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Nursery at Cranford 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A swimming pool, specialist music facilities and outdoor learning give Cranford’s Pre-School a day that extends beyond its classroom. This is the nursery provision within Cranford School in Moulsford, for children aged 3-4, with entry possible during the term of their third birthday. There was one Nursery class at the November and December 2025 inspection. Access to specialist teachers and school facilities gives these youngest children opportunities to try music and movement alongside their early learning.
Play gives early learning its practical shape. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum develops confidence alongside physical, creative, emotional and social skills. In November and December 2025, early reading work connected letters with their sounds, while number learning used songs, stories and practical play to explore shapes and patterns. These are concrete ways for young children to begin understanding literacy and mathematics.
Learning takes place outdoors as well as in the classroom. Children practise sharing equipment, talking together and taking turns during collaborative play, with activities matched to their developmental stage. Role play introduces how money works; choosing a favourite snack through voting gives children a small, understandable experience of making a collective decision.
Enrichment adds a different focus across the week: music on Monday afternoons, swimming on Tuesday afternoons, Divas and Dudes Dancing on Wednesday mornings, PE on Thursday mornings and Forest School on Friday afternoons. These are charged enrichment sessions. The school’s pool and specialist sports and music facilities support this variety. In the 2025 early years provision, a structured physical programme developed movement and hand-eye coordination, giving activity a clear learning purpose.
Experienced, qualified early years practitioners supported children’s learning and wellbeing in November and December 2025. Staffing matched the ages and numbers of children attending, and early years staff were among those holding paediatric first aid qualifications. Adults modelled considerate behaviour and planned activities around recognising and managing feelings. Care therefore included helping children understand how to treat one another.
Close contact between staff and families supported preparation for the next stage of school. For children joining in September, starting arrangements include summer transition events, typically in late June, and an extra transition day for Pre-School entrants in early September before term begins. These give children time for introductions and activities before their regular attendance starts.
Lunch is included in the charged morning session running from 8:00am to 12:30pm. That matters when choosing a shorter day: the morning booking includes a meal before collection.
Pre-School attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must apply separately to Cranford through its registration process; contact the admissions team to arrange this. Reception can be oversubscribed, so early registration is encouraged. Treat the next place as a separate decision and application.
Transition support has a different purpose from admission. Children joining Reception have summer transition activities and an additional day in early September before the academic year starts, allowing introductions before regular school life begins.
Charged bookings include mornings from 8:00am to 12:30pm, afternoons from 12:30pm to 5:00pm and full days from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Children should attend at least three sessions each week, with some flexibility according to their needs. This gives families a choice of attendance patterns while retaining a minimum commitment.
Eligible families can use 15 funded hours in designated sessions from 8:30am to 11:30am or 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Families may choose only the fully funded sessions. Enrichment sessions attract charges, and late collection from a funded session triggers the full session charge; ask the school for current charges.
For enquiries or a personal tour, contact admissions@cranfordschool.co.uk or call 01491 651218. Termly Pre-School and Reception Open Mornings offer another way to meet staff. Before starting, families receive access to a portal covering uniform, equipment and term dates.
Children can start during the term in which they turn three. Pre-School is for ages 3-4.
Yes. Eligible families can register solely for the designated fully funded sessions within the 15-hour offer.
Children should attend a minimum of three sessions a week, with some flexibility depending on their needs.
No. Families must make a separate Reception application through Cranford’s registration process, and places can be oversubscribed.
Book a personal tour through the admissions team on admissions@cranfordschool.co.uk or 01491 651218. Pre-School and Reception Open Mornings take place each term.
