Bayonne Nursery School: Play, Woodland and Growing Independence

A rain shower can become a maths lesson at Bayonne: children catch water in containers and compare how much they hold. At the September 2023 inspection, this was one example of adults turning children's interests into learning. Play has a clear purpose here.

At 50 Paynes Walk in Hammersmith, Bayonne has 60 nursery places for children aged three to four, alongside a 16-place pre-school for two-year-olds eligible for its funding offer. It is a nursery school rather than a nursery classroom inside a primary school. Its federation partners are James Lee Nursery and Melcombe Primary School; all three belong to the Thames Federation.

Children's choices shape the learning. Bayonne follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which brings together early language, movement, relationships, reading, writing, maths, creativity and understanding the world. Its planning in the moment approach means adults develop learning from what interests a child, rather than treating play as a break from teaching.

The September 2023 findings give this approach substance. Younger children practised counting before releasing a ball down a ramp; older children explored numbers through fingers, clapping and dice. Small-group stories and familiar rhymes brought quieter periods into the day. Adults used conversation to extend vocabulary and helped children negotiate turns with shared equipment. These are practical beginnings for both learning and getting along with others.

Space matters too. Bayonne occupies a single-storey building with ground-floor classrooms, wheelchair access in its large teaching rooms and adapted toilets and changing facilities. In the pre-school, a sand pit, wooden climbing frame and raised digging beds give children opportunities to practise climbing and balance. Books are available across the pre-school.

Forest School takes groups to Wimbledon Common for one day each week over a four-week block, travelling by minibus. Sessions include den building, examining minibeasts and climbing logs. Groups have up to eight children with at least two adults. Parents can join the final Family Day, giving them a chance to share the woodland experience.

Settling begins with a home visit from the child's key worker. Staff learn about interests and needs before the start, then agree a gradual settling programme with parents, adjusting it daily as the child moves towards staying independently. The key worker or teacher also provides a route for discussing concerns, alongside parent consultations and the SEND coordinator.

Support includes Bucket time attention activities, Welcomm language groups and weekly sensory sessions at the Stephen Wiltshire Centre. Individual SEND plans are used where needed. In September 2023, children with SEND received highly effective support alongside their peers, and safeguarding arrangements were effective.

Lunch becomes part of the routine once children have settled. The Pantry Ltd cooks meals on site each day; meal supervisors help, and children take part in laying tables. Halal, vegetarian and vegan meals can be accommodated. Parents should tell the office or key worker about allergies, intolerances and other dietary needs.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Melcombe Primary School. Families must make a separate Reception application through Hammersmith and Fulham's admissions service, using eAdmissions and the normal application deadline. Federation membership should not be treated as a secured primary place.

Transition support is a separate matter. Bayonne arranges visits and passes information to the receiving teacher, with meetings between SEND coordinators where appropriate. These arrangements depend on the receiving school's agreement, helping support follow the child to their chosen primary school.

The nursery operates Monday to Friday during term time. Universal 15-hour attendance runs from 9:15am to 12:15pm; the 30-hour day ends at 3:15pm. Eligible families need a childcare code for the funded longer day. Families without that entitlement can request paid afternoon hours, subject to availability, with payment half a term ahead.

Additional costs. Breakfast Club runs from 8am to 9:15am with limited paid places. Lunch charges apply unless the council confirms free-school-meal eligibility. Ask the office for current charges before committing to a pattern.

For enquiries, email admin@bayonne.lbhf.sch.uk or call 020 7385 5366. Nursery tours for three- and four-year-olds take place on Monday afternoons and use a booking form. Secure bicycle parking is provided; there is no on-site car parking.