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Nursery at Hampton Court House
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
French stories and Forest School give Little Courtiers its distinctive combination: language learning alongside time spent exploring outdoors. Hampton Court House’s nursery provision starts with Pre-Nursery at 2+, followed by Nursery at 3+. It belongs to the school’s Nursery and Pre-Prep section beside Bushy Park.
The early years occupy their own building within the school grounds. In September to October 2025, there were 23 children across Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception together. That is an early-years headcount, rather than a nursery capacity figure. The separate building gives the youngest children a defined base within the larger school.
Play and adult-led learning share the programme. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for developing communication, early literacy, number skills and personal development. Forest School sits alongside it, with influences from Reggio Emilia and Montessori. Children learn both outside and indoors, so exploration and more structured activities have a place in their experience.
Specialist teaching includes music and French, while ballet and nursery drama add movement and performance. The on-site Forest School supplies a woodland setting for learning about nature. During September to October 2025, early-years children explored the lives of hedgehogs outdoors: a concrete example of the natural world becoming a subject to investigate.
Language has substance here. The ISI inspection of 30 September to 2 October 2025 found that early-years staff understood children’s development and supported communication in English and French effectively. French storytelling forms part of the LabelFrancÉducation programme. Work on letter sounds, blending and early writing connects spoken language with the beginnings of reading.
Children also practise making choices and sharing responsibility. In the early years, they vote on the story for the day’s ending and take turns leading the line. These are small decisions with a practical purpose: learning to express a preference and take account of others.
Emotional development is taught through everyday interaction. Early-years staff demonstrate turn-taking and listening, and help children explain their feelings and preferences. Learning about people’s jobs introduces the idea of helping others, while children also practise taking responsibility for what they do.
For additional needs, teachers use Development Matters to monitor developmental milestones, working with families and the SEND team. Support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, allowing strategies to change as a child’s needs become clearer. Specialist services or dedicated individual support can bring additional charges, funded through an EHCP budget or by parents. Wheelchair access is currently unavailable at the school, a significant consideration for families with mobility requirements.
English language support. In September to October 2025, structured help for pupils learning English was inconsistent in some school lessons. This was a school-wide concern rather than a finding confined to nursery; families considering bilingual learning should distinguish French teaching from their child’s individual English support needs.
Lunch carries a separate charge for Pre-Nursery and Nursery. Families should obtain current charges from the school when considering the overall commitment.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Confirm the Reception entry process for an existing nursery pupil with Admissions. New Reception applicants apply directly to Hampton Court House, with a deadline of 13 November 2026 for September 2027 entry.
Current pupils of a Dukes Education school or nursery receive priority when offers are considered. This remains subject to the school’s admissions criteria and the Principal’s discretion. Priority is therefore an advantage in consideration, rather than an assured place.
For continuity of support, staff meet to exchange information as children move between year groups. That transfer of knowledge is a transition practice, separate from the admissions decision.
Wraparound care is offered, with charges separate from tuition; trips and clubs are also charged separately. Children wear their own clothes rather than uniform.
Early Education Funding includes the universal entitlement for three- and four-year-olds: 570 hours annually, commonly taken as 15 hours over 38 weeks. Eligible households may receive 30 hours, and the school accepts extended entitlement from Pre-Nursery. Eligibility should be checked through Childcare Choices.
Contact Admissions through the enquiry form, admissions@hchnet.co.uk or 020 8614 0857. Nursery families can book an Open Morning or arrange a private tour. Applicants from Pre-Nursery through Reception attend a trial morning, during which staff observe their interaction with the setting and other children.
Pre-Nursery entry is at 2+, followed by Nursery at 3+.
EYFS learning combines with Forest School and influences from Montessori and Reggio Emilia. French, music, ballet and nursery drama are among the activities.
No. Current pupils of a Dukes Education school or nursery receive priority when offers are considered, but admissions criteria and the Principal’s discretion still apply. New Reception applicants apply directly to the school; existing nursery families should confirm their child’s entry process with Admissions.
The school accepts Early Education Funding, including the universal entitlement for three- and four-year-olds and extended entitlement for eligible households. Check eligibility through Childcare Choices.
Contact Admissions through the enquiry form, admissions@hchnet.co.uk or 020 8614 0857 to book an Open Morning or arrange a private tour.
