Nursery Schools

Nursery schools and early years settings follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, covering children from birth up to age five. Many families use their funded hours - 15 hours a week for eligible three and four-year-olds, or 30 hours free childcare for qualifying working parents - at a maintained nursery school, a school nursery class, a private nursery or with a registered childminder. Funded-hour policies and availability vary by local authority, so always confirm directly with each setting before relying on a place.

Every Ofsted inspection of an early years provider is assessed against the EYFS framework, producing a rating from Outstanding to Inadequate. Beyond the headline rating, look at staff-to-child ratios, how settled and engaged the children are during your visit, the quality of outdoor space, and whether the setting has a clear plan for supporting children through the transition into Reception year. An outstanding nursery school with strong parental communication and a structured phonics introduction will give children the best possible start.