Bayonne Nursery School stands as an Outstanding-rated early years setting in Hammersmith, recognized by Ofsted in September 2023 for providing children with "a stimulating and inspired start" to their education. This state-maintained nursery serves 2- to 4-year-olds at 50 Paynes Walk, operating as part of the Thames Federation alongside James Lee Nursery and Melcombe Primary School. The school delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through distinctive approaches including Forest School programmes and "In the Moment" planning, underpinned by core principles of enrichment, high expectations, and excellence. With 60 places for 3- to 4-year-olds and a separate 16-place pre-school for eligible 2-year-olds, Bayonne combines nurturing pastoral care with an ambitious educational vision, earning recognition including the NAS Autism Award 2025.
Bayonne Nursery School's ethos centres on three foundational pillars: enrichment, high expectations, and excellence. This philosophy shapes every aspect of provision, from the curriculum design to the daily interactions between staff and children. Ofsted inspectors noted that "children demonstrate superb, determined attitudes to their learning," reflecting the school's success in fostering confidence and curiosity from the earliest stages.
The nursery operates within the Thames Federation structure, sharing leadership and strategic direction with James Lee Nursery and Melcombe Primary School under Executive Head Teacher Janice Moore. This federated model allows the school to draw on wider expertise and resources while maintaining its distinct identity as a specialist early years setting. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school, according to Ofsted, with the warm, welcoming atmosphere frequently highlighted as a key strength.
The school's approach to inclusion is demonstrated through its speech, language and communication support services and dedicated SENDCO oversight by Sophie Naisbitt. The achievement of the NAS Autism Award 2025 underscores Bayonne's commitment to meeting the needs of children with autism spectrum conditions, while the broader Eco-School initiatives and School Council participation reflect an environment where even the youngest learners contribute to school life.
Bayonne delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through a play-based learning model that balances child-initiated exploration with structured adult-led activities. The school employs "In the Moment" planning, a responsive pedagogical approach that allows practitioners to build on children's interests and spontaneous learning opportunities rather than relying solely on pre-planned activities. This flexible framework supports the Outstanding rating for quality of education noted in the most recent inspection.
Forest School programmes form a distinctive element of the curriculum, offering regular outdoor learning experiences that develop resilience, problem-solving skills and environmental awareness. These sessions complement the indoor learning environment and provide opportunities for physical development, risk-taking in controlled contexts, and connection with nature. The school's Eco-School status reflects a sustained commitment to environmental education woven throughout the curriculum.
Home learning support forms another pillar of the educational approach, with families encouraged to extend nursery activities into the home environment. This partnership between school and families helps ensure continuity of learning and reinforces key concepts across settings. The provision of a breakfast club extends the school's wraparound care offering, accommodating working families while providing additional nutritional and social opportunities for children.
As an Outstanding-rated setting, Bayonne demonstrates strengths across all areas of the EYFS framework: communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. The school's partnership with Fulham FC adds an additional dimension to physical development opportunities, while extracurricular activities broaden the learning experience beyond the core curriculum.
Admission to Bayonne Nursery School is managed by the Executive Head Teacher, with applications processed for two main intake points: September (offers sent in April/May) and January (offers sent in October/November). Children are admitted the term after their third birthday for the main nursery provision, subject to availability and the head's discretion. For the 16-place pre-school supporting 2-year-olds, eligibility is linked to local authority funding criteria, with places allocated through Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
The admissions criteria follow a clear priority order. First priority is given to children on the Local Authority Child Protection Register or in public care. Second priority goes to children with diagnosed exceptional educational, social or medical needs, supported by documentation from medical professionals. Siblings of current or recent pupils receive third priority, followed by children living closest to the school, measured by direct-line distance from home postcode to the school postcode.
Prospective families must submit a completed application form alongside proof of address, parent ID, child's birth certificate and passport. These materials should be emailed to admin@bayonne.lbhf.sch.uk. The school welcomes visits through regular Wednesday afternoon tours and half-termly open mornings, which can be booked by calling 020 7385 5366.
