Nursery at St James Preparatory School
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
In 2025-26, cookery in the Teaching Kitchen, Forest School and time in the Dream Room gave Little Shells Nursery at St James a distinctive mix of activities. This is the nursery attached to St James Preparatory School, with boys and girls learning together in West Kensington. Its address is 14 Gorleston Street.
The nursery describes its provision as being for children aged 2-4. At the January to February 2024 ISI inspection, 25 nursery children were enrolled across two classes. That is a dated pupil count, rather than a measure of places available now.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines developing basic skills with following children's interests. In January to February 2024, children in the early years made good progress through learning tailored to individuals, suitable resources and activities that caught their attention. Staff supported children in choosing their own learning and developing personal interests. Children also explained their answers to mathematical problems clearly, giving a concrete picture of language and number skills working together.
In 2025-26, mornings included free flow and Dream Room time, with Forest School, drama, music and library activities across the week. Short Burst Learning also featured. Cookery used the Teaching Kitchen, so practical activity had a named space of its own.
Outdoor activity had a substantial place in that year's day: outside time ran from 11:15 to 12:00, with further activities and outdoor time in the afternoon. A story preceded lunch, while snacks punctuated the morning and afternoon. Storytime returned towards the end of the day. For parents, the useful picture is a rhythm of activity, food, stories and time outside, rather than continuous formal lessons.
Emotional expression has a concrete tool. In January to February 2024, early-years children used colour monsters to communicate feelings, and staff tracked personal development alongside learning. The relationship between staff and parents supported children's progress, making communication part of their care as well as their education.
Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are included, as are wipes and nappies. Lunches are vegetarian. Early-years children also learned about nutritious food and caring for their teeth, connecting everyday routines with understanding their bodies.
SEND support uses an Assess-Plan-Do-Review Model, with parents involved in considering needs and reviewing provision. Individual Education Plans specify support and review dates where required. External assessments are parent-funded, and additional provision can involve agreed charges. Reasonable adjustments have limits: if the school cannot adequately meet a child's needs, it may decline a place or seek withdrawal after consultation.
Before nursery entry, children attend a Taster Morning with their parents. This gives families and staff an opportunity to get acquainted before an offer.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The 2025-26 admission arrangements allow preference for children attending St James Nursery, but also require a satisfactory nursery report where applicable and an Assessment Morning before a Reception offer. Preference is conditional, rather than an entitlement.
Families should discuss Reception assessment and offer requirements directly with the Prep School, and confirm with the Registrar whether fresh registration is required. Nursery children made regular visits to the prep school during the year at the January to February 2024 inspection. Those visits build familiarity; they are separate from the decision about admission.
Morning sessions run from 08:00 to 13:00, and afternoons from 13:00 to 18:00. The stated minimum is five sessions. Morning wraparound runs from 07:30 to 08:00. Additional sessions require at least 24 hours' notice for an ad hoc booking; a permanent schedule change requires two months' notice.
Eligible families can use 15-hour or 30-hour government funding. Funding calculated over 38 weeks is spread across the nursery's 48 opening weeks, with monthly charges collected in advance by direct debit. A small number of funded-only spaces are offered on specified attendance patterns. Discuss the funded pattern with the Registrar and obtain current charges from the school.
Personal tours can be arranged through the admissions enquiry form, and individual nursery tours run throughout the year.
Morning sessions are 08:00-13:00 and afternoon sessions are 13:00-18:00. Morning wraparound is 07:30-08:00.
No. Nursery children may receive preference under the 2025-26 admission arrangements, but Reception entry has its own assessment and offer requirements.
Breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, nappies and wipes are included. Lunches are vegetarian.
For eligible families, 15-hour and 30-hour funding is calculated over 38 weeks and spread over 48 opening weeks. Funded-only spaces are limited and have specified attendance patterns.
Yes. Individual tours are offered throughout the year, and the admissions enquiry form can be used to arrange a personal tour.
