Archmore Gardens Pre-Prep

Five classrooms, two courtyard gardens and a private garden measuring 4,000 sq ft give Archmore Gardens Pre-Prep a clear emphasis on space, movement and creative activity. Based in Chelsea, it accepts children from age two and has 60 places in total. No Ofsted inspection has been published for this setting yet.

Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions run during term time. The mix suits families choosing shorter attendance as well as those building towards a longer nursery day.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the basis for learning through play, exploration and adult guidance. Alongside it, the group-wide Rocket Approach combines practical enquiry with projects: children investigate ideas and develop understanding through their experiences.

A large hall provides space for music, drama, ballet, dance and sports in poor weather. Second-year classrooms have courtyard gardens, giving outdoor activity a place alongside classroom learning.

Afternoons have their own character. Dance Crew Hip Hop & Urban Dance explores rhythm and movement; Games & Skills develops coordination and balance through activities including gymnastics and badminton. These give children different ways to practise physical skills.

For children already attending a full day, termly clubs extend that choice. Lego club uses construction to explore engineering and architecture, while Mindfulness club introduces yoga and time for reflection. Clubs have a stated limit of 8 to 10 children, a club-size measure rather than a classroom cap.

Lunch begins the afternoon session and gives children opportunities to practise independence and eating together. Families supply a healthy packed lunch, or book an optional lunch service directly with V&Me; the nursery has a policy excluding nuts and sesame.

Support for parents also sits within the wider Rocket network. Rocket Talks brings parenting and education specialists into sessions throughout the year. Year-round consultations help families work through future-school assessments and applications, offering guidance rather than an admissions entitlement.

Recruitment arrangements include identity checks, references and enhanced criminal-record checks, with overseas checks where applicable. These are recruitment procedures, rather than an inspection judgement about safeguarding effectiveness.

Sessions and Attendance

The address is St. Lukes Church, Redcliffe Square, London SW10 9HF. Morning sessions run from 8.30am to noon, afternoons from 12.30pm to 4pm, and full days from 8.30am to 3.15pm.

Attendance is term-time, with a September intake and minimum booking patterns that depend on the child's age and chosen sessions. Siblings receive priority, followed by earlier registrations; registering interest does not guarantee an offer.

Half-term holiday clubs supplement the term-time timetable. Families can contact the office by telephone on 020 4618 2968 or through the contact form.

• Attendance commitment. Minimum patterns vary with age and session choice. During a tour, establish which combination applies to your child before planning the working week.
• Club collection times. Full-day clubs are restricted to children already staying until 3.15pm. Club information gives a 4pm finish, while another session description gives 4.05pm; confirm the collection time for the chosen club.
• Food allergies. Packed lunches sit alongside an optional V&Me service and the nuts-and-sesame exclusion policy. Allergy-affected families should confirm how current practice covers both arrangements.
• Care and costs. How would settling, individual support, funded hours and non-food supplies work for your child, and what would the written quotation include?

Archmore Gardens suits families seeking morning or afternoon attendance, as well as full days with activity-led afternoons. Its gardens, hall and named clubs give the offer concrete character. The decision rests on how its term-time pattern, attendance commitment and daily care arrangements fit your child and household.