Together we learn

Our Nursery

For many children, attending Nursery is the first time they spend significant time away from home. For that reason it is vital that the setting they attend makes them feel happy, secure and valued. Furthermore it is such an important time for your child to develop learning characteristics that will set them up for their educational journey ahead. It is where it all begins and a time of limitless exploration and growth. These early years are fundamental to embed learning habits and develop confidence.

We are an independent Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School in Liphook, situated in 175 acres of stunning grounds in the South Downs National Park on the borders of Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. Our vision is to teach children to collaborate, to be resourceful and to take charge of their own learning and to provide a welcoming environment in which to do so. We plan a curriculum that cultivates good habits and attitudes that will enable your child to become an eager and courageous learner. As your child progresses through the Nursery years, they will develop into a tenacious, imaginative and logical child who is self-aware, collaborative and inquisitive. The foundations of all of these traits are put in place from the moment your child walks through the Nursery door for the very first time. Above all, we aim to make your child’s time in Nursery a joyous experience. During their time with us their imagination will grow, their thoughts will become more complex and their understanding of the world around will unfold. The aim of our Nursery is to instil a love of learning that will set them up for the rest of their life.

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Core Education

Our Nursery timetable is predominantly led by the children’s interests and is made up of mainly child-led learning time as well as forest school. Our expert Nursery Practitioners curate a wide range of activities for your child to engage with to help them develop prime development areas:

  • Communication and language
  • Physical development
  • Personal, social and emotional development
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the world
  • Expressive arts and design

At Highfield and Brookham, we pride ourselves on our impressive breadth of curriculum, supplying your child with plenty of new skills to discover. Alongside your child’s core education, they will be taught by our specialist subject teachers in swimming, PE, ballet, music and Spanish.

Child-initiated

Here at Highfield and Brookham, we have a real passion for and belief in child-initiated learning based on extensive research on how young children learn best. Your child will make decisions about what they want to do, where they want to do it, and what resources they will need. Crucially, the teachers participate as play partners identifying learning opportunities and skilfully responding to the children rather than leading the activities. This is all made possible because of our high staff-to-child ratios. It’s only when your child starts to apply independently what they have learnt that we know they have truly understood and engaged with what they have been taught.

We love the nursery and could not be happier that we chose it for our children.

Outdoor Learning

There is a plethora of evidence in support of outdoor learning and at Highfield and Brookham we see the proof of this every single day. Each of our Nursery rooms has direct access to our wonderful Nursery garden, which is fully equipped with a giant sandpit, mud kitchen and vegetable patch. Your child’s imagination will know no bounds as they explore and discover wonderful new things inside and out. Come rain or shine your child will be able to decide to go outdoors whenever they like, and we know that the lure of splashing in puddles or making mud pies means that children want to go outside whatever the weather. This is why waterproofs and wellington boots are staples in the Nursery wardrobe. One of the most popular activities in the garden is growing vegetables. Your child will plant, water and care for a variety of vegetables in the Nursery garden and, best of all, they will also get to harvest the produce and cook it in their very own kitchen.

With 175 acres of beautiful grounds, outdoor learning at Highfield and Brookham really has no limits. Your child will relish their time in their dedicated space at forest school, which is just a stone’s throw from their classroom door. Here they are free to explore and roam in our wondrous woodland as they hunt for the most magical minibeasts, build the most extravagant dens and craft the most elaborate leaf crowns. We want to engender a love of wildlife and respect for the natural environment in your child.

Free Flow

Your child will enjoy the freedom of free flow across all three of our Nursery rooms for a large proportion of the day. This is where all the children come together and are given the independence to explore their environment. During this time the younger children learn from their older peers, enhancing their language development and communication. Simultaneously, the older children learn valuable skills such as empathy as they take on the position of role models for their younger classmates. This combination of dedicated and shared space is a key factor in your child’s personal, emotional and educational growth.

Open-ended Resources

Our Nursery is purposefully equipped with an exciting variety of open-ended resources for your child to discover. The classrooms are carefully kitted out with blocks, loose parts and modelling resources. A toy fire engine is always a fire engine, but a pile of bricks could be an aeroplane carrying an important guest, a rocket on the hunt for life on mars or even an underground tunnel leading to an undiscovered land. The only limitation is your child’s imagination.

Food

We take food very seriously at Highfield and Brookham and your child will quickly find out why. We hire a fantastic Catering Team who keep your child’s energy at the optimum level so they can fully engage with everything that Nursery has to offer. At 10am your child will enjoy a morning snack on the carpet with their friends. This usually consists of fruit or a slice of our delicious homemade, reduced-sugar banana loaf.

Lunchbreak for our Nursery children is at 11.45am. The Tiny Bears, our very youngest children, enjoy lunch in their room, The Den, before settling down for a much-needed lunchtime nap. Our Little Bears and Big Bears don their gingham smocks and head across the courtyard to the main dining hall. Your child’s lunch is freshly prepared on site by our in-house chefs. Children are served at the table and always have the option to ask for more if they want it.

