Pre-school at Somerhill

The journey begins at our Somerhill pre-school

Pre-school at Somerhill is where children begin their learning journey from age 2. We recognise that every child is unique and develops at their own pace, and both our Nursery and Kindergarten classes provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for our youngest learners. Our caring staff work closely with parents to support their child's well-being, fostering both emotional and academic growth in a safe, secure, and inspiring environment.

Our beautiful grounds provide the perfect setting for both indoor and outdoor learning experiences, with teaching teams collaborating to support each child's individual progress. We are also fortunate to offer specialist teaching in music and PE including balance bike and BEAM (balance, education, and movement), all supported by classroom teachers.

Our classroom learning is enhanced by Saplings, an outdoor programme based on Forest School principles. At Saplings, children explore nature and develop a love for the outdoors, guided by our Forest School-trained staff, who are also qualified teachers. During the pre-school years, you can choose a hybrid model of indoor and outdoor sessions; and this balance of indoor and outdoor learning creates a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

At Somerhill, we promote a strong emphasis on creativity, independence, and resilience. We are proud to have very happy children here, who thrive in a supportive, engaging, and caring environment; their enthusiasm for learning is at the heart of everything we do. 

Making the most of our beautiful surroundings

We use all areas of our wonderful Somerhill estate for activities such as bug hunting, looking for animal homes, spotting signs of seasonal change, and other activities based around maths, literacy, physical development, and all the other things we are learning about in our Somerhill pre-school.

Pre-school sessions

We try to be as flexible as we can about the number of sessions that you feel your child is ready to attend. There is no requirement or expectation for Kindergarten children to be full time the term before they enter Reception.

However, we do believe that continuity of interaction is important, so we ask that you commit to a minimum of three sessions a week. This can be a combination of three mornings, a day and a half, or two mornings and an afternoon.

  • Nursery (morning session): 8.30am-11.25am

    Nursery (morning session with lunch): 8.30am-12.25pm

    Nursery (full day): 8.30am-3.25pm

    Nursery (Saplings morning session): 8.30am-11.25am

    Kindergarten (morning session with lunch): 8.30am-12.25pm

    Kindergarten (full day/Saplings full day): 8.30am-3.25pm

  • Nursery (morning session): 8.30am-11.25am

    Nursery (morning session with lunch): 8.30am-12.25pm

    Nursery (full day): 8.30am-3.25pm

    Nursery (Saplings morning session): 8.30am-11.25am

    Kindergarten (morning session with lunch): 8.30am-12.25pm

    Kindergarten (full day/Saplings full day): 8.30am-3.25pm

Moving to pre-prep

Somerhill pre-school offers a seamless transition into Reception at our Somerhill pre-prep. This continuity helps our children settle quickly and confidently whilst being supported every step of the way.