St Bernard's Preparatory School Nursery Review

Play, conversation and learning to handle disappointment give the nursery at St Bernard's Preparatory School its character. This is the first stage of a Catholic independent school in Slough, which welcomes children of all faiths. Pre Early Years serves children aged 2½ to 3, followed by Early Years for ages 3 to 4. At the February 2026 ISI inspection, the nursery comprised two classes within the school's early years section.

Practical play gives children a way into learning. In February 2026, ISI found that the early years curriculum matched children's needs, with spoken language receiving close attention. Adults helped children expand their vocabulary through conversation and questions that took their ideas further. For parents, the emphasis is on learning through interaction, with adults actively developing what children say and do.

The Early Years Foundation Stage brings together communication, physical development, relationships and emotions alongside early literacy and mathematics. Here, creative activities and early number work sit within that practical approach. Pretend money appears in role play, giving children an introduction to how money is used through an activity they can understand.

Movement has a clear purpose too. Across the early years, balancing activities, climbing and trikes develop coordination and motor skills. Dressing up and tasting foods associated with other countries introduce cultural differences through direct experience. These are tangible ways for young children to explore ideas beyond their own familiar routines.

Emotional learning runs alongside physical development. In February 2026, children in the early years explored feelings including worry and happiness, while adults helped them cope with errors and disappointment. Circle-time conversations addressed social situations as they arose. Practising listening, sharing and resolving disagreements gives children tools for managing life in a group.

Communication with parents was effective across the early years in February 2026. Staff also held paediatric first aid training, and staffing ratios remained appropriate during meals. The safeguarding team includes a deputy lead for early years, giving this part of the school a specific safeguarding role.

Lunch is cooked from scratch on site and served in the dining room. Holroyd Howe provides the catering, with menus rotating over three weeks and changing each term. Vegetarian options feature alongside meat or fish dishes, except on Meat-Free-Monday. The parent portal includes an allergy form and a medication form, providing routes for sharing practical care information.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the admissions team to confirm Reception admission requirements and any deadline. Choosing this nursery should therefore be a decision about the early years experience itself.

Full-time and part-time attendance are offered for Pre Early Years and Early Years 1. Funded places cover 15 or 30 hours, subject to eligibility; the registration form describes funding on a term-time basis. Use the Early Years Funding eligibility check before applying and refer to the school for current charges.

Changing sessions. Changes made after the first day of term attract a per-session charge. Choose the attendance pattern carefully before term begins.

Nursery uniform is supplied by Billings and Edmonds in Eton. An online enquiry form and admissions@stbernardsprep.org provide contact routes, while private tours can be booked through the school's visit form. These give families a practical starting point for considering a place.