Wellingborough School Nursery

Stories, outdoor exploration and music-making with older members of the local community give this nursery a character beyond classroom learning. Wellingborough School’s nursery caters for children aged 3–4 and belongs to its preparatory section, on London Road in Wellingborough.

In January 2025, the early years provision shared its building with Years 1 and 2. That places the youngest children close to the next stages of school life. The nursery’s emphasis is on practical experiences, play and friendships, alongside the beginnings of literacy and numeracy.

Learning starts with doing. The enquiry-based International Primary Curriculum (IPC) provides a named approach, with personal goals including curiosity through enquiry, communication and respect. Nursery experiences include outings and contributions from visiting experts, giving children things to investigate and talk about rather than relying solely on classroom tasks.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) combines learning with children’s developing language and social skills. In January 2025, ISI found that early years activities matched children’s learning needs and that suitably qualified staff helped them develop their skills. Story listening and encouragement to speak clearly supported vocabulary. Songs and adults modelling speech also helped the youngest children practise communication, while activities undertaken together gave them opportunities to develop socially.

Outdoor learning has a physical base in the Outdoor Learning Area. A May 2024 event for prospective families included a Superworm singalong, a bug hunt and play in the mud kitchen, followed by seeing newly hatched chicks in Nursery. These are examples from that event, rather than a daily timetable. They show how stories, nature and messy play can connect.

Community contact adds another dimension. In January 2025, early years children learnt about elderly people’s lives and made music with a local community group. Shared music gave those encounters an activity children could take part in themselves.

Care includes practical safeguards. In January 2025, children in early years were supervised appropriately around school, including during recreation and when coming or going. Every member of the early years staff had undertaken paediatric first aid training. Children also received guidance about looking after their teeth, bringing everyday health habits into learning.

The Wellbeing Team works with families and the pastoral team around transitions. A counselling service also forms part of the Nursery and Prep support structure. These provide routes for discussing concerns alongside the child’s classroom relationships, with support intended to help children adjust as they join or move through school.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Contact the Admissions Department about the requirements for moving into Reception; familiarity with the setting should not be mistaken for an admission entitlement.

Transition activities are a separate benefit. In June 2026, nursery children joined children from other settings for settling sessions in their new Reception class, with a second session planned for the following week. Meeting classmates and spending time in the new class gave children a practical introduction to the change.

Enquiries go to the Admissions Department through its enquiry form, admissions@wellingboroughschool.org or 01933 222427. Private tours can be booked during term time throughout the year, allowing families to explore the site and discuss their child’s interests with the Prep leadership.

Nursery children wear uniform. Schoolblazer supplies it through online ordering, with required and optional items identified and a sizing service based on children’s measurements. For current charges, refer to the school.