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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What we’re up to

Our Year 8 children were ready and raring to go this Open Morning as they waited to guide prospective parents around the school. It’s always a joy to see how proud they are of the school – and there’s truly no better way for families to learn about life here than by hearing it directly from the children themselves. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeThrive #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! It takes a team to bring the festive cheer, and our fantastic Grounds Team has done just that. A big thank you to them for bringing the magic to life! #TogetherWeGrow #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Who knew holly could be so tricky? Year 6 got stuck in, creating gorgeous festive table decorations to sell at our annual Winter Wonderland. It’s always wonderful to see our school community come together to raise funds for Highfield Highreach Holidays! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeThrive #Creativity #ProblemSolving #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Who knew holly could be so tricky? Year 6 got stuck in, creating gorgeous festive table decorations to sell at our annual Winter Wonderland. It’s always wonderful to see our school community come together to raise funds for Highfield Highreach Holidays! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Creativity #ProblemSolving #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Congratulations to our U11A team for an outstanding performance at the U11 @iapsuksport Regional Rugby Festival yesterday. Finishing 4th out of 12 schools, the boys showed incredible skill and determination. A fantastic start to the season – well done, team! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Creativity #ProblemSolving #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Alice was one of our 2024 leavers, and it’s wonderful to hear that she’s thriving at senior school and still pursuing her love of hockey and drama at @cranleighschool. It’s always a joy to welcome Old Highfieldians back, hear their fond memories, how they made lifelong friendships, and how we’ve given them a memorable and strong foundation for the road ahead. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Alice was one of our 2024 leavers, and it’s wonderful to hear that she’s thriving at senior school and still pursuing her love of hockey and drama at @cranleighschool. It’s always a joy to welcome Old Highfieldians back, hear their fond memories, how they made lifelong friendships, and how we’ve given them a memorable and strong foundation for the road ahead. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Learning to research well is a vital life skill, and our new IPQ Research section launched today in the Library helps Year 8 pupils discover the power of books in a world of digital noise. By strengthening critical thinking and curiosity, this dedicated space will elevate the children’s IPQ experience. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Learning to research well is a vital life skill, and our new IPQ Research section launched today in the Library helps Year 8 pupils discover the power of books in a world of digital noise. By strengthening critical thinking and curiosity, this dedicated space will elevate the children’s IPQ experience. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Over the weekend, Year 7 raced their own F1 creations in the exciting finale of their Enrichment project. Teams designed, built and branded their prototypes, putting physics, DT, teamwork and presentation skills into action. This project showed that learning can be hands-on, creative and full of excitement – all at the same time. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Creativity #ProblemSolving #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Over the weekend, Year 7 raced their own F1 creations in the exciting finale of their Enrichment project. Teams designed, built and branded their prototypes, putting physics, DT, teamwork and presentation skills into action. This project showed that learning can be hands-on, creative and full of excitement – all at the same time. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Creativity #ProblemSolving #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

We’re thrilled to announce that Highfield and Brookham has been recognised as an ISEB iPQ Gold School for 2025–26. This recognition is driven by the incredible work of our Year 8s who show immense independence, creativity and ambition on their iPQ projects, developing highly transferable skills that prepare them for senior school and beyond. #TogetherWeGrow #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex #iPQgoldschool #iPQ #ProjectBasedLearning #independentschools @isebawards

Story Dough sparks big imaginations, expands vocabulary and nurtures confident little creators! We love watching our Nursery children learn through joyful co-play, building strong early-years foundations. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Story Dough sparks big imaginations, expands vocabulary and nurtures confident little creators! We love watching our Nursery children learn through joyful co-play, building strong early-years foundations. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeLearn #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Performing before an audience helps children grow in confidence, communication and creative expression – and our recent Jazz Café evening demonstrated this beautifully. From the moment the idea was announced, the children eagerly signed up, and their talent lit up the Pavilion Café creating an unforgettable evening. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeShine #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Performing before an audience helps children grow in confidence, communication and creative expression – and our recent Jazz Café evening demonstrated this beautifully. From the moment the idea was announced, the children eagerly signed up, and their talent lit up the Pavilion Café creating an unforgettable evening. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeShine #AimingHigh #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

We were delighted to welcome Matt Pinkett today, who led engaging sessions with parents and boys in Years 6-8. A teacher, speaker, and author of “Boys Don’t Try?” and “Boys Do Cry”, Matt helps young people flourish by building strong values, embracing positive role models and growing confidence and resilience. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Wellbeing #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

We were delighted to welcome Matt Pinkett today, who led engaging sessions with parents and boys in Years 6-8. A teacher, speaker, and author of “Boys Don’t Try?” and “Boys Do Cry”, Matt helps young people flourish by building strong values, embracing positive role models and growing confidence and resilience. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Wellbeing #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

A magical education that lasts a lifetime. Join us on Friday 28th November to discover why Highfield and Brookham is such an extraordinary place for children to flourish. With 175 acres of opportunity, our school offers a nurturing environment, inspiring teaching and a strong community for ages 2–13. See how we prepare children not just for senior school, but for life. We’d love to welcome you. Head to our bio above to reserve your place. #TogetherWeGrow #HighfieldandBrookham #OpenMorning #IndependentSchool #PrepSchool #PrePrep #Nursery #HampshireSchools #SurreySchools #WestSussexSchools #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

A fond farewell to our marvellous Maintenance Manager – thank you for everything, and we wish you all the very best. #TogetherWeGrow #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Performing arts empower children with confidence, communication and teamwork and Year 5 proved this with their magical “Aladdin” performance that captivated the crowd. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #TogetherWeAchieve #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Great excitement and a cracking start to the rugby season! Our U13s welcomed Feltonfleet School, the U11s took on Amesbury School and St. Edmund’s School, Surrey, and the U10s faced Aldro away. Well done to all who played, we saw fantastic tackling, sharp drop kicks and plenty of tries scored. A brilliant start all round! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeAchieve #Teamwork #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it’s Year 1’s superhero teddy bears. Inspired by this term’s topic People in Our Community Who Help Us, they designed and created costumes for their cuddly companions and watched them fly! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeInspire #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Costume design for “Cinderella” captivated Reception. As part of their Magical Mayhem literacy topic, the children were buzzing with creativity. #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeFlourish #Creativity #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

Did someone say snow? There was great excitement as it began to fall, and breaktime was filled with snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. And it wasn’t just the children – our Australian residential graduate assistants were thrilled to join in, with some experiencing snow for the very first time! #TogetherWeGrow #TogetherWeEnjoy #Nursery #PrePrep #Prep #CoEdSchool #IndependentSchool #Liphook #Hampshire #Surrey #WestSussex

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