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Nursery at Loyola Preparatory School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily phonics, specialist Music & Movement and two classrooms give Loyola's Kindergarten a distinctly school-shaped start. This is the nursery for boys aged three to four within Loyola Preparatory School, an independent Catholic school in Buckhurst Hill. An outdoor learning space sits alongside the classrooms, giving children scope to explore beyond their indoor activities.
Boys can start from their third birthday, although joining in the following term is the more usual pattern. Catholic practice forms part of the day, while families of other faiths and those with no religious beliefs are welcomed. That combination matters when choosing both the learning routine and the values surrounding it.
A typical Kindergarten day starts between 8.15am and 8.30am and finishes at 2.50pm. Learning combines planned topics with children's interests. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together physical development, communication and managing feelings and relationships, alongside early maths, literacy, creative work and discovering how the world works. These are connected parts of the child's day rather than a timetable built solely around reading and numbers.
Anima Phonics has a daily teaching slot. Children start with letter sounds, using songs and actions alongside them, so early reading involves movement as well as listening. Show & Tell gives boys practice speaking to a group. Specialist teaching adds PE, Music and Music & Movement to the Kindergarten experience.
The ISI inspection of 18 to 20 June 2024 found that early-years language development was supported effectively through letter and sound work, recognising words and activities involving children working together. Those activities build the speaking and listening skills children need to join in learning with others.
Exploration also takes practical forms. Kindergarten children have taken part in a mini-beast hunt and made animal silhouettes with water and stencils. These are examples of discovery and art meeting in the same activity. Religious Education follows the Catholic Religious Education Directory, supported by Magister resources; prayer and learning about faith are part of the nursery's educational character.
One class teacher works with two full-time teaching assistants in Kindergarten. Parents can follow their child's development through online platforms, keeping home involved in learning. Pastoral support comes through the class teacher and support staff, and new pupils are paired with older buddies to help them adjust and make friends.
Support for learning needs involves teachers, teaching assistants and the Head of Inclusion working together on interventions. For families, this connects additional help to the classroom team. The June 2024 inspection also confirmed that early-years staffing ratios were maintained and that early-years staff had paediatric first-aid training.
Lunch is prepared on site by the school's catering team, using local suppliers and seasonal produce. The kitchen is nut free. Meal accompaniments include baked potatoes, brown bread and a salad bar with cold meats. Lunches and snacks sit within the enrichment provision rather than the government-funded basic offer, an important distinction when agreeing attendance.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm Reception entry arrangements directly with the admissions team.
Preparation for the change happens through Kindergarten staff working closely with the Reception teacher. Familiarity with school routines and surroundings also supports the move. This is practical continuity for the child, separate from any admissions entitlement.
Morning and afternoon sessions form the school day, and funded attendance patterns must be agreed beforehand. Government-funded basic provision follows school term dates. The Kindergarten fee structure includes the 15-hour free entitlement; additional hours, specialist teaching, meals, snacks, resources and other services form the enrichment offer. Registration and holding-deposit charges apply to enrichment and are not conditions of eligible access to the free entitlement. Contact the school for current charges.
Breakfast and after-school care are available to Kindergarten children. Uniform is required, with Forest Casual Wear in Loughton supplying it. For enquiries or a personal tour, contact the admissions team on 020 8504 7372 or use Book Your Visit. Tours last between 30 and 45 minutes.
Kindergarten caters for boys aged three to four. Children can join from their third birthday, with entry more commonly in the following term.
The typical Kindergarten day starts between 8.15am and 8.30am and ends at 2.50pm. Breakfast and after-school care are also available.
Anima Phonics is taught daily from Kindergarten, beginning with letter sounds accompanied by actions and songs.
Eligible families can access government-funded basic provision during school terms, with attendance agreed in advance. Additional hours, specialist teaching, lunches, snacks, resources and services are part of enrichment provision.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Keep the Reception admissions step separate from the nursery arrangements.
