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Nursery at Mylnhurst Preparatory School and Nursery
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Swimming, Fit Tots and a mud kitchen give Mylnhurst’s nursery day its particular character. Play chosen by children sits alongside specialist teaching, with the purpose-built Early Years Centre providing the nursery’s base on the school campus in Ecclesall, Sheffield.
Entry begins at a child’s third birthday. This is the nursery within an independent preparatory school with a Catholic tradition, welcoming families of any faith or none. In March 2025, there were two nursery classes. The admissions policy gives a usual class limit of 24, with increases possible in exceptional circumstances by agreement between the headteacher and directors.
Children have room to follow their own interests, while adults introduce activities with specific learning aims. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum provides the framework: learning through play develops children’s language, movement and early understanding. Access between outside and inside continues through the day in all weather, so outdoor exploration is part of the routine.
Mornings include phonics and mathematics meetings. Specialist sessions bring music, languages and Fit Tots into the weekly pattern, alongside swimming in the campus’s heated pool. Cookery takes place each half term and introduces healthy food choices. These are distinct experiences within the nursery timetable, giving children opportunities to try movement, sound, water and practical food preparation.
The ISI inspection of 11 to 13 March 2025 found that early-years children progressed well towards their learning goals. Nursery children explained how plasticene colours changed when mixed and confidently offered adults the food shapes they had made. Conversation has a practical purpose here: children describe their discoveries rather than simply complete an activity.
Across early years, rolling pins and scissors helped develop hand control, while rope dances and pretend baking in the mud kitchen combined movement with imaginative play. Adults and children also used common language for feelings and the effects of their actions on others. Learning to express frustration or recognise another child’s feelings belongs within the day’s play.
A nursery manager, deputy manager and nursery practitioners form the nursery team. The initial emphasis is on helping children feel comfortable away from their families, with emotional support as they begin making friends and exploring. Before an offer, families normally visit with their child and meet the nursery manager; alternative arrangements may be made for families outside the area.
Lunch is eaten in the nursery classroom. Families choose a packed lunch or a cooked school meal, with choices communicated at the start of term. Break-time snacks brought from home must be fruit or vegetables. This gives parents a concrete role in planning their child’s food.
In March 2025, early-years parents received activity photographs, newsletters and regular information about learning and progress. At least one adult with paediatric first-aid training was present in the early-years department. For toileting or changing assistance, the staff policy requires two adults and explicit parental consent.
SEND support depends on whether the nursery can meet the child’s needs. Families must provide written details of known or suspected learning difficulties at registration. The SEND policy provides for parent discussions, reviewed support and individual transition arrangements, keeping decisions about assistance connected to the child’s circumstances.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The admissions policy requires a separate application to Mylnhurst’s main school; families apply directly to the school. Its waiting-list priority concerns siblings, rather than nursery attendance. A main-school offer depends on space, satisfaction of admission requirements and the headteacher’s discretion.
Preparation is a separate matter. As children approach Reception age, the nursery increases structured learning and purposeful play. Where individual needs warrant it, transition support may include extra classroom visits, meetings with the next teacher or a booklet using photographs of important people and places. Familiarity helps children prepare, but does not secure admission.
Attendance pattern. The usual requirement is at least three full days each week. There are also three afternoon-only places each term for families using only the 15 hours of FEL funding. That limited alternative matters for families seeking a shorter pattern.
MCC provides care from 7:30am to 8:30am and after school until 6pm. Places must be reserved beforehand through Magic Booking. Additional charges apply for MCC care from noon on the final days of the autumn and summer terms; ask the school for current charges.
Nursery collection is at the Yellow Nursery Door. Tell the office or class teacher beforehand if another adult will collect your child. Nursery uniform can be ordered through the school. For enquiries or a private tour, use the school’s contact form or call 0114 2361411.
Admission begins from the child’s third birthday, subject to a place being available.
The admissions policy allows three afternoon-only places per term for families using only 15 hours of FEL funding. The usual attendance requirement is three full days a week.
Child-led play and adult-led activities sit alongside morning phonics and mathematics meetings, specialist music, languages, Fit Tots, swimming and half-termly cookery.
No. A separate application to Mylnhurst’s main school is required, and an offer remains subject to the school’s admission requirements and availability.
Yes. Nursery families can choose a packed lunch or a cooked school meal. Children eat in their nursery classroom.
