345, Hurlingham Nursery School

Space to run and climb, a fish tank that prompts conversation, and children preparing their own snacks give this Hurlingham Club setting its character. In February 2024, these experiences connected physical activity, language and everyday independence.

Ofsted rated the nursery Outstanding on 28 February 2024 and judged its safeguarding arrangements effective. The nursery has 20 places in total; children attending in February 2024 were aged two to four.

In February 2024, children could choose between indoor play and a large outdoor area with climbing resources and natural spaces to explore. This gave energetic play a substantial place in the day.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, its practical expression in February 2024 included conversations, music, imaginative play and opportunities to practise independence. Learning followed a planned sequence, with children's interests helping shape activities.

A self-sustainable fish tank gave children something concrete to explain, while music involved changing vocal pitch and movement in response to instructions. Role play included hairdressing materials illustrating different cultural hair styles. Children also voted on how to arrange their role-play spaces: their choices helped shape the environment.

Learning extended to people from history across different disciplines. Children recalled what they had learned, giving these activities a purpose beyond simply hearing a story.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found that staff worked closely with parents to support children's progress and held high expectations for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

In February 2024, staff established what children could already do before they started. Reports, meetings and apps kept parents informed, and parents contributed stories and cultural traditions. That linked nursery life with children's experiences at home.

An emotions board helped children identify and discuss feelings; staff also used cards on their lanyards to explain behaviour expectations. Children helped one another with tasks, tidied independently and cut fruit and vegetables for snacks. These were practical opportunities to take responsibility. Staff development included supervision, colleagues observing one another and training.

The address is Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London SW6 3PR.

In February 2024, attendance was restricted to Hurlingham Club members. Opening hours then were 9am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. For families considering the setting, membership and the shape of the nursery week are central to the decision.

• Club membership. In February 2024, the nursery served members exclusively. Membership was therefore an entry condition, rather than simply a benefit of the location.
• Term-time routine. The February 2024 opening window ended at 3.15pm and followed term time. Families needing holiday care or later afternoons should weigh that pattern carefully.
• Joining arrangements. At a visit, what current attendance options, funded-hour arrangements and charges for meals or consumables would apply to your child?

For families considering a term-time routine, this is a nursery to weigh for its outdoor space and practical independence. The February 2024 picture combines children making choices with staff deliberately extending conversation and learning. Its appeal rests on those concrete experiences, alongside the Outstanding judgement from that visit.