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Nursery at Cheam 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Climbing, balancing and wheeled toys give Cheam’s youngest children a practical start to learning. Conversation matters too. In February 2026, the early years combined close attention to language with support for children’s independence and confidence.
The nursery belongs to Cheam’s Pre-Prep in Headley, Newbury. Children can enter Pre-Prep on their third birthday. At the ISI inspection of 3 to 5 February 2026, the nursery had one class containing 16 children. That is a dated class roll, rather than a limit on places.
Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), with activities shaped around children’s interests and development. In parent terms, that means learning through exploration, conversation and play, with adults choosing the next challenge for each child. In February 2026, staff used their knowledge of individual children to plan those next steps; indoor activities and outdoor exploration encouraged children to make choices and work alongside their peers.
Physical learning has concrete outlets: children use wheeled toys, practise balancing and climb. These activities develop coordination, body strength and awareness of the space around them. Social learning is equally practical. Taking turns, recognising feelings and moving safely around play spaces are part of the early years curriculum.
Across Pre-Prep, the day includes a morning break, lunch and an afternoon period of learning. Stories feature towards the end of most afternoons, with choir on Wednesday. These shared routines give the day a recognisable shape.
Learning continuity. In February 2026, planning did not consistently connect learning progressively from the early years onwards. Strengthening those connections was an inspection recommendation, relevant to families considering the next stage as well as the nursery itself.
A key person provides continuity of care. In February 2026, early years staffing met statutory ratios or provided more adults than required, and children received attentive supervision. Transitions from home were organised to help children learn routines and form relationships with staff. Before joining, registered nursery children and their parents are invited to an hour-long Stay and Play, giving both a chance to meet the early years team.
Tapestry supports assessment and planning. Each term, parents receive their child’s next learning steps through meetings, parents’ evenings or on request, allowing home activities to support the same priorities. Additional help can come through the specialist Pre-Prep Learning Support teacher, while an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant helps with needs such as emotions and social skills. Pre-Prep also uses The Nest for relaxation, alongside yoga and mindfulness.
Meals are prepared at school, with menus changing over a three-week cycle. Vegetarian choices and diets adapted for allergies or coeliac disease support different needs. In February 2026, early years children were supervised while eating, and staff had training to respond to choking. Safeguarding supervision meetings also gave early years staff time to discuss individual children; personal devices were prohibited wherever children were present.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask Cheam’s admissions team to confirm the arrangements for your child’s move to Reception. Nursery attendance is not an admission priority criterion: decisions take account of registration order and siblings, with offers at the Head’s discretion.
Class transitions have their own educational purpose. In February 2026, children were helped to become familiar with changed routines and their next teachers. That supports adjustment; it should not be confused with an entitlement to admission.
Full-time nursery runs Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 3.30pm. Individual afternoon and morning sessions are also offered. Eligible children can have EYE funding applied to their nursery fees; current charges should be obtained from the admissions team.
Wraparound care is chargeable for Pre-Prep children. Breakfast Club runs from 7.15am to 8.00am and includes breakfast. After School Club has a 3.30pm to 4.30pm session, followed by a 4.30pm to 5.55pm session that includes supper. These options extend care around the nursery day.
Enquiries go through the admissions portal, or to admissions@cheamschool.co.uk on 01635 267822. Private tours can be booked using the enquiry form. Choose a weekday to see Pre-Prep during its school week: it does not attend Saturday school.
Children can join Cheam Pre-Prep from their third birthday.
Full-time nursery runs from 8.00am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. Morning and afternoon sessions are also offered.
Yes. Cheam accepts EYE funding and applies the funded fee where a child is eligible. Wraparound care for Pre-Prep children is chargeable.
Registered nursery children are invited with their parents to an hour-long Stay and Play, where they can meet early years staff and other prospective families.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer admission priority. Ask Cheam’s admissions team to confirm the arrangements for your child’s move to Reception.