Funding arrangements accommodate various family circumstances. All 3- to 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week, delivered between 9:15am and 12:15pm, Monday to Friday. Working parents meeting specific income requirements (both parents working at least 16 hours per week at minimum wage, with neither earning over £100,000 annually) qualify for 30 hours of free provision, extending the day to 3:15pm. Families requiring hours beyond their entitlement can purchase additional time at £24 per day for an extra 15 hours, payable half a term in advance.
The school's location in Hammersmith places it within a densely populated urban area where demand for high-quality early years places is strong. While specific application-to-offer ratios are not published, the school's Outstanding rating and established reputation suggest healthy demand. Parents are advised to apply early and attend an open morning or tour to understand the setting's ethos and environment before submitting their application.
Bayonne Nursery School offers an exceptional start to formal education for families in Hammersmith seeking an Outstanding-rated early years setting with a distinctive pedagogical approach. The combination of "In the Moment" planning, Forest School programmes, and strong inclusion practices creates a learning environment where children develop confidence, curiosity and determination from their earliest educational experiences. The school's Outstanding Ofsted rating, achieved in September 2023 after previously holding Good, demonstrates a trajectory of continuous improvement and sustained high standards.
For parents prioritizing outdoor learning, responsive teaching methods and robust support for children with additional needs including autism spectrum conditions, Bayonne presents a compelling choice. The school's membership in the Thames Federation provides strategic stability and access to wider resources, while maintaining its focused identity as a specialist nursery setting. The availability of both 15-hour and 30-hour funded places, alongside flexible additional hours, accommodates diverse family working patterns.
Proximity remains the decisive factor for most applicants after priority categories are considered, making Bayonne particularly suitable for families living within the immediate Hammersmith catchment. The school's explicit criteria and transparent admissions timeline allow families to plan applications strategically around the September and January intake points. Parents should note that a place is not guaranteed even after application, reflecting the limited capacity and high demand typical of Outstanding-rated settings in inner London.
The school's ethos of enrichment, high expectations and excellence is not mere rhetoric but is evidenced in Ofsted observations of children's attitudes and the positive feedback from existing families. For parents seeking a nurturing yet ambitious nursery environment that balances academic foundations with holistic child development, Bayonne Nursery School represents one of Hammersmith's strongest early years options.
Bayonne Nursery School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted as of September 2023, reflecting high-quality provision across all areas of early years education. Inspectors noted that children receive "a stimulating and inspired start" and demonstrate "superb, determined attitudes to their learning." The school's strengths include responsive teaching through "In the Moment" planning, Forest School outdoor learning, strong inclusion practices, and robust support for speech, language and communication needs. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school according to Ofsted feedback.
Applications for 3- to 4-year-old places are submitted directly to the school by emailing admin@bayonne.lbhf.sch.uk with a completed application form, proof of address, parent ID, child's birth certificate and passport. For the 2-year-old pre-school, applications are made through Hammersmith & Fulham Council. The school operates two main intake points: September (offers in April/May) and January (offers in October/November). Parents are encouraged to attend Wednesday afternoon tours or half-termly open mornings by calling 020 7385 5366 to book.
For families using 15 hours of funded childcare, sessions run from 9:15am to 12:15pm, Monday to Friday. Families eligible for 30 hours of funded provision can access extended hours from 9:15am to 3:15pm on the same days. Additional paid hours beyond entitlements are available at £24 per day, with payment required half a term in advance. The school also offers a breakfast club for wraparound care.
Bayonne distinguishes itself through several features: its Outstanding Ofsted rating, membership in the Thames Federation, specialist "In the Moment" planning approach, regular Forest School programmes, dedicated speech and language support services, and recognition through the NAS Autism Award 2025. The school combines a play-based EYFS curriculum with high expectations, environmental education through its Eco-School status, and active partnerships including with Fulham FC. This blend of academic ambition and nurturing pastoral care creates a distinctive early years experience.
Yes, Bayonne operates a separate 16-place pre-school for 2-year-olds who are eligible for local authority funding. Admission to the 2-year-old provision is managed through Hammersmith & Fulham Council rather than directly by the school. The main 60-place nursery serves 3- to 4-year-olds, with children typically admitted the term after their third birthday, subject to availability.
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