Sherborne Preparatory School Nursery

Forest School and an on-site outdoor learning area give Sherborne Prep’s nursery a clear outdoor thread. This is provision for three- and four-year-olds within Sherborne Preparatory School, an independent school in Sherborne. Children can start from the term following their third birthday.

At the ISI inspection of 27 to 29 January 2026, the nursery had one class with 18 children. That is a dated class roll, rather than a measure of available places. The nursery forms its own section alongside the school’s pre-prep and prep provision.

Play carries the learning. The January 2026 inspection found that the early years curriculum combined activity and play effectively, with children making good progress. Speaking and listening receive deliberate attention: adults develop children’s vocabulary and help them take their ideas further. For parents, this gives everyday conversation a clear learning purpose.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) takes practical form through songs, counting real objects and arranging shapes into pictures and patterns. Early phonics connects sounds with children’s names. These are concrete starting points for number, language and literacy, rather than learning confined to paper tasks.

Outside, the dedicated learning area and regular Forest School sessions provide another setting for exploration. Across the early years, climbing equipment, bikes and PE lessons help children develop coordination and stamina. Imaginary train journeys also feature in play, with children using pretend money to buy tickets: an everyday scenario becomes a way to begin understanding transactions.

Social learning happens through interaction. Adults help children listen to friends, take turns and share, and talk through disagreements with them. The practical implication is simple: learning to play together is part of the curriculum.

A nursery taster session lets children meet staff and classmates before starting, giving them some familiarity with the people around them. Full toilet training is not an entry requirement; nursery staff help children with that process. This makes care routines part of the support offered to new starters.

Within the early years, staff keep parents informed about learning and progress. Emotional awareness also has a daily routine: children choose an emotion at registration, then use circle time to discuss feelings and learn that an adult can help when things become overwhelming.

Food education includes learning about balanced eating, while toothbrushing follows lunch. Suitable staffing ratios apply during early years meals, and paediatric first aiders are available in the early years. Together, these details connect the learning day with practical health and care.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the school to confirm the steps for moving from nursery to Reception. Offers depend on a place being available in the relevant year group.

The school accepts applications throughout the year, subject to class sizes, and operates without a fixed admissions timetable. Its pre-prep process includes registration, a taster session or day, and an offer followed by acceptance. Familiarity with the school should therefore be kept separate from securing the next place.

Five session choices give families several start and finish combinations. Full Day runs from 8.00am to 3.30pm; Morning lasts from 8.00am to 2.00pm. Afternoon covers 2.00pm to 5.00pm, with shorter Early Afternoon (2.00pm to 3.30pm) and Late Afternoon (3.30pm to 5.00pm) options. The Morning label is worth reading carefully: it includes time well beyond midday.

Each session has its own charge. Refer to the school for current charges. Nursery children wear uniform. For an enquiry or visit, contact Admissions on 01935 810911, email or complete the enquiry form; personal tours and termly Open Mornings give families ways to meet staff before choosing.