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Choosing the right school is a big decision — and there’s no better way to get a feel for Swanbourne than by visiting in person. Complete the form below and we’ll arrange a tour and meeting with our Head at a time that suits your family.

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Outdoor Learning Nursery Buckinghamshire | Pre-Reception at Swanbourne House
Swanbourne House School

Pre-Reception

Admissions Lower School Grounds & Facilities
Pre-Reception class with small groups and qualified EYFS teacher

High-Quality Early Years Teaching

Our Pre-Reception (Nursery age 3+) class provides the perfect start to your child’s educational journey, welcoming children into the Swanbourne House community ahead of their move into Reception. With small classes (maximum 16), expert teaching and access to our outstanding facilities, we offer a nurturing, inspiring environment where children thrive.

Mornings are led by a fully qualified EYFS Teacher, supported by a Teaching Assistant, focusing on early reading, phonics, writing and maths through fun, meaningful activities, giving children strong foundations for academic success.

Afternoon sessions allow children to explore their interests, embed their learning, and grow in independence. This balance of structured teaching and play nurtures both academic foundations and social skills giving pupils a confident step into Reception.

Pre-Reception Nursery | Independent School Nursery Buckinghamshire | Swanbourne House

Outdoor Learning

Our Pre-Reception (Nursery) children enjoy their own garden overlooking St Swithun’s Church, as well as access to Swanbourne’s 55-acre school grounds.

Outdoor play, exploration and discovery are at the heart of our approach  –  whether in the dedicated Pre-Reception Garden, the Eucalyptus woods, or the wider school woodland. Every week brings new adventures, from bug-hunting and den building to our much-loved nature walks to the golf course. These experiences help nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Co-Curricular

We know the importance of a balanced day, and as such families have a rich array of co-curricular activities, including yoga, multi-skills, balance bikes, cricket, football, and performing arts, to choose from.

Nursery | Milton Keynes | Co-curricular

Specialist Teaching

Children also benefit from specialist lessons in Music, Sport and Outdoor Learning, helping them develop creativity, coordination, and confidence from the very start of their school life.

Flexible Wraparound Care

We know flexibility matters to families. Our wraparound care runs until 6.30pm daily, making Swanbourne House an ideal choice for busy parents looking for an independent school nursery in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes.

Funding & Places

From the term after their third birthday, families can use the universal funded entitlement.

A minimum of seven sessions per week is recommended, with priority given to full-time places. See our Fees page for more information.

What’s in a Pine Cone?

Creativity and curiosity is really at the heart of our Pre-Reception. We use the example of a simple pine cone and how it has boundless possibilities. As children explore, the pine cone could transform into a crucial component to fix an imaginary car, or be a key ingredient in a creation within the mud kitchen. The magic lies not just in the object itself but in the imaginative journey our youngest Swanbournians are encouraged to take.

 

The Stowe Group | Pre-Reception | Nursery

The Stowe Group

We’re a proud member of The Stowe Group and our Pre- Reception children are the very youngest pupils in the Group. As the children progress through the school - whether they eventually move on to Stowe or elsewhere - they will benefit from the huge array of opportunities that being part of the Group offers.

The Stowe Group
Nursery children learning through play outdoors at Swanbourne House
Lower School offers a nurturing start from Nursery (Pre-Reception) to Year 4.

Lower School
Wellbeing Garden | Pastoral Care at Swanbourne House School, Buckinghamshire

Pastoral Care
Pupils at Swanbourne House in an English class

Academic Life