Ark Bentworth Primary Academy Nursery

Stories give this nursery its character: children invent their own and listen to other children's tales, alongside outdoor exploration and learning through play. Ark Bentworth Primary Academy's nursery serves three- and four-year-olds within a primary school on Bentworth Road in London. There are 24 fully funded full-time places, with morning or afternoon places offered subject to availability.

The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In everyday terms, its work brings together early reading, writing and maths with learning to communicate, move and get along with others. The nursery aims to help children form friendships while developing their own interests.

Storytelling is the organising approach to the early years curriculum. Telling a story gives children practice in expressing an idea; listening to someone else's makes room for another voice. Those activities sit alongside purposeful play indoors and experiences out in the community, so learning reaches beyond the classroom.

Outdoor learning includes exploring nature and developing movement skills. Inside, early years maths uses objects children can handle, songs and pretend play to connect mathematical ideas with everyday experiences. That gives young children something concrete to work with before ideas become more abstract.

Books also shape the day. Early years children finish each day with a shared story, and nursery teachers are trained in Read Write Inc., the school's phonics programme. Reading at home is part of the partnership with families: children from early years onwards are expected to read at least five times a week, with this recorded in a reading record book. For parents, shared reading becomes a regular part of the week rather than an occasional extra.

Nursery staff are qualified educators with early years training. For children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school's SENCO works with teachers to recognise needs early and decide which interventions or specialist help are needed. The Assess, Plan, Do, Review model guides checks on progress and adjustments to support.

Lunch has a social purpose as well as a practical one. Children eat at tables in small groups, practising conversation and mealtime manners. Food is freshly cooked in the school's kitchen, and families may choose packed lunches. Nursery meals are free for children eligible for Free School Meals; otherwise, meals are charged. Contact the school for current charges.

Parents can arrange informal conversations with their child's teacher at a time that suits both sides. The school also holds parent coffee mornings, giving families another opportunity to raise questions and concerns.

Attending the nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process, coordinated by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The primary application deadline is 15 January. Keep that application separate from your nursery arrangements and submit it by the normal deadline.

Part-time mornings run from 9am to noon; afternoon sessions run from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. These places depend on availability, and families should request their preferred option when applying. Nursery applications can be made throughout the year.

Private nursery visits can be booked by contacting the school. The office can be reached at info@arkbentworthprimary.org or 0208 743 2527.

After-school childcare. The school's after-school care accepts children from Reception to Year 6 only. Nursery families needing care after their session will need a separate arrangement.