Mid-afternoon, children gather back on the carpet with the other Nursery children to enjoy a well-earned rest and snack. Cheese and crackers, sandwiches or breadsticks and humous are usually on offer to see them through to tea time.

Rooms

There are three specialist rooms in our Nursery – The Den, Woodlands and Meadows. The Den is home to our youngest cohort, Tiny Bears. This dedicated area, designed especially for our youngest children, allows your child to undertake age-appropriate activities which help them to develop independence, imagination and communication at a pace that is just right for them. Importantly, there is a dedicated space for your child to have their valuable daytime nap if they need it to ensure they are rejuvenated and ready for their afternoon adventures.

At the age of three, and when they are developmentally ready, your child will move up to either Meadows or Woodlands. Both rooms have a managed mix of our Little Bears and Big Bears so they can grow and learn together.

Logistics

Our Nursery is open for 35 weeks of the year. We welcome children from the age of two when they attend for a minimum of two mornings per week. As your child progresses into their final Nursery year, they will attend a minimum of three mornings per week, with lunch. This extended week helps with their readiness for the transition to Reception.

The morning sessions in Nursery run from 8.15am to 11.30am. You can choose for your child to stay for lunch, which the children take in our main dining hall at 11.45am. Collection is after lunch is at 1.00pm or 3.15pm if your child is staying for the full day.

Your child may attend on any days of the week where we have availability, and in any combination of morning, morning with lunch and full day sessions, up to full time, five days a week.

The Nursery Week

  • 7.30am Breakfast club (Optional £)
  • 8am Before-school care
  • 8.15am Doors open
  • 11.45am Lunch break
  • 3.15pm School day ends
  • 3.15pm After-school care (Optional £)
  • 4.30pm Picnic tea and play (Optional £)
  • 6.30pm Last pick up

Drop off

The doors to our Nursery are open for children at 8.15am. We know and completely understand that mornings can be busy for many families, with parents juggling school drop off, work and other commitments. It’s important that your child’s start to the day is calm and stress free to set them up for a successful say of learning. That’s why we offer an earlier 8am drop off option for those families who need it, at no extra charge.

Many of our families make use of our breakfast club, which opens for our Nursery children at 7.30am. Breakfast Club takes place in the main dining hall and your child will be spoilt for choice for what to have for breakfast. There is always a hot option such as beans on toast as well cereal, porridge, yoghurt, toast and fresh fruit. A truly hearty breakfast to kickstart them for their busy day in Nursery.

After School

The Nursery day draws to a close at 3.15pm. We have excellent after-school care provision that covers you if you need a later pick up.

As part of the after-school care programme, your child will have a fantastic choice of games and activities at their disposal. After-school care runs until 4.30pm.

For those families who need a later collection time we offer our ‘picnic tea and play’ session. A high tea will be served at 5pm with a selection of sandwiches, crudités, fromage frais and fruit on offer. Your child will be looked after until 6.30pm if required.

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What we’re up to

Our new Old Highfieldian Magazine is out now! Enjoy a review and highlights of the past school year, discover what our alumni have been up to and find out about some upcoming events. You can read the magazine here ➡️ bit.ly/3VqRNs6or email alumni@highfieldanbrookham.co.uk to request a paper copy.

Considering schools? Why not come along to our next Open Morning on Saturday 27th April to discover just why it’s such an exciting time to join Highfield and Brookham? To reserve your place, visit bit.ly/49tyG49

Our new Old Highfieldian Magazine is out now! Enjoy a review and highlights of the past school year, discover what our alumni have been up to and find out about some upcoming events. You can read the magazine on our website (link in bio) or email alumni@highfieldanbrookham.co.uk to request a paper copy. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #alumni

We are thrilled with our recent review from The Good Schools Guide. Our innovative teaching and personalised learning ensures that children at Highfield and Brookham receive a word-class education enabling them to move on to the very best senior schools in the country. Read the full review ➡️bit.ly/4a7ubgv

Our teachers are an exceptional bunch, and their talents stretch way beyond the classroom. Today, Year 5 were treated to an hilarious and brilliant adaptation of the tale of King Arthur courtesy of Mrs Cryer, Mrs Baird, Mr Elgood, Mr Dunn and Mr Grech. NOTE: No teachers were harmed in the making of this production! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm

We couldn’t say farewell to the busy spring term without with an Easter egg hunt in the woods. But it was Easter eggs with a difference as the Nursery children, with a little help from their parents, sought out beautifully decorated and personalised paper eggs which had been carefully ‘hidden’ around the children’s forest school site. And having worked up an appetite finding their colourful eggs, the children were treated to tasty cheese and ham quesadillas! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #Easter

