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What Are the Advantages of a Pre-School Within an Independent School Setting?

Choosing the right Early Years environment is an important decision for families and parents will often consider the differences between a nursery and a pre-school attached to an independent school.

At Benedict House Preparatory School, our Pre-School offers more than childcare alone. Children benefit from a carefully planned educational environment designed to support their early development, confidence and curiosity during these important formative years.

Learning takes place through a balance of purposeful play, structured activities and meaningful interactions that help children develop communication skills, early literacy and numeracy, independence, social confidence and emotional wellbeing.

As part of a wider school community, children also benefit from opportunities and experiences that may not always be available within standalone nursery settings. From specialist teaching and performances to whole school events and celebrations, children quickly become part of the Benedict House family.

Joining Benedict House in the Early Years also provides continuity throughout childhood education. Children can begin with us from the age of 2 years and 8 months and remain through to the end of Year 6 and the 11+. Over time, staff develop strong relationships with both children and families, creating a consistent and supportive educational journey from Pre-School through to secondary transfer.

For families with siblings, having younger and older children within the same school community can also offer greater convenience, familiarity and a stronger sense of belonging.

We recognise that term time education may not suit every family’s childcare requirements throughout the entire year. Benedict House offers some holiday club provision during the school holidays and some families also choose to combine their child’s place at Benedict House with dual registration at a nursery setting in order to access additional extended year round childcare where needed. Our admissions team is always happy to discuss individual family circumstances and help parents explore the options available.

At Benedict House, our Early Years provision combines nurturing care, purposeful learning and the benefits of being part of a wider independent school community, helping children feel happy, secure and ready to thrive from the very beginning.

FAQs

What is the difference between a nursery and a pre-school within an independent school?

Our Pre-School combines nurturing care with a structured educational environment within a wider school community. Children are supported through purposeful learning opportunities whilst also being appropriately stretched and challenged within their development.

What age can children join Pre-School?

Children can join from the age of 2 years and 8 months.

Does Benedict House accept government funding?

Yes. Benedict House accepts both 15 hour government funding and up to a maximum of 27.5 funded hours for families who are entitled to this support.

Does Benedict House offer holiday provision?

Yes. The school offers some holiday club provision during the school holidays.

Can families combine Benedict House with additional childcare?

Yes. Some families choose dual registration with a nursery setting to access additional year round childcare.

What are the benefits of joining in the Early Years?

Children benefit from continuity, strong relationships and a smooth educational journey through to Year 6 and the 11+.

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Laura Baker

Headteacher at Benedict House Prep School I PGDip Applied Leadership & Management I Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship I CMgr FCMI I ISI Team Inspector

BSc (Hons) Education & Geography, Primary PGCE
Laura Baker has been Headteacher of Benedict House Preparatory School since January 2025 and brings more than 15 years of experience within independent education to the role.

Prior to joining Benedict House, Laura spent over five years as a Deputy Head and Director of Studies, having previously held a range of academic and pastoral leadership positions including Head of English and Head of Year. Her extensive experience across teaching, learning, pastoral care and school leadership has shaped her belief that children achieve their very best when they feel happy, known, supported and appropriately challenged.

Laura is passionate about whole-child education and believes strongly that academic excellence should sit alongside the development of character, confidence and resilience. At Benedict House, she is committed to maintaining high expectations while ensuring that every pupil is recognised as an individual and encouraged to discover their own strengths and talents. The school's motto, 'Towards the Future as a Family', is central to her approach to leadership and reflects her belief in the importance of strong relationships between pupils, staff and families.

Under Laura's leadership, the school's R.R.I.T.E. values – Resilience, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Empathy – provide a shared framework for school life and support pupils in developing the qualities they will need both within school and beyond it.

Alongside her headship, Laura is an ISI Team Inspector and serves as Secretary of the Independent Schools Association London South Area. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Leadership and Management, completed the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship and is a Chartered Manager Fellow (CMgr FCMI).

Laura is also an accredited coach and has a particular interest in developing others through coaching and professional development. She believes that investing in staff and creating a positive, reflective professional culture ultimately leads to the very best experiences and outcomes for pupils.

At the heart of Laura's leadership is a simple ambition: for Benedict House to be a school where children are excited to learn, confident to be themselves and well prepared for whatever their future may hold.

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