Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd

7 Park Plaza, Shrewsbury SY1 3AF
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8.8 12 Reviews
  • Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd, Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd is an award winning, Ofsted rated as Outstanding (November 2017), Reggio Emilia inspired setting that was born out of a desire to create a new model of education for children in the early years.

The Reggio Emilia approach is combined with the nursery's deep knowledge of development, pedagogy and the British education system.

The team of practitioners is highly qualified and strives to make a difference through their love for children and extensive knowledge.

The design and layout of the nursery takes into account the complex needs of each age group.

The small independent school is open all year round and has a play based approach to learning using their own DfE approved unique curriculum.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Laura Vaughan (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 30

Total Places for Children

  • 85

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, Christmas & 1 week at Easter

Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd Reviews (12)

8.8

Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.777) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd has 12 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd
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Total of 12, showing 1-12
Review from Sophie T (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Two children have attended Shrewsbury Prepatoria. So we have been here for 6 years. The staff have been fantastic and really supportive during challenging times. I always would recommend this setting to anyone seeking childcare. Both children have been very positive during their time here and formed
close bonds with the team.
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Review from N R (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
If you are considering sending your child to Shrewsbury Prepatoria, we cannot recommend it enough. We have experienced all three levels - baby, toddler and foundation and all are excellent. The staff are all friendly, great with the children and also at communicating with parents. We feel like we always
know how the children are doing and involved in their day. We receive regular updates on the app and also through communication at drop off and pick up or direct messages. Our children have flourished at Prepatoria and we continue to be impressed by the care and teaching that they put into the children. The food provided is wonderful, there are extra parenting sessions available, the children are happy, well cared for and there is also an emphasis on education and development which you can see the children really gain a lot from.
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Review from S S (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children attended and still attending Prepatoria. All the staff and teachers go extra mile for the children. We could've not done it without them. They played/play a pivotal role in our children's life. Thank you for providing such a fun, loving environment and for the extra care they received
when needed.
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Review from Rik H (Father of Child) published on 2 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Prepatoria has been fundamental to the development of our child's learning, development and character. We are ever so grateful to the staff for their help and support through the first stages of our child's life, from Nursery to Toddlers. We highly recommend the good work this establishment provides.
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Review from Stuart C (Father of Child) published on 13 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery! My son has been attending the Prepatoria for several years now and has been through various stages from Baby, Toddler and Foundation. The level of care from all staff has been outstanding. Very quickly felt incredibly comfortable and confident in leaving him in their care, knowing
if there are any developments, minor accidents etc, then I will be informed. Excellent!
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Review from Michaela F (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has been attending Prepatoria a couple of days a week for the last few months, and we have seen an incredible level of development from her.
She is so happy there, and the staff already know her so well. They care deeply about her needs and interests. Staff communication is fantastic
through the app and in person.
We could not be happier to have found this little gem.
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Review from Kirstie L (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little one has been attending Prepatoria for seven months now, and we, as parents, couldn't be happier.
Overall, the place is just fantastic.
We feel that the staff are knowledgeable and attentive and always give 110%.
All the staff know each individual child, and even the office staff know
all the children by name; they make you feel like they really care and your child isn't just a number.
The food selection for the children is always innovative, fresh and ever-changing. Packed with fruit and veg all cooked fresh. It's always reported back that our little one has devoured each meal provided.
We particularly like the app that they use.
It gives us live updates throughout the day while our little one is there.
We always feel safe in the knowledge that our little one is taken care of and in exceptionally good hands, and most importantly, our little one loves attending.
Reply from Jane Smalley, Owner and Head Teacher at Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd
Thank you for your lovely comments. We realise how important our staff are, which is why we have invested in a highly qualified team, with regular feedback sessions and training- they certainly are…read more
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Review from K C (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After visiting many nurseries in the area and thinking that I was going to have to extend my maternity leave because I did not have a good feeling about each of the places, I knew that the Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd was the right place for my baby the moment I looked at the prospectus and arranged an
appointment. Extremely professional right from the start with high standards - exactly what you want for your child. I receive daily updates through the app and am able to contact staff with ease. There are always fun activities for the children to do, enhancing their cognitive, emotional, social and physical development. I knew that the amazing staff would look after my baby and had every confidence that they would as soon as I met them. Importantly for me, the nursery is clean, and the children are all clean - surprisingly, this is not the case at many nurseries! My little one does not want to leave at the end of each day because she has such a strong bond with the staff. Highly recommended!
Reply from Jane Smalley, Owner and Head Teacher at Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd
Thank you for your very kind comments - our aim has always been to provide a real 'home-from-home' experience - it helps the settling-in process, which we believe is an essential introduction to…read more
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Review from D F (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We could not be happier with The Prepatoria. It is a friendly, nurturing environment where I know my child is safe, happy and stimulated. I have been impressed and reassured by the gentle transitions through each stage so that my daughter (and me!) feel confident and secure. The resources are lovely
and inspire great imagination and creativity, which are important to us. The staff are fantastic. I know my child is in safe, experienced hands. She comes home chatty and inspired!
Reply from Graeme Smalley, Financial Director at Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. We strive to make transitions as seamless as possible as we know how important it is for children to feel safe and supported throughout.
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Review from Laura R (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic facility. Both my children attend and are extremely excited to go each day. Late care facility is a lifesaver. I feel they really care for the children and nurture their educational growth.
Reply from Graeme Smalley, Financial Director at Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd
Thank you for your kind remarks. Our aim has always been to provide a home-from-home experience for our most precious society members, delivered by an exceptionally well-qualified, caring team of…read more
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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I searched for many different nurseries and stopped when I found Shrewsbury Prepatoria. It is a home-from-home, and the approach they use is unique and perfect for early years education. The curriculum is unique, and the staff are experienced, knowledgable and friendly.
What a fabulous place!
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Review from Andrew T (Father of Child) published on 19 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Best in Shrewsbury by a long way. The Prepatoria is a truly unique setting for our children to grow and develop. The team inspire our children's curiosity and their learning on everything they show interest in. The atmosphere is like a home from home, caring, nurturing and loving. I wouldn't recommend
anywhere else.
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Current Review Score: 8.8 (8.777)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.8 (8.777) out of 10 for Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.8 out of 5 from 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.983 for Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd is calculated as follows: ( (59 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 4.983
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 3.794 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd is based on 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.5
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 85 number of registered child places is 17. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 17 = 0.294
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

