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Nursery at Taunton Preparatory 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Forest play each day, specialist activities from age two and care across 50 weeks give this nursery a distinctive mix of school life and childcare. Children can join between six months and four years, within Taunton Preparatory School in Taunton. The grounds extend to 56 acres, giving outdoor exploration a substantial physical setting.
In February 2026, the nursery had five classes. That is a class count, rather than a measure of places available. ISI judged the registered early years provision good at its inspection on 23 to 25 April 2024; later regulatory concerns require attention alongside that judgement.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) takes practical form through talking, movement, counting and investigation. In April 2024, learning combined planned activities with flexibility to follow children's interests. Babies explored sea creatures with coloured rice and sand, while adults introduced vocabulary through questions and repetition. Older children counted during hide-and-seek and tested how tall they could build towers. These are small, tangible steps towards language and mathematical understanding.
Outdoor learning includes daily forest play. Older children made water channels with pipes, devised obstacle courses and practised balancing in trees. A woodland library, baby room and playground development also formed part of the Pre-Prep and Nursery expansion. Specialist teaching from age two includes swimming, dance, music and modern foreign languages, adding experiences beyond room-based play.
Uneven opportunities. In April 2024, younger children had fewer chances to select resources independently, especially outside. Indoor and outdoor resources needed to become equally inviting across the nursery, and staff needed more consistent support to extend learning through their interactions. These concerns make children's freedom to choose and adults' responses useful points to observe on a visit.
Settling begins with an induction meeting involving the Nursery Room Leader. Parents complete an All About Me booklet covering their child and family, then discuss whether a brief goodbye or a gradual introduction would suit them. This gives staff practical information before the first regular sessions.
In April 2024, key persons had close relationships with children and understood their preferences. Meals were healthy, with individual dietary needs accommodated. Familiar snack, lunch and handwashing routines helped children anticipate the day. Parents shared achievements from home and received information about progress. For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), staff worked with families and outside professionals on early support.
Health and fire safety. The ISI material change inspection on 5 February 2026 identified failures involving legionella checks, fire risk assessments and electrical remedial work, including unmet EYFS requirements. External specialists had been commissioned, but the work remained incomplete at that visit. Approval of the proposed expansion was not recommended. Required early years staffing ratios were maintained. Families should weigh these safety findings carefully and seek confirmation that the corrective work is complete.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception admission as a separate application, following the normal application process and applicable deadline. Familiarity with the school should not be mistaken for an entitlement to stay.
Preparation for change happens within nursery too. In April 2024, children spent time in their next class's garden with the staff member who would care for them. That offered a familiar person and place before changing rooms; it is a care practice, rather than an admissions advantage.
The All Day Session runs from 07:30 to 17:45. Morning drop-off can take place before 09:00, and collection is possible from 15:30. Sessions and the start date are confirmed in the offer; extra sessions depend on space. Reducing days or leaving requires one term's written notice, acknowledged by Nursery Admissions.
Eligible families of children aged nine months to five years can access up to 570 funded hours annually, with another 570 for qualifying families; weekly limits are 15 or 30 hours respectively. Funding covers the early years curriculum. Meals, snacks and specialist facilities and activities sit outside it, with voluntary additional charges through the Taunton School Nursery Exceptional package. Ask the school for current charges.
Use the nursery enquiry form, call 01823 703339 or email tppsadmissions@tauntonschool.co.uk. Bespoke nursery visits can be booked after an enquiry.
Children can join between six months and four years.
The All Day Session runs from 07:30 to 17:45, with morning drop-off before 09:00 and collection from 15:30. The nursery opens for 50 weeks each year.
Parents meet the Nursery Room Leader, complete an All About Me booklet and discuss a settling approach suited to their child, including a gradual introduction where appropriate.
It covers the early years curriculum for eligible families. Meals, snacks, specialist activities and facilities are outside the funding, with voluntary additional charges through the Taunton School Nursery Exceptional package.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate application through the normal process and applicable deadline.
