James Lee Nursery School: learning through children's interests

Children's own ideas set the learning in motion at James Lee. Staff follow their play, then add questions, vocabulary and practical help to take it further. This is a local authority nursery school on Gliddon Road, part of the Thames Federation alongside Bayonne Nursery and Melcombe Primary School.

The nursery describes its provision as serving children aged two to four. Its December 2025 admissions arrangements set the youngest entry point at two years and six months, citing the demands of the outdoor environment. Families considering an early start should distinguish that entry point from the broader age range.

Play supplies the starting point; adults supply the next challenge. James Lee follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), covering language, movement, relationships, early reading and writing, number, exploration and creative work. Its named approach, In the Moment Planning, means staff respond to what interests a child rather than expecting everyone to follow the same activity.

The May 2023 inspection found that staff used questions skilfully to extend children's thinking and speech. Children discussed chick eggs, mixed paint using instructions and practised conversation through a fruit and vegetable shop. Stories also prompted discussion, while library day let children choose books with their parents. These activities give children reasons to explain ideas, follow a sequence and make choices.

Movement has named slots in the week: a Fulham Football Club coach leads Friday morning football, Wiggle Waggle brings music and movement on Mondays, and weekly yoga uses stories to introduce poses. Trips include local shops and the library. In May 2023, outdoor experiences included visits to Wimbledon Common each week and tending plants in a greenhouse built from discarded plastic bottles. Exploration extended beyond the classroom.

Settling starts with a familiar adult. The key worker visits the family at home before nursery begins, gathering information about the child's interests and needs. Staff then agree a gradual settling period with parents, adjusting the move from staying together to the child attending independently. Parents can raise concerns with the key person or class teacher and discuss progress at consultation meetings.

Lunch is included in the universal morning session. In May 2023, children took responsibility for laying lunch tables, making the meal routine another opportunity to practise independence. Classrooms are on the ground floor of a single-storey building, a practical consideration for children with mobility needs.

SEND support includes Bucket time for attention, Welcomm language groups led by a trained teaching assistant, and individual support plans where needed. The May 2023 inspection judged safeguarding effective and SEND provision exemplary: staff recognised needs early and worked with therapists on adaptations so children could participate in the curriculum alongside their peers.

A James Lee place does not guarantee admission to Melcombe Primary School's Reception. Families must make a separate Reception application through the normal admissions process. For Melcombe, Hammersmith and Fulham manages applications, with eAdmissions as the submission route; apply by the normal Reception deadline.

Preparation for the move is a separate matter. James Lee arranges transition visits and passes information to the receiving teacher, with meetings between nursery and primary SENCOs where appropriate. These arrangements depend on the receiving school's agreement. They help the next team understand the child; they do not secure admission.

Sessions run during term time, Monday to Friday. The universal 15-hour pattern is 9:15am to 12:15pm, including lunch; the 30-hour day ends at 3:15pm. Extended funding depends on eligibility. Additional afternoon hours can also be purchased, subject to availability, with payment required half a term ahead.

Breakfast Club runs from 8:00am to 9:15am, with limited paid places. Ask the office about current charges for this or additional hours. Nursery applications go directly to James Lee, using a downloaded form or a paper copy from the office.

Tours take place on Tuesdays at 10:30am. Book through reception on 020 8741 8877 or email admin@jameslee.lbhf.sch.uk. This gives families a practical route to discuss the session pattern and settling arrangements before applying.