding the world, literacy and mathematics build on them. For parents, that means learning includes conversations, physical play and relationships alongside early work with words and numbers. Every nursery child takes part in French, swimming, outdoor learning and P.E.
There is plenty of space for practical exploration. A garden contains the sandpit and water wall, while the nursery also has a playground. Children can use the Pre-Prep’s library, climbing frames and mud kitchen. To the Woods, an outdoor classroom equipped with log stools and rope swings, extends outdoor activity into wet weather. Access to the sports hall and playing fields adds further opportunities for movement.
In February 2026, ISI found that early years learning developed secure foundations in number, literacy and social development. Concrete activities included counting socks pegged onto a line and exploring coins through pretend shopkeeping. Carefully selected books supported vocabulary and phonics. These examples show how familiar objects and play give early concepts a practical purpose.
Each child has a Key Worker who develops their learning and talks with parents daily about progress and development. That gives families a regular point of contact for questions about their child. The team includes a Nursery Coordinator, who also holds the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep role, and a Nursery Practitioner; both roles carry NNEB qualifications.
Food is part of either session choice. Children receive milk with fruit or vegetables, followed by a hot lunch prepared by the chef. Lunch takes place in the school dining room, where a staff member and other Pre-Prep children share the meal. Choosing a morning therefore still includes lunchtime.
During February 2026, early years staff supported children’s balance, coordination and agility through indoor and outdoor activities. Children practised expressing feelings and making healthy food choices, while games encouraged listening, sharing and taking turns. Required early years staffing ratios were maintained.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm the separate Reception admission steps with the admissions team. Registration puts a child on the admissions list rather than securing a place; an offer and acceptance are separate steps.
Daily contact provides a different kind of preparation. Nursery children play with Reception and Key Stage 1 children during breaks, attend assemblies together in the Pre-Prep hall and share lunch tables. Those routines make older children and shared spaces familiar. They should be understood separately from the decision about a Reception place.
Garden Cottage operates during term time. Morning sessions run from 8.30am to 12.30pm; the full day runs from 8.30am to 3.45pm. Both include the snack and hot lunch, allowing families to choose a shorter day without collecting before the meal.
Funded Free Entitlement sessions of up to 15 or 30 hours are not offered at Sandroyd. Childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare can be used towards school fees up to age 5, and towards care outside school hours. Contact the school for current charges.
Visits to the nursery can be arranged through admissions@sandroyd.com. Billings & Edmonds supplies the school uniform, including nursery clothing.
Children can join from age 2. The nursery groups are Quails, Pheasants and Kites, covering children aged 2–4.
A morning runs from 8.30am to 12.30pm, and a full day from 8.30am to 3.45pm. The nursery operates during term time.
Yes. Both session choices include a hot lunch prepared by the chef, as well as milk and a fruit or vegetable snack.
No. Confirm the separate Reception admission steps with the admissions team. Registration alone does not guarantee a place.
Sandroyd does not offer Free Entitlement childcare sessions of up to 15 or 30 hours. It accepts childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare towards school fees up to age 5 and care outside school hours.
