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, gymnastics, 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 8.20am to 11.20am. 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 12.20pm or 3.20pm 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
8.20am Doors open
11.45am Lunch break

3.20pm School day ends
3.30pm 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 8.20am. 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 3.20pm. 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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Pre-Prep

Prep School

Admissions

What we’re up to

1 days ago

Year 2 enjoyed a fantastic day of learning at @brooklandsmuseum. The children marvelled at full-size jet aeroplanes, buses and cars exploring the exhibits and learning all about their topic Changing Transport. Hands-on activities and real-life examples sparked curiosity, deepened understanding and connected their learning with the wider world. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #year2 #schooltrip

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1 days ago

Our Year 2s enjoyed a brilliant day of discovery at Brooklands Museum. Exploring the science of flight and discovering how an aeroplane stays in the sky, the children built their own paper flying craft, bringing their topic Changing Transport to life. Educational visits like these spark curiosity, deepen understanding and show children how learning connects to the wider world. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #schooltrip

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2 days ago

Curious about the benefits of educating outside London? Join us for an informal drinks reception on Wednesday 11th March at @beauforthousechelsea, exploring countryside school options beyond the capital. Our Head, Suzannah Cryer, will be joined by senior representatives from @hanfordprepschool @ludgrove_school @downe_house @marlboroughcollege @tonbridge.school for an open discussion designed to help families make confident, informed choices. Places are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to ask the experts. 👉 Book via the link in our bio. #EducatingOutsideLondon #CountrySchoolBenefits #ChildrensEducation #LondonKids #LondonMums #LondonDads #LondonFamily #LondonParenting #LondonParents #CountrySchoolEducation #Parenting #EducationalJourney #InformedChoices @talkeducation

2 days ago

Yesterday saw the first girls’ football fixtures of the year, with our U10s and U11s taking to our home pitches full of energy, teamwork and determination. It was a pleasure to welcome @twyfordschool and @amesburyschool for a great afternoon of football, sportsmanship and learning. A fantastic start to the season! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #girlsfootball #prepschoolsports

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2 days ago

Year 3 pupils stepped into the tropics on their visit to The Living Rainforest. Exploring what a rainforest is, where rainforests are found around the world and why protecting these incredible habitats matters, the children loved bringing their classroom learning to life in such a hands-on way. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #schooltrip #rainforestlearning

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3 days ago

Our Year 6 pupils delved into the art of Chinese calligraphy, practising the character 春symbolising renewal and fresh beginnings. They learned key techniques, like holding the brush vertically, different brush strokes and controlling the pressure, and discovered the skill and patience required to create each character. A truly inspiring cultural and creative workshop. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ChineseCalligraphy #Year6Learning #SpringInspiration #LanguageAndCulture #Creativity #lunarnewyear

130

3 days ago

Our Year 6 pupils explored the beauty of Chinese calligraphy, practising writing the character 春 which celebrates renewal and new beginnings. Learning essential techniques, including holding the brush vertically, brush strokes and controlling pressure, they discovered how skill and patience bring each character to life. A wonderful workshop that connected language, culture and creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #ChineseCalligraphy #Year6Learning #SpringInspiration #LanguageAndCulture #CreativeLearning #lunarnewyear

341

4 days ago

What a brilliant afternoon of swimming at the gala against @cranleighprepschool. Our swimmers brought such energy to the pool, showing fantastic determination, teamwork and encouragement for one another throughout that helped them produce another stand-out performance. A huge well done to everyone involved, it was a joyful celebration of prep school swimming and all the best things about school sport. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #swimming #prepschoolswimming #prepschoolsport

260

4 days ago

What a fantastic afternoon of swimming at the gala against @cranleighprepschool. Our swimmers showed great determination, teamwork and support for one another throughout, continuing a strong tradition in the pool with another stand-out performance. Well done to everyone involved, it was a wonderful celebration of prep school swimming. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #swimming #prepschoolswimming

170

5 days ago

Best of luck to Louis, as he prepares to tackle Paper 2 of the Townsend-Warner History Prize. Out of more than 1,100 entries nationwide, he finished in the top 250 in Paper 1 and earned his place in today’s paper — hugely impressive! #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #TownsendWarnerHistoryPrize #LoveOfHistory #SchoolsInHampshire #AcademicProwess

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5 days ago

Learning really does come alive when our nursery children head to Forest School. Carefully crossing a muddy puddle on a bed of logs is about so much more than getting from one side to the other. Forest School experiences help children develop balance, coordination, problem-solving skills and confidence, while also building resilience and a strong connection with the natural world. Time spent outdoors encourages curiosity, independence and teamwork, giving children the freedom to explore, take safe risks and learn through real experiences — muddy boots and all. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #forestschool #outdoorlearning

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1 weeks ago

Join us at Highfield and Brookham School on 28th April for Raising the Future — a landmark conference for anyone passionate about preparing children for the world ahead. While curriculum reforms won’t take effect until 2028, the world our children will enter is already changing — AI, automation and rapid social shifts are transforming the jobs of tomorrow. Education can’t wait. We’re bringing together educators, employers and policymakers for expert-led sessions, panels and actionable discussions on: • The future of GCSEs and curriculum reform • How AI is reshaping the skills children need • Essential skills — from adaptability to emotional resilience • What employers will actually be looking for Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of education. Tickets are available here: https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/raising-the-future-conference-booking/ #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership Bedales School The Skills Builder Partnership

