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
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.
Children can join from the age of 2 years and 8 months.
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.
Yes. The school offers some holiday club provision during the school holidays.
Yes. Some families choose dual registration with a nursery setting to access additional year round childcare.
Children benefit from continuity, strong relationships and a smooth educational journey through to Year 6 and the 11+.
