Best nursery schools in Berkshire

Victoria Park Nursery School stands at the heart of town on the edge of Victoria Park – one of Newbury’s most charming green spaces with the look and feel of a London park. Abacus Nursery is conveniently located on the north side of town on the Oxford Road, not far from Waitrose. Acres Of Fun Day Nursery and Pre-School, northeast of Newbury, near Hermitage and the M4, has long had a good local reputation, boasting lots of outdoor space and fresh country air. Harriet House in Frilsham (east of town) is a well-known Montessori option. 

Private schools with nurseries include St Gabriel’s School (from 6 months), Horris Hill (from age 2), both on the southern fringes of town, and Elstree School further afield. They offer plenty of room for outdoor play and are open 50 weeks of the year – perfect for busy working families. Nursery children have access to all sports, music and performing arts facilities. 

Dingley’s Promise, a nursery group specifically for children with additional needs and disabilities, has a branch in Newbury. 

Given Reading’s huge medical and university populations, it’s no surprise that local parents tend to want bright starts for their children. We hear that Park Day is a good, solid central option. In Caversham, there is a bevy of well-regarded nurseries including Caversham Nursery, Norcot Early Years and Blagdon Nursery and Children Centre – all with strong inspection reports. 

Most Reading prep and junior schools now include nursery departments. The Abbey and Crosfields School in Reading itself take children from age 3. Out of town, The Oratory Prep’s cosy on-site nursery, Little Oaks, takes children from age 2; Dolphin and St Andrew’s from 3. 

Dingley’s Promise, a nursery group specifically for children with additional needs and disabilities, has a branch in Reading. 

This green and pleasant part of the world offers much to young families, but nursery options can be spread out and demand for popular options is high. Names down early is particularly useful here. Green Park Day Nursery in Shinfield, Meadow Nursery School, Wokingham, Little Ducklings Day Nursery in Woodley and Reddam House Berkshire Early Learning School come recommended by local parents. Independent schools Holme Grange and the Dolphin take little sprogs from age 2 and 3 respectively. 

Dingley’s Promise, a nursery group specifically for children with additional needs and disabilities, has a branch in Wokingham. 

The Ark, in Crowthorne’s High Street, provides an outstanding playgroup-style setting for families that do not require full time care. It uses Wellington College’s vast grounds twice a week for Fun in the Forest sessions. Meanwhile, Wellington College Prep offers its own nursery for children from age 3 upwards; parents also head over to Little Grange Nursery at Holme Grange (from 2) and Little Lodge Nursery at Yateley Manor School in Hampshire (from 2) for fuller provision and all year care. 

We hear good things about Old School Day Nursery and Ascot and Cranbourne Pre School – both have excellent inspection reports. The Langley Academy Primary Nursery is well-regarded but, as ever with primary school nurseries, parents need to double check that what’s available in terms of hours and weeks actually meets their needs. The Marist School, a girls’ school in Sunninghill, offers independent nursery provision to both girls and boys ages 2-4 in a light touch Catholic setting. St John’s Beaumont is another RC option offering copious outdoor space (including a cracking forest school). St George’s Windsor Castle provides full time care for girls and boys in the heart of Windsor. Another grand setting is found at Lambrook, where little ones might even rub shoulders with real life princes and princesses.

Claire’s Court Nursery in Maidenhead takes kids from age 2, has a weekly forest school and takes advantage of all the junior school’s facilities. Local favourite St Piran’s School also starts at age 2. Cookham Montessori is worth checking out if you are aiming to live in the quiet uplands north of Maidenhead.