NURSERY & PRE-SCHOOL
Pre-School
We’re growing!
Due to demand, from January 2027 we are opening a second Pre-School Room.
Pre-School
We help children build strong foundations for a lifelong love of learning. In this important year before starting Reception class, we will help your child make sense of their world and find their place within it through purposeful play, inspirational teaching, shared discoveries and lots of time outdoors.
Learning begins with curiosity
A question, a story, trying something new, noticing something on a woodland walk; these small discoveries help children discover more about the world around them. Our curriculum brings together literacy, mathematics and scientific discovery alongside the opportunity to learn and practice new skills such as communication, independence, and the ability to listen to and work alongside others.
Specialist teaching
One of the defining features of Embley Pre-School is access to specialist teaching delivered by our Prep School teachers.
- Natural Sciences - Through these dedicated lessons, children investigate, question and explore the world of nature through out time outdoors.
- French - Children are introduced to the French language through fun, interactive sessions led by a specialist language teacher. Through songs, stories and games, they begin to develop an awareness of other cultures.
- Music - Our specialist lessons help children develop listening skills, confidence and self expression while making music.
- Physical Education - Delivered by our Sports teachers, these lessons help children build coordination, balance and agility.
We follow an enhanced version of the EYFS framework. Each day starts with maths and phonics lessons, working in small groups and learning to work as a team. Our Nursery & Pre-School is led by our Head of Early Years, who is a qualified teacher and our Nursery & Pre-School staff are qualified Level 3 Early Years practitioners as a minimum.
Room to explore
Childhood adventures with friends are a plenty at Embley. Our 130-acre estate and outdoor classroom in the woods ensures children spend lots of times outdoors, be it going on a minibeast safari, building dens or growing vegetables. Beyond Embley, regular trips to the library and theatre help children learn about new environments and an opportunity to explore and enhance their learning.
A familiar next step to Reception class and beyond
Joining Embley is a learning adventure for a whole childhood. One of the unique advantages of our Nursery & Pre-School is that children become part of one school, on one campus, and with a whole-school curriculum from the very beginning, enabling them to grow and learn through our Prep, Senior School and into Sixth Form.
With Embley Prep School next door to our self-contained Early Years Department, the next stage of school life is a smooth and familiar transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
| WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD JOIN EMBLEY PRE-SCHOOL? |
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| Your child can join Embley Pre-School from the age 3. |
| WHAT TIMES ARE YOU OPEN? |
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| We are open from 8.00an to 6.00pm, Mondays to Fridays, with the option to choose between term time only care (34 weeks/year) or full time care (48 weeks/year). |
| DO YOU FOLLOW THE EYFS FRAMEWORK? |
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Yes. Our carefully crafted Pre-School curriculum is build around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and supports every aspect of your child’s development and school readiness. We offer an enriched curriculum that goes beyond the EYFS and includes daily maths and phonics lessons together with specialist lessons in Natural Sciences, French, Music and Physical Education lessons, taught by our experienced Prep School teachers. |
| IS EMBLEY PRE-SCHOOL SUITABLE PREPARATION FOR RECEPTION CLASS? |
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Absolutely. Our programme is specifically designed to confidence, independence, curiosity and a love of learning, ensuring children make a successful transition to Reception. As part of an all-through school, Pre-School children regularly join in many of our Prep School activities and assemblies, becoming familiar with our teachers, different learning spaces and school routines before starting Reception. |
| HOW MUCH TIME DO CHILDREN SPEND OUTDOORS? |
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| Outdoor learning is central to life at Embley, and children are regularly out and about in our beautiful grounds, woodlands and outdoor learning spaces. |
| WHO WILL CARE FOR MY CHILD? |
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| Our Nursery & Pre-School is led by our Head of Early Years who is a qualified teacher and our Nursery & Pre-School staff are qualified Level 3 Early Years practitioners as a minimum. |
| DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE TOILET TRAINED TO JOIN PRE-SCHOOL? |
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| No. While some children may already be toilet trained, we understand that every child develops at their own pace. We work closely with families to ensure a consistent and supportive approach between home and school. Our facilities, including age-appropriate toilets, help encourage confidence, independence and self-care skills. |
| WILL MY CHILD NEED TO WEAR A UNIFORM? |
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| Your child will need to wear a simple but practical uniform which can be bought from our provider Schoolblazer and we also offer a second-hand uniform shop on site. |
| WHAT ARE YOUR PRE-SCHOOL FEES? |
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All of our fee information, and what is included in fees, is available on our Sessions & Fees Page. Embley participates in the Government’s Early Years Education (EYE) scheme. |
| HOW DO I APPLY? |
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If you'd like to arrange to visit our Pre-School, please complete our enquiry form below or contact our Admissions team on 01794 527393 or email admissions@embley.org.uk. If you're ready to move forward with an application, please complete our online registration form and we'll be in touch to discuss and arrange the next steps in arranging a place for your child. |
If you have any further questions, our Admissions team is always available to help. Please call 01794 527393 or email admissions@embley.org.uk
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