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Nursery at Moulsford Preparatory 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Bobcats gives Moulsford’s youngest children a class of their own within the Pre-Prep, with half-day sessions as well as full days. This co-educational Pre-School serves ages 3–4; children can begin from the half term after their third birthday. In February 2026, the nursery had 20 children in one class. That is a dated roll, rather than a limit on places.
The Pre-Prep occupies a separate, purpose-built site close to the Prep School. Its library, multi-purpose hall and three playgrounds give the youngest age groups spaces beyond their classroom for books, movement and play.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings learning and personal development together. Here, the early-years activities include talking about stories, exploring numbers with practical resources and practising letter sounds through speech and writing. ISI’s inspection of 17 to 19 June 2025 found that early-years teaching supported individual needs and that children progressed well.
A weekly library visit gives children books to discuss, including their favourite kinds of stories. Language practice therefore has a concrete purpose: sharing an interest with someone else. Mathematics resources similarly give children something to handle and talk about while exploring number values.
Movement and making sit alongside this learning. In June 2025, early-years children practised catching and throwing with specialist PE staff, rode tricycles, painted, drew and made models in construction club. These activities helped them develop coordination and confidence in trying something new.
The Pre-School’s optional specialist afternoon programme adds a clear weekly pattern: Monday brings Bikeability alongside Music and Movement (Dance), Tuesday and Thursday have Playball, Wednesday has Forest School, and Friday has Music. Families choosing these extras can match attendance to particular interests. Outdoor learning also includes exploring the natural environment, following training for the early-years team.
For September starters, New Pupils’ Day takes place in June. Pre-School children spend the morning with their peer group, and parents can stay for the 9–11am session. This gives children a first shared experience of the staff and surroundings with a parent alongside them.
Early-years staff discuss progress each week and adjust lesson planning; regular conversations with parents help them respond to individual needs. In June 2025, staffing ratios were suitable and early-years staff received paediatric first-aid training. Staff also kept their mobile phones locked away, while visitors were reminded to avoid using digital devices.
The safeguarding history matters. In June 2025, admission and attendance procedures failed to meet requirements, with EYFS safeguarding standards among those unmet; recording reference-verification checks also required attention. At the progress monitoring inspection on 13 February 2026, all relevant standards considered were met, including the EYFS safeguarding requirements, and attendance procedures were understood by early-years staff. This was a focused follow-up, rather than a new overall nursery grade.
Lunch is optional and charged separately. Families can instead send a packed lunch, giving them a choice over this part of the day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Existing Pre-School families should contact the Registrar to confirm the separate Reception admissions steps. Registration date is considered when places are offered, and an offer depends on availability.
Priority when allocating Pre-School places goes to children planning to continue into Reception. That concerns entry to the nursery; it should not be read as a promise of a Reception place.
Full days run from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Morning sessions finish at noon, when afternoon sessions begin. Attendance starts at four sessions per week, either two full days or four half days, and can extend to ten sessions for full-time attendance.
Universal funding covers up to 15 hours weekly for 3- and 4-year-olds, beginning in the term after their third birthday. It ends at the earlier of the term before Reception entry or the term in which the child turns 5. Funded time runs from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday during school terms, with a maximum of six funded hours daily. Optional additional time and specialist activities attract extra charges. Ask the school for current charges.
Enquiries go to the Registrar on 01491 651438 or through the online enquiry form. Individual term-time visits can be booked and last roughly an hour. Direct Clothing Company Ltd supplies uniform, including a dedicated Pre-School uniform list.
The Pre-School caters for ages 3–4. Children can start from the half term after they turn 3.
Yes. Morning sessions run from 8.30am to noon and afternoons from noon to 3.30pm. The minimum attendance is four sessions weekly, equivalent to four half days or two full days.
No. Reception admission is separate. Existing Pre-School families should contact the Registrar to confirm the Reception admissions steps; offers depend on availability, with registration date taken into account.
Universal entitlement provides up to 15 funded hours per week for 3- and 4-year-olds within the stated eligibility period. Funded sessions fall between 9am and 3pm during school terms. Additional time, specialist activities and lunch are optional charged extras.
For September entry, parents may accompany their Pre-School child and stay at New Pupils’ Day in June, from 9am to 11am.
