Westonbirt School Nursery Review

Natural wood indoors, climbing equipment over bark outdoors, and specialist teaching that includes swimming and French: Westonbirt Nursery combines its own spaces with activities beyond the classroom. It caters for children aged 2 to 4 within Westonbirt Prep, in Tetbury. A refurbishment completed in April 2025 brought new furniture, toys and redesigned outdoor areas.

Four classrooms organise provision by developmental stage. Little Owls accommodates two-year-olds, Wrens takes children approaching three, and Robins caters for three-year-olds progressing towards pre-school. Peacocks is the pre-school class for ages 3 to 4. This gives the nursery day a different emphasis as children grow, from early self-help skills to play with more structure.

Play changes shape across the rooms. Little Owls focuses on exploration, sharing and developing independence. In Wrens, activities sit alongside free-flow play. Robins children take part in imaginative play, music, swimming and Forest School, with outdoor games also forming part of their day.

Peacocks adds a consistent routine to sensory exploration, storytelling, art and role play. Play remains central, while the additional structure prepares children for school routines. Specialist teachers lead activities in French, Music, Forest School, Games and Swimming, giving children different ways to participate beyond their room-based activities.

The physical setting has changed substantially. Natural tones replaced the earlier bright decoration, and newly purchased toys and furniture are wooden. Outside, the play space is divided into zones; a bark surface supports climbing and other play equipment intended to develop large movements. Children have space to practise physical skills as well as imaginative play.

At the November 2023 ISI inspection, early-years teaching was adapted to individual children, resources and teaching assistants supported learning, and children made good progress. Outdoor lessons also took place regularly, with the grounds supporting early-years emotional wellbeing. These findings concern the early years at that time, before the nursery refurbishment.

Room changes are planned rather than tied automatically to a birthday. Children have visits before moving, joining activities such as circle time, meals and Forest School with their next group. Staff exchange information between rooms and speak with parents about questions. Those familiar activities provide continuity during a change of classroom and adults.

In November 2023, nursery leaders monitored teaching and children’s progress, identifying individual needs and responding to them. Early-years children were developing independence, helping one another and practising taking turns. A dedicated Head of Nursery role was introduced by January 2026, with responsibility for leadership, management and development.

Food and consumables are included in paid nursery fees, alongside activities covered by paid session rates. Families using free childcare entitlement are asked to contribute towards food and consumables, and towards some activities where funding does not meet the cost. That distinction matters when planning attendance.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately for Reception through the school’s Prep admissions process, rather than treating their nursery place as an offer for school. That process includes enquiry, a personal visit, registration and a formal offer followed by acceptance forms. Keep the Reception application separate from nursery attendance plans.

For nursery enquiries, contact the Admissions Team at admissions@westonbirtschool.uk or call 01666 881400. Personal tours can be booked, giving parents an opportunity to discuss their child and explore the setting.

Ask the school for current charges. When comparing paid sessions with funded attendance, account for contributions towards food and consumables, and towards some activities where funding does not meet the cost.