Mill House Pre-school at Giggleswick School

Forest school, ballet and swimming give Mill House a day shaped by movement as well as play. This is Giggleswick School’s pre-school for children aged 2 to 4, with access to specialist teaching and facilities across the school. Swimming is for the 3 to 4-year-olds.

The April 2026 ISI inspection found that the early years combined an inclusive, happy atmosphere with creative activities and staff interactions that helped children progress. That finding covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separate nursery grade.

Play forms the basis of learning, alongside daily sessions in phonics and maths. The Early Years Foundation curriculum connects learning to children’s communication, relationships and physical development, as well as early reading, numbers, creativity and understanding their surroundings. It gives everyday play a learning purpose.

Specialist teaching adds variety: languages are taught by a qualified linguist, ballet by a dance specialist, and school staff contribute music, PE and swimming. Children use a heated swimming pool and a purpose-built sports hall. These are concrete benefits of being attached to a school, bringing different spaces and teaching expertise into the pre-school experience.

Outside, forest school learning sits alongside pond dipping, nature trails and walks in wellies. Philosophy for Children (P4C) also extends to pre-school, encouraging children to think and discuss ideas together.

In April 2026, early years children used the outdoor space each day, growing herbs and making sandpit castles. Language work included telling stories, writing their names and adding labels to farm animals. These activities connect developing hand control and early writing with things children can recognise and talk about.

Each child has a Key Person who supports learning and care, builds a relationship with the child and acts as the family’s first contact. Communication runs both ways: parents receive progress updates and can share what is happening in their child’s life. An early years specialist leads the pre-school.

Hot meals are eaten in the main dining hall with Prep School pupils. The pre-school team uses mealtimes to encourage conversation and table manners, making lunch part of the social day as well as a meal.

April 2026 findings give useful detail about support. Qualified early years staff recognised speech and language difficulties promptly and arranged early help. Circle time gave children opportunities to express their feelings; helping each other and clearing away supported independence. Suitable staffing ratios were maintained, and early years staff worked closely with families on children’s safety and wellbeing.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the admissions team about Reception application requirements before making plans for the next stage.

School applications are accepted throughout the year, with entry subject to availability. Familiarity with school facilities and shared dining belongs to the child’s everyday experience; it should not be treated as an admissions entitlement.

Mill House has its own term calendar. For 2026/27, its summer term begins on 12 April and ends on 23 July, with a half-term break between them. Families planning childcare should work from the pre-school calendar.

Optional enhancements may carry additional charges where government funding is used. Ask the school for current charges before committing to a place.

For enquiries, contact admissions@giggleswick.org.uk or call 01729 893000. Personal visits can be arranged through the admissions team, allowing families to explore Mill House before applying.