La Petite Ecole Bilingue Nursery Review

French for one half-day, English for the next: bilingual learning shapes the nursery at La Petite Ecole Bilingue in Kentish Town. Children can join from age 3, becoming part of an independent primary school rather than a separate nursery setting. The school occupies the former vicarage of Saint Martin’s church, giving this provision a distinctive physical home.

At the ISI inspection of 11 to 13 June 2024, the nursery comprised one class with 10 children, and early-years learning divided its time equally between English and French. That figure describes the class then, rather than a current number of available places.

The language changes every half-day, so bilingual exposure is built into the timetable. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), activities develop communication alongside physical skills and other areas of early learning. In June 2024, staff used their knowledge of children’s interests and needs to shape activities, with vocabulary and new ideas introduced in both languages. For families, the distinction is practical: French and English are languages for learning, rather than occasional extras.

Lessons begin at 8.45am. Nursery children eat lunch at 11.30am, followed by a nap; afternoon teaching resumes at 1.15pm. The school day finishes at 4.00pm, with a shorter Wednesday ending at noon. Rest therefore has a defined place in the day, alongside learning and play.

Physical activity takes several forms. In June 2024, nursery and Reception children practised skills with racquets and balls, used small play equipment in their own play space, and had separate playtimes. Farm outings nearby and walks in nature extended learning beyond the building. These activities gave children opportunities to practise both small movements and larger physical actions, rather than keeping learning entirely indoors.

Relationships supported children’s willingness to try. In June 2024, nursery children’s connections with adults and other children helped them attempt unfamiliar activities and answer questions even when they might make mistakes. Opportunities to play with older pupils also formed part of their experience. Confidence grew through participation.

Staff kept regular contact with parents and used their understanding of individual children when planning. Families receive progress reports by email in February and July, with teacher meetings in November and April. This gives parents scheduled opportunities to discuss learning alongside regular contact with staff.

The June 2024 inspection also recommended better organisation of school pastoral records, so concerns could be retrieved more readily and patterns recognised. This was a school-wide improvement point, distinct from the findings about nursery relationships and learning.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families should treat Reception admission as a separate process and apply through the normal route by the applicable deadline. Familiarity with school life should not be mistaken for an admissions entitlement.

School doors open at 8.25am and close at 8.40am, before lessons begin. The Wednesday noon finish is a significant feature for families arranging collection around work.

Pre-application can be completed online at any time of year. Visits are reserved for families who have already pre-applied, with appointments arranged by telephone or email. Contact the school on 0207 284 2620 or office@lpebl-kt.com to book. The nursery’s school address is 22 Vicar’s Road, London, NW5 4NL.