St Olave's Prep School Nursery Review

Gardening, French and loose parts give this nursery its character: children can follow an interest indoors, then take their learning outside. St Olave's Prep School in New Eltham has one Nursery class, with 18 places and entry from age three. It belongs to the independent school's early-years provision, housed in a purpose-built EYFS building.

The scale matters alongside the setting. In February 2024, ISI found effective early-years teaching, with a settled learning atmosphere and individual attention. That gives substance to the child-led approach: adults help children develop their ideas rather than simply leaving them to play.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework for children's early learning and development. Here, the enhanced curriculum combines exploration with specialist teaching. Loose parts let children experiment with materials and develop ideas; adults encourage questions and help them investigate their interests. In February 2024, teaching responded to children's interests and abilities, including work on linking sounds with letters. Even snack time became an opportunity to practise counting.

Music and PE each have daily specialist lessons in the EYFS, while French adds another strand to the week. Cooking, dance and pet club extend the activities beyond classroom exploration. For a child who enjoys movement or making things, there are several ways into learning.

Purpose-built classrooms open onto an outdoor area reserved for early years. Gardening takes place weekly, alongside Forest School and outdoor play across the seasons. The outdoor curriculum also uses the acre-sized Secret Allotment, where growing and harvesting produce give children practical experiences of how food develops. Outdoor learning has a physical place here, rather than being only an occasional outing.

Starting school includes a summer familiarisation visit for Nursery entrants. The joining arrangements also provide a pupil buddy and extra attention from staff for new children. These are concrete steps towards making unfamiliar routines easier to manage. The class teacher holds responsibility for pastoral care, with opportunities for parents to discuss learning and wellbeing.

Lunch and snacks are included, with snacks offered in both the morning and afternoon. Families using after-school care also have evening tea, with dietary requirements included in the staff's responsibilities. Food therefore forms part of the care arrangements as well as the learning day.

In February 2024, early-years supervision met the required staffing ratios, and paediatric first-aid training was tracked and refreshed. The school's Learning Support Room provides space away from class for individual or small-group work. Support links include a Speech and Language Therapist, Greenwich STEPS and ASD Outreach.

Additional needs. Admission depends on the school being able to provide suitable support, and its policy rules out one-to-one support for children with additional needs. Discuss requirements at registration or earlier so that the proposed provision matches your child.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The admission policy allocates places by registration date, gives siblings priority and takes account of entry observations; it gives no priority for nursery attendance. Offers remain subject to the headteacher's discretion and available places.

Ask the admissions team to confirm the steps required for your child's move from Nursery to Reception. Registration involves a form and a birth-certificate copy, and entry includes an informal observation. A summer familiarisation visit is part of the entry arrangements. Keep that preparation separate from the decision about a place.

Attendance follows school terms. The autumn nursery pattern is five mornings; spring and summer combine full days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with mornings on Thursday and Friday. A full-term option is also offered each term. Morning-only attendance ends at 1pm, and the afternoon finishes at 3.10pm. Drop-off runs from 8.20am to 8.40am; families queue beneath the bridge for collection.

Funding and extras. The school does not offer the 15- or 30-hour free childcare schemes for three- and four-year-olds. Tax-free childcare and childcare vouchers are accepted for qualifying childcare. Fees include materials, meals, snacks and most clubs; wraparound care and additional lessons cost extra. Contact the school for current charges.

Breakfast Club operates during term time from 7.15am to 8.40am, and Playzone provides after-school childcare until 6pm. Enquiries and visit requests can go through the Enquiry Form or the school office on 020 8294 8930. OZ Schoolwear supplies the uniform; nursery equipment includes wellies and a waterproof all-in-one, supporting outdoor activity in wet weather.