Alleyn Court Preparatory School Nursery Review

Montessori choices, a Tudor walled garden and specialist French give Alleyn Court's nursery a distinct character. Children aged 2 to 4 join an independent school's early years provision in Great Wakering, with Lower Nursery for those turning three during the academic year and Upper Nursery for those turning four.

Lower Nursery classes have a maximum of 12 children; the Upper Nursery limit is 20. These are class limits, rather than a promise of an available place. Since September 2023, the early years classes have occupied new premises within the school's main site.

Choice sits alongside increasing structure. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the framework for children's care, development and learning; here, adult-led activities sit alongside play children initiate themselves. Montessori adds opportunities to choose tasks and practise independence, with learning organised around language, practical life, cultural exploration, maths and sensory experience.

For younger children, indoor and outdoor play form the starting point. Upper Nursery introduces weekly maths and phonics, while afternoons follow lunch and a rest period with creative work, movement and pretend play. Music and drama each have a weekly specialist lesson. That gives the day a rhythm beyond classroom activities.

Outdoor space includes the lake, woodland and Tudor walled garden. In January 2026, early years children used bucket stilts to tackle changes in height, developing balance and coordination. Pipettes became tools for potion-making, while wooden blocks supported construction. An outdoor easel provided another place to practise forming words. These examples show physical exploration and early literacy sharing the same learning environment.

Nursery French combines a subject specialist with support from early years staff. At the ISI inspection of 20 to 22 January 2026, children responded positively and learnt vocabulary for animals and colours in both languages. The teaching extends their language experience while retaining familiar adult support.

A nursery key person gives parents someone to approach for advice, including worries about the move to Reception. Collection also creates an opportunity to discuss the day with class teachers. Prospective children can have an arranged taster day, offering an introduction before joining.

Morning attendance includes a snack, and children staying for the day receive a hot lunch. Classroom adults share mealtimes with children and help them practise manners and healthy eating habits. The catering team accommodates different diets and allergens; packed lunches are also an option, with a supervision and domestic-service charge. Upper Nursery has rest time after lunch.

In January 2026, early years staff had paediatric first-aid qualifications and maintained appropriate adult-to-child ratios. Training and mentoring helped staff support individual needs and develop children's confidence and independence. For families discussing additional learning needs, the school's SENDCo offers appointments at The Burrow, its SEND hub, alongside a structured referral and support process.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the Admissions Team to confirm the arrangements for moving from Nursery to Reception. Admission depends on availability and the school's decision; sibling priority is distinct from nursery attendance.

Transition work serves a different purpose: helping children become familiar with their next class. Nursery and Reception staff exchange knowledge about children's development, interests and needs through their Learning Journeys. Summer Term play sessions introduce incoming children to the Reception classroom, and opportunities to meet the teacher include parents. Familiarity supports the move; it does not secure admission.

Nursery starts between 8:30 and 9:00am. Morning attendance ends at noon, while the day finishes at 3:00pm. Lower Nursery requires at least two mornings; Upper Nursery requires at least four sessions. Flexible attendance days are offered. Upper Nursery after-school clubs run until 4:45pm, with options including football, gymnastics and tennis.

For April 2024 to September 2025, nursery education funding covered eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4 for up to 15 hours weekly, subject to local authority criteria and change. That charging period included books and stationery in school fees, while catering and some specialist activities carried separate charges. Ask the school for current charges.

Uniform is required, with Stevensons supplying it online and through a termly school pop-up shop. Enquiries and personal tours go through the Admissions Team; families can also contact office@alleyn-court.co.uk or call 01702 582553.