Pre-School

A Pre-School that feels like the perfect first step into school

We are delighted to be opening a brand-new Pre-School from September 2026, offering a welcoming, inspiring and exciting start for children aged 3 and 4 and a gentle introduction to school life at Abbot’s Hill.

Children can join our Pre-School once they turn 3, giving families flexibility while ensuring every child has the time and support they need to settle confidently.

Starting pre-school is a wonderful milestone — and we know it can feel like a big step, both for children and for parents. At Abbot’s Hill Pre-School, we focus on creating a happy, secure and welcoming friendly environment where every child feels safe, cared for and ready to thrive from day one.

Our Pre-School is carefully designed to support a smooth and confident transition into Reception. As part of our Pre-Prep Department, children benefit from a play-based Early Years curriculum, enriched by the expertise, structure, and exceptional facilities that define independent school life. With access to specialist teaching, inspiring learning environments, and a strong emphasis on building confidence, curiosity, and kindness, our Pre-School provides an outstanding foundation — and a natural progression into the next stage of education at Abbot’s Hill.

Learning in our pre-school is always child-led and play-based, carefully guided by practitioners who are able to spark the curiosity and imagination of our youngest learners. Purposeful play sits at the heart of everything we do, complemented by a rich programme of specialist activities. Each week, children enjoy specialist sessions in music, French, PE and swimming in our on-site pool. They also take part in weekly Forest School lessons, while daily sessions in phonics and early mathematics build strong foundations for the years ahead.

Children staying for lunch enjoy delicious, homemade lunches prepared on site by our in-house Catering team. Tailored to meet individual dietary requirements, lunch includes a wholesome main meal, dessert and fruit — ensuring children are well fuelled for a busy day of learning and play.

Experienced Early Years staff — and small classes that really know your child

Our Pre-School is led by Mrs Lucy Daviss and Miss Kirsty Worrell. Both bring a wealth of experience in Early Years education and a strong track record of helping children thrive in their earliest years of learning. They will be supported by Early Years assistants, as well as specialist teachers.

All our staff bring warmth, expertise and a deep understanding of child development, creating an environment where every child feels known, supported and encouraged to flourish. Their skill in observing children, responding to individual needs and nurturing emerging interests ensures that learning feels joyful, purposeful and secure.

A rich and varied week — with the benefits of a school setting

We want children to be happy, confident and excited to learn — and that begins with a pre-school experience that is full of variety. The children will have access to the unique Abbot’s Hill environment to explore and further enhance their learning

Our carefully planned timetable offers the best of both worlds: plenty of child-initiated play and exploration, alongside inspiring activities guided by our expert team at Abbot’s Hill Pre School.

A real highlight of pre school life is our free-flow access between indoor and outdoor learning spaces, whatever the weather.

Preparing children and their families for the move into Reception is an important and carefully supported part of Pre School life. As children approach Reception age, we gently introduce a little more structure into the day, balancing purposeful play with early learning activities. This helps children develop confidence, independence and readiness for the next stage — making the transition feel natural, familiar and reassuring.

Sample Timetable

Time	Activity	Information
Morning
8.15 – 8.30am	Busy Fingers	Drop off, settling in and self-registration
8.30 – 8.45am	Carpet Time	Gather as a group, literacy or topic focus
8.45 – 10.45am	Child Initiated Learning	Children play and explore
10.45 – 11.00am	Snack Time	To include Phonics or Maths
11.00 – 11.45am	Specialist Lesson	Swimming, PE, Music, Forest School or French
11.45am – 12.15pm	Lunchtime
12.15 – 12.30pm	Home time for morning only children, story time for full day children
Afternoon
1.30 – 1.15pm	Carpet Time / Quiet Time	Gather as a group, topic of creative focus
1.15 – 3.00pm	Child Initiated Learning	Children play and explore
3.00 – 3.15pm	Story Time
3.15om	Home Time

Pre School hours and Wraparound Care

Our Pre School runs during term time only, from 8.15am to 3.15pm.

We find that children settle best and get the most from the programme when they attend regularly, so we ask for a minimum of five sessions per week, including at least three mornings.

Whole Day: 8.15am – 3:15pm
Morning Session: 8.15am – 12.45pm (including lunch)
Wraparound Care (places may be limited and are on request): Available from 7.45am – 8.15am (Breakfast Club) and 3.15 – 6.00pm (After School Club)

Admissions

Places are limited and offered on a rolling basis, with children starting at Pre School in the term following their third birthday.

