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Nursery at St Stephen's CofE Primary 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play dough, sensory materials and outdoor learning give this nursery its character. St Stephen's has a single nursery class within its Church of England primary school, with 30 places on a compulsory full-time model. Children join in September after turning three. This is a school-week commitment from the outset.
A qualified teacher leads the class alongside an Early Years Educator and a nursery teaching assistant. Ofsted judged the school's early years provision Outstanding at the inspection on 7 and 8 November 2023. That judgement covers early years within the school; it is not a separate nursery rating.
Play provides the starting point for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The nursery's approach connects playing with acquiring skills, understanding and confidence, working towards the Early Learning Goals. Learning takes place in a classroom organised for free-flow activity and an outdoor learning space, giving children indoor and outdoor settings for their exploration.
The early years classrooms receive freshly made play dough each week. Sensory resources include herbs and citrus fruit, alongside materials such as shaving foam. These give children textures and scents to investigate, making learning a hands-on experience rather than solely something to listen to.
Language receives close attention. In November 2023, early years teaching emphasised vocabulary, speaking and expressing ideas. Children also learned classroom expectations early, listened during taught activities and cooperated with one another. Dolls represented disabilities and different cultures. An early years video conversation with a palaeontologist working in America brought a dinosaur excavation into children's learning, connecting classroom curiosity with someone doing the work.
Settling starts before September. Nursery families have a summer classroom visit with parents taking part, followed by a staff visit at home in the final week of the summer term. The home conversation gives parents time to raise concerns while their child meets staff in familiar surroundings.
Children can build up their attendance gradually during the initial settling period, although the full charge still applies. School meals carry a separate charge, so families should include lunch in their planning.
For additional needs, the school's SEND framework uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review: staff identify needs, plan support, put it into practice and evaluate its effect. Plans are shared with parents and reconsidered each term. Transition arrangements for nursery-aged children with SEND can include home visits, transition booklets and meetings involving parents and professionals. This gives families a role in planning support before their child starts.
A nursery place does not guarantee admission to Reception. Families must make another application through their home local authority, using its Common Application Form; Hammersmith and Fulham residents can apply through eAdmissions. Nursery attendance is not a priority criterion in the school's 2027/2028 Reception arrangements.
For Reception entry in 2027/2028, the deadline is 15 January 2027. The supplementary form is for applicants submitting a church reference. Keep both processes distinct when planning ahead.
A summer visit morning helps children preparing to start Reception experience the classroom independently of their parents. That preparation is separate from the allocation of places.
Full-time attendance. The 2027/2028 nursery handbook sets the day at 9am to 3.30pm, Monday through Friday, across 38 weeks. Families need to plan around that complete week rather than selecting individual half-days.
Each place includes 15 funded hours weekly across those 38 weeks. Eligible families may use 30-hour funding, with charges for the additional attendance beyond that entitlement. Families using only the 15-hour entitlement pay for the remaining attendance. Check eligibility through Childcare Choices and obtain current charges from the school. Payment is due before each term begins, and accepting a place requires a deposit.
Nursery uniform is required; the uniform list includes a smock and fleece supplied through Gooddies. Enquiries and tour bookings go through the school office on 020 8743 4483 or admin@ststephensce.lbhf.sch.uk. Book a tour in advance and confirm its day with the office.
Children start in September following their third birthday.
The 2027/2028 handbook requires full-time attendance, with a core day of 9am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, for 38 weeks.
Parents join their child for a summer classroom visit, and staff arrange a home visit. Attendance can build gradually during settling, but the full charge remains payable.
Each place includes 15 funded hours per week for 38 weeks. Eligible families can use 30-hour funding; additional attendance and school meals are charged separately.
No. Nursery attendance is not a priority criterion in the 2027/2028 Reception policy and does not guarantee a place. Apply separately through your home local authority by 15 January 2027 for that entry year; applicants submitting a church reference also complete the supplementary form.
