Nursery is the very first stage of the Bedales journey, where we support our youngest learners aged 3-5 to grow into curious, confident and independent thinkers. Through our nurturing, child-centred approach that stimulates children's innate sense of curiosity, we encourage them to explore their interests, ask questions and discover answers.
The Nursery is set in a beautifully converted barn surrounded by nature, where children enjoy light, open spaces designed for play, exploration and learning. With its own garden overlooking the leafy Pre-prep orchard, Bedales Nursery is a magical setting where every day is an exciting opportunity to discover something new.
Outdoor adventures
Located in the heart of the South Downs National Park, the outdoors is central to life at Bedales, and this begins in the Nursery. From splashing in muddy puddles to growing vegetables in the garden, there are opportunities to explore, learn and connect with nature every day – so wellies are essential!
As part of the Bedales community, we have access to the extensive open spaces and facilities on the school’s 120-acre estate. Our outdoor adventures include exploring the Pre-prep’s green spaces, forest school sessions in the surrounding woodlands, and visiting the chickens, pigs, sheep, ponies and goats at the school’s on-site working farm.
Inquisitive learners
At every stage of the Pre-prep, including the Nursery, we use enquiry-based learning in age-appropriate ways to support children’s learning. In contrast with traditional approaches, enquiry-based learning means that children’s natural curiosity drives their educational experiences. Our passionate and dedicated Nursery team encourage children in the Nursery to ask questions, explore ideas and find solutions in a way that feels natural yet exciting.
A learning enquiry on cultures around the world, for example, could be introduced to the Nursery through immersive storytelling. Children might embark on an imaginative magic carpet ride to different countries, where they learn phrases in new languages, discover customs and traditions, and sample international cuisine. As their curiosity grows, the enquiry naturally evolves and is incorporated into other activities, such as preparing a popular delicacy for a morning snack or constructing famous landmarks from building blocks during free play.
This approach supports our youngest learners develop essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity and global awareness – skills they will continue to build as they progress through the Pre-prep and beyond.
A day in the life
Every day at the Nursery brings exciting opportunities for children to explore, play and learn. Whether your child attends all day (8.30am-3.30pm) or in the morning only (8.30-11.45am), the Nursery team provide a safe and nurturing environment where they will thrive through a mix of indoor and outdoor learning experiences. Small session sizes and generous ratios ensure that our passionate staff can create a balanced environment where every child’s wellbeing and personal development is carefully supported.
Each day is filled with activities designed to spark children’s imaginations, from sensory play to creative crafts. Specialist sessions in languages, music and sport are also offered weekly, ensuring a rich and varied curriculum to help children develop their interests and learn a range of skills from a young age.
For children attending all day, a healthy, nutritious lunch is served in the Dining Hall at the end of the morning session. Lunchtime is a relaxed and sociable occasion where children and staff eat together, enjoying a balanced menu made with fresh ingredients, sourced locally where possible. This shared time promotes healthy eating habits and helps foster a sense of community and independence.
Joining Bedales Nursery
We welcome children to the Nursery from the age of three, and many of our families find that attending for four days or more allows their child to truly immerse themselves in everything the Nursery has to offer.
Families can use Early Years Education (EYE) grant funding towards Nursery fees, although it is only available as part of the funding for afternoon sessions in the Nursery. To gain the full subsidy, a child would need to attend the Nursery for five full days. More information about Nursery fees is available on the Fees page.
Find out more
To experience the magic of Bedales Nursery first-hand, contact our Admissions team to arrange a visit.
Email: admissions@bedales.org.uk
Phone: 01730 711558