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Nursery at Holmewood House 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Swimming, French and Forest School give Holmewood House's nursery a distinctive school-based rhythm, while care extending across up to 50 weeks makes it a practical option beyond term time. The nursery sits within the independent school in Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells. Children can start at the beginning of the term in which they turn three, including before their third birthday.
At the May 2024 ISI inspection, the nursery comprised two classes catering for 45 children between them. That is a dated picture of the provision, rather than a current place allocation. The combination to weigh here is specialist teaching, learning through play and a choice of attendance patterns.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) shapes learning around children's development and interests. In parent terms, children explore, investigate and learn alongside others, with adults identifying what to introduce next. In May 2024, nursery activities indoors and outside gave children scope to follow ideas rather than work towards a single predetermined answer. Key people understood children's learning needs and used the environment effectively to extend their curiosity.
Qualified teachers deliver specialist sessions: French and music sit alongside swimming, Forest School and PE. The youngest children use the school's swimming pool, theatre and sports hall as well as its grounds. These facilities give the nursery day settings beyond the classroom, with physical activity and creative learning built into the experience.
Morning attendance can finish at noon, or include lunch and continue until 1pm. The afternoon runs from 1pm to 3.15pm and forms part of a full day only. Families therefore choose between a shorter morning and a day that continues after lunch, rather than booking an afternoon on its own.
Before starting, nursery children are invited to a taster session accompanied by their parents. This offers an initial shared experience of the setting. In May 2024, children had secure relationships with their key people, and carefully organised changes from home to school helped them become comfortable with new surroundings.
In May 2024, emotional learning included practical activities. Children used an emotional washing line to identify feelings and explored facial expressions, alongside learning to take turns. Play therapy supported children in managing emotions and behaviour in May 2024. My heart, my mind, my world begins in Nursery, giving personal development a named place in the programme.
Parents received detailed updates about early-years learning, development and next steps in May 2024. Individual tracking helped identify children needing extra support. All early-years staff had paediatric first-aid training, and staffing maintained the required early-years ratios. Food is included in the early-years provision, with no separate food charge.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Existing nursery families should contact admissions to confirm Reception application requirements and timing. Applications use an online registration portal; the admissions team is the contact for discussing places.
Familiarity and admission are different questions. In May 2024, moves to the next class were carefully prepared so children could get used to their new surroundings and feel secure. That supports the child's transition, but should not be treated as an entitlement to a place.
Bookings start from three sessions a week. Families can choose term-time attendance over 33 weeks or full-time provision across 50 weeks. Additional term-time sessions can be booked ahead, subject to availability. Monday-to-Friday opening is 7.30am to 6pm, with closures for Christmas, bank holidays and three INSET days. Breakfast Club and Owls provide charged wraparound care.
Funding starts in the term after a child's third birthday. During school term time, up to three funded hours can be used each day, with a weekly maximum of 15 within the specified sessions; attendance beyond those hours is charged. The funding arrangement specifies a maximum of 510 funded hours annually over 34 weeks, with remaining hours unable to be transferred or claimed at another setting. Confirm with admissions how this applies to your chosen 33-week or 50-week attendance pattern. Funded-only attendance is subject to availability. Trips, wraparound care and charity contributions are optional extras. A one-off subscriptions and textbooks charge applies in the first term to pupils other than Pre-Nursery. Contact the school for current charges.
For availability or a visit, email admissions@holmewoodhouse.co.uk or call 01892 860000. Small group tours cover the early-years classrooms and introduce families to the team.
Children can begin in the term in which they turn three, including before their third birthday.
Yes. The nursery offers care across up to 50 weeks, Monday to Friday, closing for Christmas, bank holidays and three INSET days. Term-time attendance is also an option.
Nursery children have French, music, swimming, PE and Forest School sessions delivered by qualified teachers.
Eligibility begins in the term after the third birthday. During school term time, up to three funded hours per day can be applied within the session structure, to a maximum of 15 each week. The funding arrangement specifies a maximum of 510 funded hours annually over 34 weeks; remaining hours cannot be transferred or claimed at another setting. Confirm how this applies to your chosen 33-week or 50-week attendance pattern with admissions. Funded-only attendance is subject to availability.
No. Existing nursery families should contact admissions to confirm Reception application requirements and timing. Preparing children for their next class does not guarantee a place.
