Vanessa Nursery School is an Outstanding maintained nursery in White City, notable for its Global Climate School accreditation and rare on-site swimming pool. The school serves children aged 2 to 5 in Hammersmith and Fulham, combining early years excellence with a progressive environmental ethos. Federated with Randolph Beresford Early Years Centre since 2016, Vanessa operates under Executive Headteacher Michele Barrett and Head of School Benita Mohamed. The nursery is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting strong local demand for its inclusive, play-based approach and specialist facilities.
Vanessa Nursery School's mission centres on helping "every child to grow up feeling confident about their identity, in a spirit of friendship." The school values diversity and aims to create a nurturing environment where children and staff care for each other and their surroundings. This inclusive ethos is embedded in the Key Person approach, ensuring each child receives individualised attention from a dedicated member of staff.
The school's Global Climate School status reflects a commitment to environmental education from the earliest years. Outdoor learning is central to the curriculum, with Forest School sessions encouraging exploration and connection with nature. The federation with Randolph Beresford in 2016 brought together complementary strengths, extending the reach of high-quality early education across White City and Shepherds Bush. Parents are viewed as partners in learning, with staff working collaboratively to share achievement records and support children's development at home and in nursery.
The atmosphere is warm and community-focused, with a free-flow nursery room allowing children to move between indoor and outdoor spaces. The school's small scale and expert staffing create a close-knit environment where each family is known. Five qualified teachers lead the provision, offering continuity and pedagogical expertise unusual for a nursery setting.
Vanessa Nursery School operates a play-based curriculum grounded in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. While statutory assessment data is not applicable at this phase, the school's Outstanding Ofsted rating from March 2023 confirms the quality of teaching and learning. Inspectors consistently praise the nursery's ability to meet the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The curriculum emphasises communication, physical development, and personal, social and emotional growth. Forest School sessions develop resilience, risk assessment skills and environmental awareness. Swimming lessons, delivered using the on-site pool, introduce water safety and confidence from an early age—a rare provision among maintained nurseries. The Home Learning programme bridges nursery and family life, helping parents support their children's development between sessions.
Staff use observation and assessment to tailor learning to individual needs. The Key Person approach ensures children form secure attachments, which research shows underpin later academic and social success. The nursery's inclusive culture welcomes children across the ability spectrum, with differentiated support enabling all to progress from their individual starting points.
Vanessa Nursery School's facilities are designed to support active, exploratory learning. The free-flow nursery room allows children to choose between indoor activities and outdoor play throughout the session. The outdoor space includes areas for physical play, gardening, and nature exploration, reinforcing the school's environmental focus.
The on-site swimming pool is a standout feature, offering weekly swimming instruction from experienced staff. Swimming sessions develop motor skills, coordination, and water confidence in a safe, supervised environment. Forest School sessions take place both on-site and at nearby green spaces, with children learning fire safety, tool use, and ecological awareness.
The Pre-School programme for 2-year-olds operates from Cathnor Park Children's Centre, extending provision to the youngest learners. This collaboration with the local authority ensures families can access high-quality early education from age 2, with a smooth transition to the main nursery site at age 3.
The nursery's location in White City places it within a diverse, well-connected urban neighbourhood. Cathnor Road is easily accessible by public transport, with Shepherd's Bush and White City stations nearby. The local area offers parks, libraries and community resources that enrich the nursery's curriculum.
Vanessa Nursery School is heavily oversubscribed, with demand consistently exceeding available places. The school offers part-time funded places for 3- and 4-year-olds, structured as two-and-a-half days per week. Sessions run Monday and Tuesday 9:00am to 3:15pm, Wednesday morning (9:00am to 11:30am) or afternoon (12:45pm to 3:15pm), and Thursday and Friday 9:00am to 3:15pm. Children receive lunch on full days, with meals payable in advance.
Children typically join in September or January when they turn 3 or 4. Admissions are managed directly by the school rather than through Hammersmith and Fulham's centralised primary admissions system. Families must contact Vanessa Nursery School to request an application form and visit the website for admissions criteria. The school prioritises children with specific needs, siblings of current or former pupils, and those living closest to the nursery, though exact criteria should be confirmed with the school.
Given the high level of local demand, parents are advised to apply early and consider alternative nursery options. The school's inclusive approach means children with SEND are welcomed and supported, though families should discuss specific needs during the application process. The nursery's Outstanding rating and specialist facilities make it a first-choice option for many families in White City, Shepherds Bush and surrounding areas.
Places are funded for 15 hours per week for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, reducing costs for families. Additional charges apply for meals and optional extended provision where available.
Vanessa Nursery School delivers an Outstanding early years experience, combining strong pedagogical foundations with progressive initiatives like Global Climate School status and on-site swimming. The school's inclusive ethos, expert staffing and play-based curriculum create an environment where young children thrive socially, emotionally and academically. The federation with Randolph Beresford extends the school's reach and resources, benefiting families across White City and Shepherds Bush.
For families seeking a maintained nursery with a distinctive environmental focus and rare facilities, Vanessa is an excellent choice. The nursery's oversubscribed status reflects its reputation, so early application is essential. Parents value the Key Person approach, the outdoor learning opportunities, and the strong partnership between home and school. The combination of qualified teachers, specialist programmes, and a nurturing atmosphere sets Vanessa apart from many nursery settings.
Potential drawbacks are limited to capacity constraints and the part-time structure of funded places, which may not suit families needing full-time childcare. However, for those who can access a place, Vanessa offers a strong foundation for lifelong learning and a genuine commitment to each child's unique development.
Yes. Vanessa Nursery School holds an Outstanding Ofsted rating from its most recent inspection in March 2023. The school is recognised for its inclusive approach, expert teaching, and distinctive facilities including an on-site swimming pool and Forest School provision. The federation with Randolph Beresford strengthens leadership and resources. Demand consistently exceeds available places, reflecting strong community confidence in the nursery's quality.
Applications are made directly to the school, not through Hammersmith and Fulham's primary admissions system. Contact Vanessa Nursery School by phone on 020 8743 8196 or visit the website at www.vanessanurseryschool.org.uk to request an application form and confirm the admissions criteria. Children typically join in September or January when they turn 3 or 4. Early application is advised due to oversubscription.
Vanessa Nursery School serves children aged 2 to 5. The Pre-School programme for 2-year-olds operates from Cathnor Park Children's Centre. Funded part-time places for 3- and 4-year-olds are offered at the main Cathnor Road site. Children usually transition to primary school at age 4 or 5.
Vanessa Nursery School stands out for its Global Climate School accreditation, on-site swimming pool, and Forest School programme. The school is a maintained nursery with five qualified teachers—unusual in the early years sector. The federation with Randolph Beresford, which won the Nursery World Award for Most Inclusive Practice in 2019, brings additional expertise and resources. The combination of environmental education, inclusive values, and specialist facilities creates a distinctive early years offer.
Part-time funded places for 3- and 4-year-olds are structured as two-and-a-half days per week: Monday and Tuesday 9:00am to 3:15pm, Wednesday 9:00am to 11:30am or 12:45pm to 3:15pm, and Thursday and Friday 9:00am to 3:15pm. Children have lunch on full days, with meal costs payable in advance. Families should contact the school to confirm current session structures and any extended provision options.
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