Nursery & Preschool

A joyful start to learning, exploration and confidence 

Set within 23 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, Beechwood’s Nursery and Preschool offers children aged 2 to 4 a nurturing, stimulating environment where curiosity is encouraged and every child is known. 

With small groups, caring staff and a rich programme of activities, children build confidence, independence and a love of learning from the very beginning of their school journey. 

Beechwood Pre-School is a friendly, caring environment where the teachers cater for individual needs and interests. I have been amazed at how confident and independent my son has become since starting.

– Pre-School parent

Dedicated Spaces for Every Stage 

Children thrive when learning is tailored to their age and development. At Beechwood, our Nursery and Preschool are organised into separate year groups, each with their own space, resources and specialist staff. 

This ensures every child receives the right balance of care, challenge and encouragement at exactly the right time. 

Nursery: Ages 2–3 years

Our youngest children are welcomed into a calm, nurturing and intimate, personalised setting where routines, relationships and communication come first. 

Because of our small Nursery groups, each child is truly known by our dedicated staff, who focus on: 

• Personal, Social and Emotional development 

• Independence and self-confidence 

• Resilience and willingness to try new things 

• Openness to new experiences 

• Through play, stories, music, sensory exploration and early enrichment such as ballet, children begin to discover the world around them while building the confidence and independence needed for their move into Preschool. 

Preschool: Ages 3–4 years

In Preschool, children build on these foundations with more structured learning experiences that develop early literacy, numeracy, creativity and social skills. 

The term after their third birthday, children are gently assessed against developmental milestones. When ready, they transition into our term-time Preschool, where they benefit from specialist teaching and a richer academic and enrichment programme. 

This includes: 

• Early Maths and Phonics 

• Football with the school’s football academy 

• Drama 

• PE 

• French 

• Cookery 

All sessions are delivered by specialist teachers, helping children develop confidence, skills and a love of learning across a wide range of subjects. 

By the end of Preschool, children are confident, independent and ready for the transition into Reception. 

A Nurturing Environment for children aged 2–4 

From their first days with us, children are welcomed into a warm, supportive setting designed around their needs and interests. Our experienced Early Years team focuses on building strong relationships, encouraging communication and developing confidence through purposeful play. 

Children learn through exploration, imagination and hands-on experiences, following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework in a way that feels natural, engaging and joyful. 

A Seamless Start to School Life 

One of the great strengths of Beechwood is the smooth, carefully supported transition from Nursery to Preschool and into Reception. 

Children move through each stage of their development in a nurturing and stimulating environment tailored to their individual needs, supported by staff who know them well. 

By the time they reach Reception, they are socially confident, independent and ready to thrive. 

Enrichment Every Week 

Our Nursery and Preschool children enjoy a range of specialist sessions designed to spark curiosity and creativity, including: 

• Ballet 

• Music 

• French 

• Forest School 

These experiences help children discover new interests, build coordination and confidence, and develop a love of learning beyond the classroom. 

Open 50 Weeks a Year 

We offer a flexible, reliable provision designed to support modern family life. 

Core day: 8:00am – 3:30pm
Open: 50 weeks of the year 

Wrap-Around Care: 7:30am – 6:00pm 

Extended care options provide a consistent, caring environment throughout the day, including: 

• Breakfast club 

• Hot, nutritious lunch 

• Light supper 

• Calm, structured after-school care 

Learning Through Nature 

Children spend time outdoors every day, exploring woodland areas, open fields and play spaces that encourage imagination, movement and discovery. 

Outdoor learning supports: 

• Physical development 

• Confidence and independence 

• Curiosity about the world around them 

• Emotional wellbeing 

The Beechwood Early Years Experience 

At Beechwood, our youngest children benefit from: 

• Separate, age-appropriate Nursery and Preschool groups 

• A small, intimate and personalised Nursery environment 

• Experienced and caring Early Years specialists 

• Small groups and individual attention 

• Specialist enrichment from age 2 

• Extensive outdoor learning in 23 acres of parkland 

• Seamless transition into Reception 

Come and See Us 

The best way to experience our Nursery and Preschool is to visit and see the children in action. 

Book a personal tour or join one of our upcoming events to discover how Beechwood gives every child the very best start.