Little Crickets Nursery at Springmead Preparatory School

Filmmaking gives Little Crickets a distinctive creative thread: nursery children have helped make a Nativity film and the summer production Pirates of the Seven Seas. This is an on-site nursery at Springmead Preparatory School in Beckington, near Frome, with spacious playrooms and opportunities to become familiar with the wider school.

Children can join from 6 months. An important distinction applies to inspection coverage: the ISI inspection of 27 to 29 January 2026 included the school’s nursery for children aged 2 to 4 and excluded the separately registered provision for children aged 6 months to 2 years.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning here, combining children’s own exploration with adult guidance. Activities remain accessible for children to investigate independently, while practitioners step in to extend learning and plan each child’s next steps. That gives children room to follow an interest, with support matched to their development.

Language receives close attention. In January 2026, adults used questions thoughtfully and demonstrated new vocabulary to help children expand their speech. Visits from police officers and firefighters give early years children concrete encounters with people who work in their community, adding subjects to talk about and explore.

Creative work has a recognisable identity. Pirates of the Seven Seas brought story development, characters and drama into filmmaking; the Nativity combined a screen production with a live performance. These projects give young children ways to contribute through performance and shared storytelling.

Physical development also has its own place. Nursery PE concentrates on movement, coordination and the small hand movements needed for later practical tasks. Spacious playrooms support indoor activity, and outdoor learning is part of the nursery curriculum. In January 2026, the indoor and outdoor layout supported children’s needs, with progress across the required learning areas.

Settling is supported by adults who know the children closely. In January 2026, early years children became comfortable quickly and joined activities with confidence. Staffing allowed extra individual attention when needed, while communication between families and practitioners helped children’s needs carry through into their care. Termly staff supervision supported the team’s work.

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), early years support included changes to the physical environment and individual help with mobility and language. This makes inclusion practical: support reaches both how children use the space and how they communicate.

Meals fit the booking pattern. Children booked for a morning or full day receive lunch, and high tea is served at 4pm. Safeguarding arrangements covered early years children in January 2026. Some current policies were initially inaccessible to parents during that inspection and were supplied before it ended; keeping current information accessible remained an improvement action.

Familiarity and admission are separate matters. Nursery children get to know older pupils and shared school spaces, which can make the move feel less unfamiliar. The nursery also prepares children with skills for starting school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should apply separately through Springmead’s school admissions process, contacting admissions@springmead.com. School entry involves an initial discussion of suitability, a taster day and an offer before registration. Familiar surroundings should not be treated as a secured place.

Little Crickets runs throughout the year, closing for one week at Christmas and on Bank Holidays. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm, with full-day, morning and afternoon bookings. Full-time and part-time attendance depend on availability. Afternoon collection can be between 3.30pm and 6pm; collecting a full-day child early does not reduce the charge.

Eligible families obtain a Working Parent Entitlement code so the nursery can administer the 15 or 30 hour Early Years Entitlements. Consumables attract an additional charge for funded hours. Ask the school for current charges. Payment is made in advance each month for the sessions booked within that calendar month.

Use the school’s enquiry form or contact admissions@springmead.com to arrange a personal tour. Virtual tours can also be arranged for relocating families.