Twyford School Nursery Review

Little Acorns and Oaks give Twyford’s youngest children two distinct stages of nursery life. Little Acorns caters for ages 2–3; Oaks is for ages 3–4, the pre-school year. Both belong to the school’s Pre-Prep, so the nursery sits within a broader setting for younger children rather than operating separately.

The distinction has a practical consequence. Little Acorns requires at least two sessions each week, while Oaks requires four. Families can therefore begin with a smaller attendance pattern before taking on the greater minimum commitment in the older class.

Play shapes the learning. Children pursue their own ideas alongside activities guided by adults, with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) providing the framework. In parent terms, this means building language, movement and emotional development alongside early number work, literacy, creative expression and understanding the world. Staff observe children’s interests and respond to them when planning learning.

Storytelling and vocabulary development give children practice in expressing themselves. In January 2025, ISI found that early-years teaching developed communication through imaginative role play, early reading and phonics, with activities and resources suited to children’s interests and needs. The finding covered the early years as a whole. It offers useful reassurance about the teaching approach, rather than a separate nursery grade.

Learning also extends outdoors. In January 2025, early-years children used outdoor spaces daily, with swimming, dance and activities in an outdoor classroom contributing to physical development. These experiences bring movement into the learning programme. Activities also helped children practise sharing, waiting for their turn and working together, making social skills part of what they actually did.

Emotional learning accompanies the practical skills. In January 2025, early-years staff helped children settle into activities and learn to manage feelings through exploring emotions. Children also developed empathy and achieved goals in physical development and looking after themselves. Leaders worked with parents on children’s wellbeing and progress, and the additional early-years safeguarding and welfare requirements were in place.

Squirrels is the Pre-Prep learning-support department. The Pre-Prep and EYFS SEND coordinator works with families, teachers and external professionals on identifying needs early, planning individual support and arranging interventions. This gives parents a specific team to involve when their child needs additional help.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Treat Reception as a separate admissions decision and apply through the school’s normal entry process. Registration places a child on an admissions list; it does not itself secure an offer. Early-years entry involves a play and stay session and a developmental questionnaire, with offers or guidance following the initial visit.

The minimum booking commitment differs between Little Acorns and Oaks, so factor that into the family timetable. Early Years funding is available in Nursery from the term following a child’s third birthday. Nursery day fees can be paid using Tax-Free Childcare or childcare vouchers, subject to the applicable scheme arrangements. Ask the school for current nursery charges.

Individual tours can be arranged through the registrar at registrar@twyfordschool.com. A visit provides an opportunity to meet the Head of Pre-Prep and other staff, useful for discussing the class your child would join and its attendance commitment.