Marlborough Primary School Nursery Review

Sand, water and nature gardens give Marlborough’s nursery its character: play with room to move, alongside books, songs and conversation. This is the school’s own nursery in Isleworth, with a purpose-built classroom and sizeable outdoor areas. Children also have nursery assemblies and take part in school events, bringing them into school life while retaining activities of their own.

For the September 2026 intake, the eligible birth dates were 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023. The nursery admissions capacity is listed as 39 pupils, although the school’s general admissions information gives 78 nursery pupils. Those figures should not be treated as interchangeable.

Language runs through the day. Adults lead book-sharing, singing and role play, using these activities to develop conversation and communication. Children’s interests also shape the activities planned for them. The balance gives children opportunities to pursue an idea themselves and to learn alongside an adult.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the curriculum framework, with Development Matters supporting planning. In parent terms, learning builds through play and practical experiences: cooking, exploring outdoors and acting out situations in role-play areas. Adults demonstrate skills and offer help as children tackle problems. Taking turns and resolving disagreements are taught too, making social learning part of the session.

Outdoors, sand and water play sit alongside nature gardens and space for running. These give children different ways to investigate and be physically active. Staff observe learning, identify the next steps and give feedback about what worked and what could improve; parents can add experiences from home to children’s portfolios.

The November 2024 inspection described the early-years learning space as welcoming and well equipped. It also raised a concern about occasional distraction among younger pupils across the school, rather than identifying this specifically as a nursery issue. Inspectors also asked for more consistent curriculum delivery so pupils could develop deeper understanding. This improvement action applied across the school; it was not identified specifically as a nursery concern.

Settling began with family contact for the September 2026 starters. A consultation with the nursery teacher included the child and gave parents time to share information and discuss concerns. A Stay & Play session then allowed children to explore with a parent and meet the team. Part-time starters were split between two start dates, introducing attendance in stages.

Communication includes Tapestry and emailed newsletters. Families receive both nursery and school newsletters on Fridays, linking the child’s own provision with wider school news. The school’s inclusion structure includes a SENCO, SEN teachers and a SEND administrator; specialist staff and other professionals support individual provision across the school.

Breakfast is part of the nursery’s paid wraparound provision, alongside play and social time. Cool Milk requires online registration, including for children eligible for Free School Meals who receive milk free. Nursery families therefore need to complete the registration even where that eligibility applies.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions route. Hounslow manages Reception admissions, and applications use e-admissions. For September 2026 entry, the deadline was 15 January 2026; late applicants were directed to Hounslow’s Admissions Department. That deadline belongs to the past intake cycle.

Preparation for the next stage happens through independence skills and gradual familiarity with routines. This is useful preparation for school life, but it should be kept separate from the question of securing admission.

The September 2026 starter arrangements give full-time hours of 8:45am to 3:30pm. Part-time attendance is five days each week, from 8:45am to 11:45am. The general nursery timetable instead lists mornings at 8:50am to 11:50am and afternoons at 12:20pm to 3:20pm. These are different schedules, so the child’s agreed attendance pattern matters.

Thirty-hour places are offered, with eligibility checks for the additional funded 15 hours. Families seeking a full-time place without that eligibility can contact the office. Obtain current charges from the school.

Marlborough Minders provides nursery wraparound care from 7:45am to 8:45am and 3:30pm to 6:00pm under the September 2026 arrangements. Nursery morning care is charged and excluded from the universal free breakfast club. Spaces are limited, with a waiting list advised.

Uniform is optional: nursery children may wear their own clothes. To arrange a nursery visit, call 020 8560 3978 or email admissions@marlborough.hounslow.sch.uk.