King's College Prep: Pelican Nursery Review

Wild woods and messy play give Pelican Nursery its character. For children aged two to four, this is the nursery at King's College Prep in Taunton, with outdoor exploration alongside a play-based introduction to learning. The woodland setting gives children something concrete to investigate, rather than making discovery solely a classroom activity.

In November 2025, the nursery comprised two classes. It sits within the school's pre-prep section, so its early learning forms part of a broader school structure while retaining sessions designed for younger children.

Play and adult guidance work together here. The November 2025 ISI inspection found that early-years learning developed children's language, early literacy and confidence through a balance of independent play and carefully timed adult involvement. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework: learning includes communication, exploration and social development, rather than simply practising formal schoolwork.

Sand and wheeled toys are used for making marks, giving children a physical way to explore patterns and movement. Adults encourage children to explain their decisions, use new vocabulary and keep their attention on an activity. That makes conversation part of the learning, with children developing ideas as well as handling resources.

Indoor and outdoor play also develop movement skills, including balance and coordination. Children learn to share equipment and take turns, with adults demonstrating calm responses and kind language. Outdoors, exploration is balanced with quieter reflection on the natural world. Everyday jobs matter too: tidying together and choosing play partners give fairness and cooperation a practical place in the day.

Settling begins with the Room Leader arranging induction, usually through at least two sessions. Parents stay for the first, exchanging information with staff; the second gives the child a couple of hours at nursery. The process can be lengthened, or an immediate start arranged, according to the family's needs. There is room to adjust the pace.

For two-year-olds, the adult-to-child ratio is 1:5; for three-year-olds it is 1:8. Daily conversations at collection and drop-off sit alongside an online journal, where parents can contribute achievements and follow progress. This gives families both a brief everyday exchange and a continuing connection with learning.

Lunch, snacks and drinks are included with full-day and morning-only sessions. The Learning Strategies team has EYFS expertise alongside specialisms in dyslexia, literacy, dyscalculia, mathematics and English as an additional language, and can meet families during admissions where learning support would be helpful. In November 2025, safeguarding staff followed the required procedures consistently across early-years provision.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the school's registration process. The entry route includes a taster day, registration, a reference where applicable, and an offer secured by an acceptance deposit within an agreed deadline.

For September starters, a welcome event takes place in the preceding summer term. Children have an afternoon with their new teacher and incoming classmates, while parents can speak with class teachers. That preparation helps make the next classroom and its adults familiar; it is separate from securing admission.

Full-day and half-day sessions operate during term time only. That calendar matters for families arranging childcare across school holidays. Contact the admissions team through the enquiry form to discuss a nursery place or book a visit. Ask the school for current charges.

Uniform can be ordered through School Blazer Ltd, and there is a second-hand uniform shop with appointments arranged through admissions. This gives families an alternative route for obtaining school clothing.