It doesn’t seem five minutes since they left for Prague on Sunday, but the Chapel choir have already packed lots of amazing things into their trip to the Czech Republic. They’ve had a guided tour of one of Europe’s most historic and beautiful cities, spent time being wowed at the interactive Museum of Senses, taken a trip up to the top of the observational tower at Petrin Hill and performed a wonderful concert in a neo-Baroque chateau in Zamek Slapy. And there’s still more to come before they head back home tomorrow! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ChoralTour

We truly cherish that wonderful relationship between pupils and teachers… #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Considering a new school? Why not come along to our next Open Morning on Saturday 27th April to discover just what makes Highfield and Brookham the standout nursery, pre-prep and prep school in the area? To reserve your place, visit bit.ly/3QV031o or simply hit the link in our bio! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #OpenMorning

Our brilliant Year 5 and Year 6 children put on the most amazing adaptation of the weird and wonderful Lewis Carroll tale that is Alice in Wonderland. They spoke, sang and danced with real verve and panache as all their hard work over the spring term with Mrs Baird, our superb Head of Drama, paid off in spectacular style. We really can’t wait to see what the children get up to on the stage next! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #AliceInWonderland

With the school holidays looming large, we’re looking forward to welcoming children onto our exciting Easter holiday courses. We’ve got the latest fun technology courtesy of Next Thing Education Camps, archery, fencing and multi sports with the team JC Sports and the return of Feltybeecrafts with their creative crafting. With golf, tennis, gymnastics, macrame and jewellery making, touch typing and musical theatre also on the agenda, there really is something for everyone. To book, visit bit.ly/3YKoNv3 #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #EasterHolidayCourses

At the end of each term, we love to celebrate the children who have contributed significantly to house competitions. And whether they belong to Agincourt, Trafalgar or Waterloo, think it’s pretty safe to say the children were delighted to be rewarded with a piece of specialist pastry chef Carol’s wonderful celebration cake for their efforts! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm

Some accomplished performances by our young violinists and pianists proved a fitting finale to our charming series of spring term lunchtime cushion concerts. It showed just how much the children have grown and developed under the expert guidance of Director of Music Mr Mühlemann and specialist music teachers Mrs Harman and Mrs Hall. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #Music #Arts

Our Year 8 girls signed off their football season in fine style with two excellent wins against our friends from @barrowhillsschool. After the Easter break, the girls will turn their attention to cricket as part of the school’s termly sports rotation. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm

Our boarders immerse themselves in wonderfully diverse, enriching, fun and engaging activities when the working week is over, and this weekend the children headed to Pallant House Gallery in Chichester with art teachers Mrs Houghton and Ms Pearson for a close look at an inspirational exhibition featuring work by renowned artist John Craxton. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #ArtExhibition

The cast of Alice in Wonderland, made up of our enthusiastic Year 5 and Year 6 children, have completed their first performance – and if the brilliant dress rehearsal is anything to go by then parents are in for a right royal treat over the next couple of days! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #AliceInWonderland

Think it’s fair to say that most of us abide by the rules most of the time, but on occasion breaking the rules can be very rewarding. Just ask our kind-hearted children who did exactly to that to raise more than £1,600 for Highreach, a charity which provides week-long summer breaks for disabled children. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #BreakTheRulesDay #HighfieldHighreachHolidays

Specialist subject teachers such as the lovely Mrs Houghton, our brilliant Head of Art, bring passion, experience and in-depth knowledge of their particular area of expertise. They bring the skills and a range of methods and techniques required to support children of all capabilities, including those who demonstrate a particular talent for their subject. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #SpecialistTeaching

Such is the extent of our children’s exposure to specialist teaching in the arts that you can visibly see their confidence rising day by day when they take to the stage to perform. And nowhere was this more evident than during our amazing house music competition on Friday, when solo singers, duos, ensembles, instrumental musicians and groups raised the roof and the decibel levels in the school theatre. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #Music

That magical moment when you get a wonderful round of applause after bravely performing in front of your peers and parents at a school concert. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #Music #Concert #SoloPerformer

Ten gymnasts have done the school proud at the Danes Hill School Gymnastics Festival, with Rosie H delighted to pick up silver medals in her age group for her floor and vault routines. The girls train regularly after school with coach Mrs Ogilvie, who said she was “extremely proud” of the way the team performed. Pictures courtesy of DE Photo. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #Gymnastics

We’ve had the most amazing house music competition today, featuring brilliant solo singers, duos, ensembles and instrumentalists, not to mention the all-important ‘shout’ element where all pupils in their respective houses perform a big group hit. And the winner? Agincourt! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #Music

Our theatre reverberated to the sensational sounds of Samba and the rocking rhythms of Rio today as the excellent Jo from Dance Days gave our pre-prep children a dancing masterclass. The enthusiastic children learnt a series of key steps and body movements as they created a real carnival atmosphere. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #SambaWorkshop

Happy songs and happy children were the order of the day at our informal spring concert in the pre-prep today. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #SpringTerm #MusicConcert

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