At Ratcliffe College, the educational journey begins in our Nursery, where children from the age of 3 are welcomed into a warm, creative, and nurturing environment.
Welcome from the Head of EYFS
We recognise that a child’s early experiences of school lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Our dedicated and experienced staff provide a balanced approach that blends purposeful play with expert teaching, ensuring each child feels confident, curious, and ready to thrive as they transition to the Preparatory School.
Children embark on a seamless journey from Nursery to structured learning, guided by a nurturing approach that preserves the wonder, curiosity, and joy of early childhood.
Every day is thoughtfully designed to unlock each child’s unique potential, sparking imagination, encouraging discovery, and building the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.
Our loving and supportive ethos enable our children to flourish in all areas and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Mrs Ravat,
Head of EYFS.
Nursery at a glance...
Creative and Discovery Play
Stimulating Outdoor Spaces
Wraparound Care
8am - 6pm
1:1 and small group sessions
Parent and Toddler Group
Cygnets
(age 3 +)
Swans
(age 4)
Subject Specialist Sessions
Art, Music, PE and more!
Reception Classes
Integrated in the Nursery building
Small Class Sizes
Excellent staff-to-child ratios
Flexible Nursery Sessions
Daily Outdoor Learning
Nursery
At Ratcliffe College Nursery, we pride ourselves on offering small class sizes and a carefully structured Early Years curriculum that builds on each child’s unique experiences. Our nurturing approach supports individual learning styles and promotes steady progression throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children join us from age 3 in Cygnets and move into Swans the following academic year.
- Cygnets (from age 3)
- Swans (age 4)
Parent and Toddler Group
At Ratcliffe College Nursery, we run a free Parent and Toddler Group, held on the last Friday of every month. This drop-in session is open to children from birth to three years old, accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian.
Each session provides a safe, stimulating, and friendly environment where little ones can explore and play with a variety of toys and take part in fun early years activities. It is also a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to relax with a coffee, connect, and enjoy a welcoming community.
Whether you are a first time visitor or a regular attendee, everyone is welcome. To join us, simply complete the form below and select the dates that work for you.
Reception
Our Reception classes are uniquely integrated within the Nursery building, offering a smooth and supportive transition into more structured learning. Our rich curriculum in Reception develops key early skills in Literacy, Numeracy, Phonics, Physical Development, and, Personal, Social and Emotional Growth.
Through hands-on learning, children are encouraged to explore, question and express themselves as they build strong foundations required for their journey into Year 1 and beyond. Reception pupils enjoy all the benefits of familiar surroundings while gradually adapting to a more structured curriculum, with access to an array of co-curricular activities that spark creativity, confidence, and sense of adventure.
Nursery Sessions
| Session | Excluding Lunch | Including Lunch |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 8:00am – 11:30am | 8:00am – 1:00pm |
| Afternoon | 1:00pm – 3:30pm | 11:30am – 3:30pm |
Wraparound Care
For busy families we provide flexible wraparound care, from 8.00am and after-school care running until 6.00pm.
