Hendon Preparatory School Nursery Review

Toy cars tracing letters capture the character of Hendon Prep’s Preschool: early literacy taught through something a young child wants to handle. This is the nursery provision for children aged three to four within the independent school at Tenterden Grove. Entry starts in the term in which a child turns three.

Preschool belongs to the school’s Early Years section. In January 2026, there was one Nursery class; the combined Nursery and Reception roll was 23, rather than a nursery-only total. The ISI inspection of 13 to 15 January 2026 found that early-years teaching responded to children’s interests and supported progress in language, communication and physical skills.

EYFS PLUS combines the Early Years Foundation Stage with specialist teaching. For parents, that means attention to talking, relationships and movement alongside early reading, writing and number work. French and music sit beside PE and Foundation Sports, while literacy and numeracy have daily teaching time.

Both afternoon and morning sessions mix phonics and number activities with free play, tasks guided by adults and learning chosen by children. There is structure, but children also get choices. In January 2026, Nursery children practised small hand movements by steering toy cars around letter shapes. Early-years discussions about polar bears and their winter habitats gave children concrete subjects to talk about; counting and sequencing games brought numbers into play.

Inside, a sensory space and reading area give different activities their own place, alongside a kitchenette. An outdoor classroom extends learning beyond the room. At the ISI inspection of 13 to 15 January 2026, early-years outdoor activities included climbing, ball games and balancing on stepping stones. A sports specialist supported larger movements through active games, and weekly yoga added another way to practise physical control. Inspectors also found that circle time explored friendships, connecting the active parts of the day with learning how to get along.

The Preschool teacher also leads EYFS, and the safeguarding team includes a deputy lead for early years. The ISI inspection of 13 to 15 January 2026 found that teachers regularly discussed children’s progress and wellbeing with parents. At that inspection, early-years staff had paediatric first-aid training and staffing levels provided appropriate supervision. These are practical foundations for daily care.

Lunch comes with both part-time and full-day attendance, with snacks in afternoon and morning sessions. Thomas Franks Ltd prepares food on site using fresh ingredients. Daily choices include vegetarian and meat dishes, plus soup and a salad bar. Catering accommodates allergies and other dietary requirements; products containing nuts or traces of nut oil are prohibited on the premises.

School-level records. The January 2026 inspection identified two administrative concerns: complaints records did not consistently demonstrate that deadlines had been followed, and short-term supply staff checks were initially recorded incorrectly. The latter was corrected during the visit. The recommended actions concerned keeping both sets of records consistently complete.

Attending Preschool does not guarantee a Reception place. Hendon Prep’s published Reception admissions process involves registration, an informal meeting and a SENDCo assessment for the child; the school may also request the latest school report. Offers depend on availability and the admissions requirements applying at the time.

Current Preschool families should confirm their Reception next steps with admissions. Choose Preschool for the day it provides rather than assuming attendance secures a later place.

Morning attendance runs from 8.30am to 12.30pm, and full-day attendance is also offered. Charges are organised by term, with lunch included in the Preschool schedules. Current charges should be obtained from the school.

For three- and four-year-olds in Preschool, the 15-hour funding arrangement applies from the term after their third birthday through their final Preschool term, subject to terms and conditions. Hendon Prep claims the grant for families and reduces their invoices accordingly. A full term’s written notice is required when withdrawing a child; otherwise a term’s fees are payable in lieu.

Contact admissions@hendonprep.co.uk or 020 8203 7727 for enquiries. Private tours can be requested through the visit form. Preschool has its own uniform list, with Howard Bros. Ltd supplying the clothing and online purchases available through uniform4kids.com.