Contact our Admissions Team to arrange a visit or book a personal tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please find below some of the most frequently asked questions about pre school education and more specifically about the Abbot’s Hill offering. Of course, if you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Admissions Team, who will be happy to help you.

When can my child join Abbot's Hill Pre School?

Children may join the Pre School at the start of the term following their third birthday. For example:

Children born in May, June, July and August will start in September, at the start of the Autumn Term
Children born in September, October, November and December will start in January, at the start of the Spring Term
Children born in January, February, March and April, will start in April, at the start of the Summer Term

All children starting in the Pre School should be toilet-trained and no longer needing a day time sleep.

What is the difference between Abbot's Hill Nursery and Abbot's Hill Pre-School

A day nursery and a pre‑school at a UK independent school serve different purposes within a child’s early education journey. While day nurseries focus primarily on care, play and routine for babies and toddlers from birth to age three, pre‑schools in independent schools are structured as the first formal stage of education under the EYFS learning and development requirements, preparing children aged 3–4 for the transition into Reception. The EYFS statutory framework sets the standards for all early years providers, ensuring children learn and develop well and have the knowledge and skills needed to start school

Independent school pre‑schools typically offer smaller class sizes, specialist‑led enrichment (such as music, PE or outdoor learning), and a more structured approach to early phonics, early maths and school‑readiness. In contrast, nurseries generally provide broader childcare with longer hours and less emphasis on school‑based routines. With their focus on early learning, independence and preparation for Reception, Pre‑Schools bridge the gap between nursery care and formal schooling, aligning closely with the EYFS goal of ensuring children are ready for the next stage of education .

Will my child need to sit an assessment to get into Reception at Abbot's Hill?

No. Our expectation is that all children in our Pre-School will move onto Reception at Abbot’s Hill in the September after their fourth birthday. No additional assessment will be needed, as children will have been gently assessed throughout their time in the Pre-School. If for any reason we feel that your child may be better suited to a different environment for Reception, our Pre-School staff will consult directly with parents well ahead of time.

How many hours / sessions per week should my child attend?

Attendance five mornings a week means that a child is able to fully benefit from the range of specialist lessons on offer to our Pre-School children (Music, Swimming, PE, French, Tennis and Forest School). However, we understand that these last years before formal education begins are precious, and not every family wishes their child to attend pre-school every day.

For three year olds, we ask for minimum attendance for SIX sessions per week – i.e. five mornings or three mornings and two full days per week.
For four year olds preparing for the transition into Reception, we ask for a minimum attendance of EIGHT sessions per week – i.e. four full days, or three full days and two mornings per week.

Will my child need to wear a uniform at Abbot's Hill Pre School?

Yes. Our Pre-School children will wear the same PE kit as our Reception pupils, meaning they can continue wearing this when they move up in the September following their third birthday. It is practical for play, outdoor learning and creative activities.

What is the capacity of Abbot's Hill Pre School?

Abbot’s Hill Pre School classes have a maximum of 20 children.

What is the daily routine like?

Children enjoy a balance of:

child‑initiated play
small‑group learning
early reading, phonics and maths games
outdoor play
creative arts and role‑play
snack and story times

The day is structured, but with plenty of flexibility to follow children’s interests

What curriculum does the Pre School follow?

We follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework, with enhanced enrichment typical of an independent school, including specialist‑led activities such as music, PE, swimming, French and outdoor learning.

Do children have quiet / rest time?

Yes. We recognise that young children need time to recharge. A calm period is included in the afternoon for quiet play, stories, or rest as needed, however, children attending Pre School should have dropped their daytime sleep by the time they join.

How do you support children settling in?

Children will be invited to a transition morning in the term before they start at Pre School. When they start properly at the Pre School we will work with individual families to support each child’s transition as appropriate for them – many children have no need for a gentle transition and move straight to attending a full morning / day session from Day 1!

We offer:

a personalised settling‑in plan
a named key person for every child
ongoing communication with families

Our staff are very experienced in supporting smooth, positive transitions and will always contact parents should they have any concerns about how a child is settling into the Pre School.

How do you communicate with parents?

We use a blend of:

daily face‑to‑face contact
regular learning updates through an online platform called Tapestry
termly parent–teacher meetings
detailed progress reports

Throughout Abbot’s Hill, parents are valued as partners in learning.

Do you accept Early Years Funding

Yes, we accept 15 hours funding.

Come and Visit Us

Come and visit us to get a taste of what Abbot's Hill can offer your child! We run Open Events throughout the year, and also welcome families into school throughout term time for private tours and meetings with the Head. Get in touch with our Admissions Team to book your chosen visit.

Book Your Place