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Laura Vaughan

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

Laura brings over 20 years of experience in early years education to her role as Nursery Manager at The Early Years Academy Shrewsbury Prepatria. Having previously served as Deputy Manager, she now leads the setting with dedication, empathy, and a strong belief in the importance of high-quality early childhood care.


For the past seven years, Laura has been an integral part of the Shrewsbury Prepatria team—a setting she holds in the highest regard for its nurturing environment and commitment to excellence. Her leadership style is grounded in compassion, influenced by a former manager whose mentorship continues to shape her practice and professional values.


Known for her calm presence and genuine care, Laura is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging environments where children feel safe, valued, and confident to explore. She is deeply committed to supporting every child’s individual journey, working alongside a team of qualified teachers and highly skilled practitioners across the nursery’s three bespoke buildings.


Laura takes pride in building strong, open relationships with families and in fostering a team culture that is reflective, ambitious, and supportive. Whether mentoring staff, welcoming new parents, or guiding the curriculum, Laura leads by example—ensuring the nursery remains a warm, inspiring place for all.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd

What is the Age Range of Children that Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd accepts?

Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd Open?

Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd have capacity for?

Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd has capacity for a total of 85 Children.

How far is Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd to the centre of Shrewsbury?

2.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Shrewsbury Prepatoria Ltd has an Enhanced Service - more info.