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Nursery at The River 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
An orchard, guinea-pigs in a walled garden and regular Forest School give Brook Nursery its distinctive outdoor character. This is The River School’s nursery for children aged two to four, sharing the school’s grounds at Oakfield House in Worcester. It belongs to an independent Christian school, with a nursery team that describes its approach as God-centred. Faith is part of the setting’s identity.
Access to the grounds brings more than space for play: children experience seasonal changes and explore the natural world alongside their early learning. For families choosing a nursery with outdoor experiences built into the week, that is the clearest attraction here.
Sessions run from 9am to 3pm. Learning follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), covering children’s communication, language and physical development. In parent terms, the emphasis reaches beyond early reading and counting to how children talk, move and develop. Each child has a key worker who follows their progress.
One or two Forest School sessions take place each week, alongside time in the outdoor forest play area. Orchard walks and visits to the guinea-pigs add different experiences. Forest School mainly uses the Dell, a wooded, sheltered part of the grounds, under a qualified Forest School leader. Sessions are largely led by children’s choices, giving them a say in what they explore.
The January 2024 ISI inspection found that early-years teaching connected practical play with phonics, literacy and mathematics, while adults helped children expand their spoken language. Planning reflected individual children’s needs, and teaching assistants helped build confidence. This gives play a clear learning purpose: children practise expressing ideas while working on early language and number skills.
The nursery team includes an early-years teacher, a support worker, an early-years safeguarding lead and a manager who also holds the SENCO role. The key worker supports each child and monitors development throughout their time at nursery. In January 2024, early-years progress reports gave parents detailed information and guidance on what their child should work on next, making communication useful beyond a simple account of activities.
Packed lunches are needed because the school does not provide dinners. The site is nut-free, so lunch choices must fit that restriction. Before-school and after-school care are staffed by the nursery team, extending contact with familiar staff beyond the core session.
Safety oversight. In January 2024, early-years safeguarding requirements were met, with a designated lead and rules covering phones and smart devices. Across the school site, however, routine risk checks needed greater rigour; concerns raised during inspection were corrected before it ended. Families should weigh that site-wide concern alongside the early-years safeguarding findings.
Additional needs. Early years has separate SEND procedures. Admission depends on whether the school can meet a child’s needs, and the site cannot accommodate every disability. Discussing needs and access early is therefore an essential part of assessing suitability.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. There is no automatic right to move into the main school: families must make a separate application directly to The River School, beginning with an enquiry and proceeding through its application process. The Admissions Committee decides whether to offer a place.
Summer-term transition sessions help children prepare for the move to Reception. These support familiarity and confidence; they are separate from the decision about admission.
Wrap Around Care extends the available day from 7.45am until 5.30pm and requires advance booking. It carries an additional charge. Families needing those hours should include that extra provision when planning their childcare arrangements.
For 2026–2027, nursery funding includes a 15-hour NEF offer, with eligible working parents able to apply for 30 hours. Additional hours are charged; contact the nursery for current charges. To arrange a visit, call 01905 457047 and choose Brook Nursery. Nursery applications can be returned to earlyyears@riverschool.co.uk.
Brook Nursery caters for children aged two to four.
Core sessions run from 9am to 3pm. Wrap Around Care is available from 7.45am until 5.30pm, with advance booking and an additional charge.
Children have one or two Forest School sessions each week, plus time in the outdoor forest play area.
Yes. School dinners are not provided, and the school is nut-free.
No. There is no automatic right to enter the main school. Families must apply separately, and the Admissions Committee decides whether to offer a place.
