At Swanbourne House, we believe the earliest years of a child’s education shape everything that follows. Our Pre-Reception, based in the Manor House, provides a high-quality nursery experience designed with a clear purpose: to prepare children thoroughly and confidently for the start of school. It is a calm, nurturing and language rich environment where curiosity, confidence and early learning are developed with intention.
Speech and language development sits at the heart of our Early Years curriculum. Research consistently shows that strong language skills underpin future academic success, and this is reflected in every aspect of our Pre-Reception day. Children are immersed in rich vocabulary through carefully chosen stories, songs, conversations and imaginative play. Teachers model expressive language continuously, commenting on children’s actions, extending ideas and introducing new vocabulary naturally. These warm, responsive interactions support communication, listening skills and early thinking.
Small class sizes play a crucial role in this process. They allow teachers to respond quickly and precisely to children’s interests, building vocabulary and focus in the moment. This balance of adult guidance and child-led exploration enables children to develop attention, concentration and confidence – essential skills for the transition into school.
Play remains central to learning, but it is purposeful and carefully structured. Role play, small-world activities and collaborative games support storytelling language, negotiation and social communication. Daily exposure to stories, rhymes and music strengthens memory, rhythm and phonological awareness, creating secure foundations for reading and writing.
Where children demonstrate readiness, early reading skills are introduced sensitively. Phonics is taught at an appropriate pace, ensuring no child is limited by age alone. While fluent reading at this stage is uncommon in many nursery settings, our structured approach allows children who are ready to progress to do so with confidence and enjoyment.
Learning also extends beyond the classroom. Pre-Reception children spend significant time outdoors in our private woodlands and open farmland, supporting physical development, wellbeing and imaginative play. The space allows children to move, explore and grow with freedom and confidence.
Above all, Pre-Reception at Swanbourne House builds strong foundations – emotionally, socially and academically – ensuring children begin Reception secure, curious and ready to thrive.
Swanbourne House is an independent day and boarding prep school near Milton Keynes for children aged three to 13 years. Alongside Stowe, Ashfold and Winchester House, Swanbourne House is a member of The Stowe Group. Membership of The Stowe Group gives Swanbourne pupils access to a combined site of over 800 acres with unrivalled educational and co-curricular facilities.
These include Stowe’s Worsley Science Centre, the Roxburgh Theatre, the Chung Music School, a state-of-the-art gym, an eight-lane athletics track, an equestrian centre, a six-lane competition swimming pool, a clay pigeon shooting range, and a golf course. Recent investment in Swanbourne from The Stowe Group has seen a new astroturf, a refurbished Boarding House and an enhanced play area at the Manor House, including The Fort play structure.
Swanbourne House families receive a 10% discount on boarding fees or a 5% discount on day fees at Stowe.
For more information, email admissions@swanbourne.org or visit their website here.
Head of Lower School
Swanbourne House
