The Granville School Pre-School Review

Woodland exploration, swimming and bread-making give Granville’s Pre-School a day that stretches beyond its classrooms. This independent school’s nursery takes boys and girls aged 3–4 in Sevenoaks, with entry from the term after a child’s third birthday. Its classrooms are in Evans Lodge, the school’s Early Years building.

Children begin in Squirrels, then move into Foxes or Hedgehogs once they have settled and gained confidence. That makes readiness, rather than simply arrival, part of the move between classes. In February 2025, children across the early years felt secure and developed confidence within a carefully organised learning environment.

Morning assemblies bring the Pre-School together for songs, birthdays and shared celebrations. Games introduce the sound of the week and numbers; making, building and interactive stories add different ways to participate. The school uses themes shaped by children’s interests and development, with experiences including bread-making and a dragon dance. Trips linked to learning include Godstone Farm and Bluebell Woods.

The Early Years Foundation Stage combines early communication and number learning with physical, emotional and social development. In February 2025, guided play and adult-led conversation helped children develop speech and listening; letters and sounds were taught appropriately. Play also gave children practice in working together and recognising feelings. These are practical foundations for joining in, expressing needs and trying unfamiliar tasks.

Outdoor activity has several settings. Children have their own learning area, plus access to playground equipment, balance bikes and tricycles. Forest School takes place in the school’s woodland, while the Junior Library and Computing Suite extend the indoor spaces they can use. Swimming takes place in a shallow, warm indoor pool, giving beginners somewhere to develop confidence in water.

Specialist teaching includes French, Yoga, Ballet and Music, alongside PE, Swimming, Computing and Forest School. There is substantial variety within the nursery day, rather than learning being confined to one room.

Pre-School room leads and teaching assistants work within an Early Years team. Before starting, children have a taster session; a familiarisation session follows acceptance of a place. Parents can help children unpack and settle into morning activities, with an opportunity to talk to teachers. This gives families a direct way to share everyday concerns.

Lunch is prepared on site, and snacks include fruit or vegetables. After-school care adds sandwiches, fruit, stories and play, and is run by school staff. The SENCo works with parents and teachers; Early Years sound-awareness support is among the available interventions. In February 2025, relationships with familiar adults helped children attempt new things, and first-aid and medication arrangements included the early years.

Health and safety oversight. The February 2025 inspection recommended clearer recording and review of school health-and-safety actions. Families should weigh this school-level concern alongside the specific early-years findings.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm with the school what existing Pre-School families need to do for Reception entry. Reception applications are for girls, subject to available space and successful completion of the admissions process. Oversubscription priority goes to siblings and children of former pupils, followed by waiting-list application order.

Shared projects and themed activities with Reception children provide familiarity with the next stage. That is transition practice, rather than an admissions entitlement. Boys move to other schools after Pre-School, with guidance from Granville.

Morning sessions run from 8:30am to 1:00pm; full days finish at 3:00pm. Booking patterns cover one to five days. Breakfast Club starts at 7:30am, and after-school collection options extend to 5:00pm or 6:00pm. Wraparound care is charged separately and booked weekly through KidsClubHQ, with occasional same-day bookings by email or telephone.

Funded hours. Granville offers only the 15-hour Free Early Education entitlement, from the term after the third birthday. Funding is limited to three hours daily and 33 or 34 school weeks. Longer sessions carry additional charges. Funded-only places depend on availability, use different sessions for Pre-School 1 and 2, and may exclude some activities. Standard fees include lunch, breaktime snacks and swimming; contact the school for current charges.

Little Doves provides holiday care for Granville’s youngest pupils from 9am to 4pm, with familiar school staff; children bring lunch and a snack. For a tour, use the online enquiry form or contact registrar@granvilleschool.org. School uniform can be bought through Horncastles or the parents’ association’s second-hand shop.