St Swithun’s Prep School to introduce a Nursery

As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence and to meeting the evolving needs of our community, we are delighted to share the news that St Swithun’s Prep School in Winchester is planning to introduce a new on‑site nursery, extending our early years provision for families with young children.

St Swithun’s Nursery and Preschool will offer high‑quality, co‑educational provision for children from nine months to four years, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment during the most formative early years of life.

The nursery will operate 50 weeks a year, opening from 7.30am to 6.00pm, offering flexibility for modern family life while maintaining the highest standards of care and education.

The nursery will sit alongside our existing preschool, which will also move to 50 week all‑year‑round provision, whilst retaining the flexiblity to be term-time only for those who wish. This will create a consistent and supportive early years pathway.

At the heart of our nursery and preschool provision is a strong focus on children’s emotional wellbeing, curiosity and growing independence, grounded in the school’s core values of Caritas, Humilitas and Sinceritas. We believe that the earliest years are vital in shaping children’s confidence and a love of learning. Our aim is that every child feels known and valued, with the freedom to explore and learn through play.

For our babies and younger toddlers, emotional security and strong relationships will be paramount. Calm, welcoming spaces and responsive care will allow children to settle at their own pace, building trust and confidence through warm interactions, predictable routines and sensory‑rich play. As children grow, learning experiences will evolve to support greater independence and social awareness, while always maintaining play and wellbeing at their core.

An outdoor learning facility is also planned as part of the nursery development, reflecting our belief in the importance of outdoor play and exploration in early childhood, with further details to be confirmed as plans progress.

The preschool year will provide a carefully supported bridge into prep school life, helping children develop independence and confidence while preserving the creativity, joy and curiosity that define an outstanding early years education. From Reception onwards, St Swithun’s will remain a girls‑only school, with the nursery and preschool providing a strong foundation.

The nursery is expected to open between September 2026 and January 2027, subject to final approvals. Current plans are that places for children aged 2–3 years would open no earlier than 7 September, and places for children aged nine months to two years no earlier than the autumn half term.

As part of this development, the school is currently reviewing staffing and facilities, and recruitment for a Nursery Manager is underway.

We would like to thank parents of prep children in Year 3 and below for their invaluable contribution to the research and feasibility work undertaken earlier this year, which has played an important role in shaping the vision for St Swithun’s Nursery and Preschool.

We look forward to sharing further updates as this exciting project progresses and to welcoming families into the next chapter of St Swithun’s early years provision.