1 weeks ago

We’re thrilled to have been honoured with the @woodlandtrust’s prestigious Bronze Award for our commitment to outdoor learning. Head to the link in our bio to read more and discover why we have been recognised as a school community committed to nurturing a lifelong love of the natural world in every child. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #forestschool #outdoorlearning

330

1 weeks ago

We’re thrilled to have been honoured with the The Woodland Trust’s prestigious Bronze Award for our commitment to outdoor learning. Click to read more and discover why we have been recognised as a community committed to nurturing a lifelong love of the natural world in every child. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #outdoorlearning #forestschool

110

1 weeks ago

Some schools look right on paper and some feel right the moment you walk through the door. On Friday 20th March, we invite you to experience Highfield and Brookham for yourself. Meet our inspiring staff, tour the school with our pupils and discover a community where academic excellence sits alongside curiosity, kindness and confidence. You’ll know if it’s right, just by being here. Head to the link in our bio to reserve your place here. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #openmorning

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1 weeks ago

This half term, our creative crafting course, run by our friends at Feltybeecrafts, is bringing a little bit of the seaside indoors. Children are creating their own seaside collages — perfect for exploring colours, textures and using creativity and imagination. A fun, relaxing way to spend the holidays and a lovely chance for children to make something special. Holidays don’t have to be ordinary — take a look to see what’s on offer at Easter here: highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/holiday-activity-clubs/

1 weeks ago

Children enjoyed exploring character and emotion through drama at our Performing Arts club this half term. With plenty of laughter and imagination, they experimented with facial expression and storytelling as well as singing and choreography, building confidence, creativity and communication skills in a fun and inspiring environment. If you’re thinking ahead to Easter, we’ve got some amazing clubs running. Head to the link in our bio to see what’s on offer. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #HolidayFun #creatvity #holidayclubs #performingarts #halfterm

260

1 weeks ago

Having the spent the morning outdoors enjoying some sports and games, our Multi Activities holiday club slowed the pace with a creative workshop inspired by Lunar New Year. The children enjoyed making Chinese-style lanterns, combining hands-on crafts with an opportunity to explore culture and creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #HolidayClub #HalfTerm #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #LunarNewYear #Creativity

1 weeks ago

Are you considering educational opportunities outside of London? Join us for an evening of discussion at our Annual Drinks Reception on Wednesday 11th March at Beaufort House Chelsea. This special event is designed for parents with children under 10 who are exploring the advantages of a country school education. Hear from our experts representing six renowned prep and senior schools over drinks in a relaxed atmosphere: Highfield and Brookham School Hanford School Dorset Ludgrove School Downe House School Marlborough College Tonbridge School Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to explore what a country school can offer your family. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3Lskanj #CountrySchoolEducation #Parenting #EducationalJourney #InformedChoices

1 weeks ago

After a busy morning of games and outdoor adventures, the children on our ever popular Multi Activities holiday club took a quiet moment to make some #lunarnewyear-inspired Chinese-style lanterns, enjoying a hands-on experience that blended craft, culture and creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #HolidayFun #lunarnewyear #creatvity #holidayclubs #halfterm

170

1 weeks ago

Raising the Future: An Event That Matters Curriculum reform is coming — but our children can’t afford to wait. Join us for Raising the Future, an inspiring conference exploring how schools, parents and leaders can prepare young people for a rapidly changing world. • Insightful talks • Future ready thinking • Meaningful conversation If you care about future-ready education, this event is for you. Tickets available now. Head to the link in our bio to book. #RaisingTheFuture #EducationEvents #FutureSkills #ParentsInEducation #SchoolLeadership @bedalesschool

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2 weeks ago

From chopping veggies for coleslaw to baking muffins and flipping pancakes, our cookery holiday club has been full of hands-on learning and fun. Easter bookings are now open, do take a look to see what we have on offer. ➡️ highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/holiday-activity-clubs/ #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #HolidayClubs #CookingFun #SchoolHolidays

2 weeks ago

Happy Lunar New Year from Highfield and Brookham. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. A year full of energy, adventure and new beginnings. Wishing all our pupils, families and staff a joyful year ahead full of strength, curiosity and opportunity. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #lunarnewyear #yearofthehorse2026

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2 weeks ago

Teamwork tastes better! Our holiday club chefs are whipping up blueberry oats, ham and cheese pancakes, muffins and more and learning, cooking and helping friends along the way. If you are thinking ahead to the Easter holidays, go to the link in our bio to see what’s on offer. #TogetherWeGrow #IndependentSchool #PrivateSchool #BoardingSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrepSchool #Nursery #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #westsussex #HolidayFun #Teamwork #CookingTogether

140

2 weeks ago

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Together we learn

Nursery

Our Nursery

Core Education

Child-initiated

Outdoor Learning

Free Flow

Open-ended Resources

Food

Rooms

Logistics

Drop off

After School

Pre-Prep

Prep School

Admissions

What we’re up to

view all news

view all news