Truro School Preparatory School Nursery

Dinosaurs, transport and climbing in the enchanted garden give Truro’s early years provision a practical, playful character. Nursery children join in the term following their third birthday, within the Preparatory School at Highertown in Truro. This is school-based early education, with a starting pattern of at least two full days each week.

In January 2025, the nursery was organised as one class. ISI’s inspection of 14 to 16 January 2025 found that early years children progressed well from their individual starting points, with activities shaped around their interests. That makes play purposeful: familiar enthusiasms become a starting point for learning.

Play and conversation drive the early years curriculum. Children explore practical activities linked to interests such as transport or dinosaurs, connecting new ideas with things they already understand. For parents, this is the everyday meaning of early years learning here: talking, experimenting and practising skills through activity. In January 2025, staff were also developing how children used mathematics within play.

The sound shop gives that approach a concrete form. Children use coins to obtain letters for simple words, bringing counting and early spelling together. Choosing a favourite story through a vote introduces another useful idea: children can express a preference and take part in a group decision.

Outdoor activity has a named setting, the enchanted garden. In January 2025, early years children spent frequent periods outside, practising climbing alongside jumping and running. Physical learning also included swimming, games and PE, developing coordination and balance. Movement is part of learning, rather than simply a break from it.

Settling begins before the first regular nursery day. During the preceding term, parents and children are invited to a taster session, giving families an introduction to school life and time to discuss their child’s needs with nursery staff. Attendance arrangements take account of how each child manages the social and academic demands, and days can increase during the year.

In January 2025, early years discussions helped children explore kindness, happiness and how to make a different choice after a mistake. Staff training included paediatric first aid. These are practical supports for both emotional development and everyday care.

The September 2025 monitoring inspection confirmed effective safeguarding arrangements that included early years children. At school level, the January 2025 concern about unequal access to the cathedral chorister programme had been addressed by September 2025, with girls and boys receiving equivalent opportunities. January 2025 inspectors also recommended closer oversight of policy updates after the attendance policy needed amendment during the inspection to reflect current statutory guidance.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The published Prep admissions process starts with a registration form, and Reception entry involves a taster day with an informal assessment by the class teacher. Existing nursery families should confirm their transfer requirements with Prep Admissions. Entry is subject to space being available. Familiarity with the school should not be treated as an admission entitlement.

Families can book from two full days a week through to full-time attendance. The pattern can grow during the year, allowing the commitment to develop alongside the child.

The 2025/26 fee schedule distinguished funded full days, which carried a charge, from funded afternoon sessions listed as free. Refer to the school for current charges. Withdrawal terms require a term’s notice; otherwise, a charge equivalent to a term’s fees applies.

For enquiries or an informal nursery tour with the EYFS Coordinator, contact Prep Admissions on 01872 243 120. Acceptance information includes guidance on uniform, sports kit, bags and classroom equipment, helping families prepare for starting.