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Nursery at Sevenoaks 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A hot lunch in the school hall rounds off the morning here, even for children heading home afterwards. Sevenoaks Preparatory School’s preschool provision combines Nursery for children aged two to three with Kindergarten for those aged three to four. Both sit within the school’s pre-prep section, giving the youngest children a place in the wider school day.
Qualified teachers lead the provision. Nursery children have indoor rooms and secure garden areas to explore; Kindergarten occupies two classrooms with outdoor space alongside them. These are distinct stages, with different attendance commitments and curriculum emphasis as children grow.
Play, movement and conversation shape the youngest children’s learning. The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum starts with helping children communicate, develop relationships, manage feelings and build physical skills. Nursery concentrates on these foundations. Kindergarten adds more explicit work with literacy, mathematics, creative expression and understanding the world, while continuing to develop those earlier skills.
Mini Movers and Playball sit alongside Outdoor Adventures and CycleMe.Tots. These named activities give physical development several different outlets. Indoors and in the secure gardens, exploration through play gives children opportunities to practise making choices and doing things independently. The school uses a growth mindset approach, celebrating progress and encouraging children to attempt challenges.
Stories have a substantial role. The ISI inspection of 25 to 27 March 2025 found effective early-years teaching, with adults demonstrating reading and exploring vocabulary. Children used imaginary doctor visits to practise conversation, while guided activities helped them develop from making marks towards forming letters. These findings concern early years collectively, rather than Nursery alone.
Physical learning has substance too. In March 2025, early-years children had room and time to develop balance and strength, with specialist teaching supporting coordination and ball skills. Celebrating Diwali, sharing stories and playing with dolls representing different backgrounds also helped children begin to understand cultural differences.
Lunch is part of the morning session, rather than reserved for children staying all day. A hot meal in the school hall gives children opportunities to try unfamiliar foods, choose and eat alongside adults and other children. Little Oaks includes tea for those staying later.
Moving from Nursery into Kindergarten brings continuity through familiar adults and friends. Kindergarten’s online journal also lets parents follow their child’s development, making learning beyond the classroom visible to families.
The March 2025 early-years findings describe attentive emotional care: predictable routines and supportive relationships helped children manage their feelings. Staff exchanged information about learning and adjusted plans to individual needs. Children learning English as an additional language received a tailored programme linking home and school, supporting their access to the curriculum. Supervision included early years, and safeguarding guidance addressed the needs of this age group.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should treat Reception admission as a separate application, rather than assume that time in Nursery or Kindergarten secures entry.
Preparation for full-time schooling takes place through Kindergarten’s broader curriculum. Familiarity with staff and friends supports the move from Nursery to Kindergarten; that continuity is a day-to-day benefit, not an admission entitlement.
Nursery requires at least three mornings each week, running from 8.30am to 12.15pm. Kindergarten’s minimum pattern combines two mornings with one full day. Attendance can be adjusted during the year, including gradual increases each term. A full day finishes at 3.00pm.
Drop-off takes place in the car park between 8am and 8.30am. Breakfast Club begins at 7.15am; Late Stay runs from 3.00pm to 3.50pm and is designed for families with older children at the school. Little Oaks extends care until 6.00pm. For Nursery children choosing a full day, wraparound care is subject to spaces being available, so the extended hours need to be considered separately from the core session.
Use the enquiry form to discuss joining or arrange a visit. Personal tours can also be organised through the admissions team at admissions@theprep.org.uk.
Nursery caters for children aged two to three, followed by Kindergarten for children aged three to four.
Nursery requires at least three morning sessions weekly. Kindergarten requires two mornings and one full day each week.
Yes. Nursery mornings finish with a shared hot lunch in the school hall before collection.
Breakfast Club starts at 7.15am, Late Stay runs from 3.00pm to 3.50pm, and Little Oaks continues until 6.00pm with tea. Nursery wraparound care for children choosing a full day is subject to spaces being available.
No. Families should treat Reception admission as a separate application; Nursery attendance does not guarantee entry.
