Little Lyons Nursery at The John Lyon School

French songs, mime and topics such as London give Little Lyons its own early learning character within John Lyon’s prep provision. Entry points distinguish Pre-Nursery from age two and Nursery from age three. Families are choosing the school’s youngest provision, with learning that combines children’s interests, communication and exploration.

The January to February 2024 ISI inspection recorded one nursery class within the prep school’s early years setting. Its early years findings provide the basis for the care and learning observations below, rather than a separate nursery grade.

Children’s interests help shape activities. Across early years, adults use those interests to extend learning into different situations, with creative work, problem solving and conversation forming part of the curriculum. In parent language, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) here involves developing how children communicate, think and work alongside others, as well as what they know.

French introduces another language through singing and mime in Little Lyons. History begins with stories and topic work, including London. These give young children concrete ways to encounter language and ideas: through movement, sound and a recognisable place, rather than abstract explanations alone.

Outdoor exploration also belongs to the learning day. In early years, children use the prep school’s ample outdoor space for play and discovery. Indoors, detailed learning journals track development and flag where extra help is needed. Adults adjust the level of challenge to children’s understanding and skills, so the next activity can build on what an individual child can already do. Children made good progress across early years at the time of the inspection.

Knowing each child matters here. In early years, staff understand individual needs and recognise behavioural changes that could signal a concern. Their safeguarding training supports following the appropriate procedures. Supervision, first aid training and the implementation of risk assessments were also effective in the early years findings from 2024.

Learning journals serve a practical care purpose alongside recording achievement: they identify children who need specific support. That connects observation with the help adults provide, rather than treating progress records as an end in themselves.

Parents receive updates through written reports, reading diaries and parents’ evenings. Together, these provide several ways to follow development and discuss progress. Social learning is equally visible in the early years findings: children built friendships, shared materials and kept trying when problems proved difficult. For a young child, learning to cooperate and persist is part of the day’s work.

Lunch is included in school fees for all pupils. Families therefore do not need to budget for a separate school lunch charge.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask admissions to confirm the Reception process, whether a further application is required and the relevant deadline. Keep the decision about nursery care separate from any expectation of a later school place.

For enquiries, the admissions team can be reached on 020 8515 9443 or 020 8515 9488. The school provides a Little Lyons Parent Information Booklet and a nursery uniform list, useful preparation documents for families joining the provision.

Fees are collected termly, with Direct Debit among the payment routes. Refer to the school for current charges. Families using Tax-Free Childcare can find the setting under The John Lyon School. Little Lyons onboarding also includes a Harrow Council Early Years Funding parent declaration form.