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Nursery at Beechwood Park School
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Counting acorns in woodland gives a concrete flavour of Woodlands: early learning reaches beyond the classroom. Beechwood Park School’s nursery in Markyate welcomes children from the term in which they turn three, through their pre-school year, and forms part of the school’s pre-prep section. There were 37 nursery children at the inspection of 30 September to 2 October 2025. That is a dated headcount, rather than a capacity figure.
Early Years Foundation Stage learning combines early language and number work with physical development and learning to get along with others. In September and October 2025, activities in the early years were carefully planned to develop these skills. Woodland acorn counting made numbers tangible; books helped children connect sounds with letters and extend their vocabulary. Adult interaction also helped children learn how to behave with others.
Large balls, bikes and hoops gave children practice in coordination and balance. Picture books introduced fairness and consideration for other people, while choosing stories and activities gave children an early experience of making collective decisions. Sharing resources and waiting for a turn were taught explicitly. These are useful foundations for joining a group, as well as for learning.
Shop role play introduced money through pretend purchases. Visits from firefighters, farmers, dentists and police brought different jobs into the early-years programme, connecting play and conversation with the wider world.
Settling starts before the first regular session. A Woodlands Welcome meeting lets children spend time with staff and other children; preparations normally also include a Discovery Visit or Stay & Play, a settling session and an optional visit to the child’s home or current setting. Familiarity builds in stages.
In September and October 2025, early-years staff knew children and families well through positive relationships and open conversation. Staff induction and supervision supported their understanding of children’s learning, and the required adult-to-child ratios were maintained. The team includes practitioners with Early Years Teacher Status and speech and language qualifications.
Lunch and break-time snacks are included in fees, so families need to account for meals within the nursery booking rather than as a separate routine charge. For children needing additional help, the school’s Learning Support team works with families and teachers, using classroom support, small groups or individual intervention according to need. Applications from children with SEND remain subject to the school’s entry criteria.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Reception admission is a separate decision: children must meet its entry requirements, and offers depend on assessment and available places. Families should arrange Reception registration and assessment through the school’s Admissions team. Siblings of current pupils have priority.
Late pre-school entry. Children joining Woodlands in the Lent or Summer Term of their Pre-Reception year who plan to join Reception must pass the Reception assessment before receiving a nursery offer. This makes the Reception decision relevant before nursery starts for those families.
Monday to Friday, morning sessions run from 08:20 to 13:15 and full days from 08:20 to 15:15. Younger children must attend either two full days each week or one full day plus two mornings. Pre-Reception children need at least three full days weekly. Additional days for either group must be full days, so the booking pattern needs to fit the family’s week.
Late sessions run from 15:15 to 16:30 and from 16:30 to 17:30. After-school care attracts an additional charge. Teaching and learning materials are included in nursery fees; ask the school for current charges. The academic year has Michaelmas, Lent and Summer terms.
Funded childcare. The school does not offer the 15- or 30-hour free childcare provision for three- and four-year-olds. Families relying on those hours should factor that into their choice.
Contact Admissions at admissions@beechwoodpark.com or on 01582 840333. Personal tours and termly Open Mornings give families a chance to meet nursery staff and see the indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
Children can join from the term in which they turn three. Lent or Summer Term starts may be possible if places are available.
Younger children attend at least two full days, or one full day and two mornings. Pre-Reception children attend at least three full days. Additional days must be full days.
Yes. Lunch, break-time snacks and teaching and learning materials are included in fees. After-school care costs extra.
The school does not offer the 15- or 30-hour free childcare provision for three- and four-year-olds.
No. Children must meet Reception entry requirements, and offers depend on assessment and available places. Siblings of current pupils have priority.
