The St Michael Steiner School Kindergarten Review

Bread-making, imaginative play and learning outdoors give this kindergarten its practical character. It forms the nursery provision within The St Michael Steiner School in Hanworth, where children can enter the school from age three. The approach is Steiner Waldorf: practical activity and imagination shape how children learn.

At the March 2024 ISI inspection, early years had 23 children across two kindergarten classes, with those classes extending through the end of Year 1. That is an early-years roll at that date, rather than a nursery capacity. The distinction matters when considering the age mix your child will join.

Mornings combine opportunities to choose activities with adult support for practical learning. In March 2024, children chose tasks confidently and participated both independently and alongside others. Bread-making provided a concrete example: children developed practical skills and creativity while building confidence. Practical classroom activities also developed language skills through children's conversations with teachers and peers.

Imitation also shapes play. Children create imaginary kitchens, construction sites and doctors' offices, turning familiar adult occupations into games. These are play scenarios, rather than separate specialist rooms. They give children ways to explore everyday roles together.

Classrooms and surrounding outdoor spaces both support learning. Early-years planning combines national requirements with the Steiner framework, with exemptions from several EYFS requirements granted in 2008. Kindergarten has no formal teaching: learning happens through practical activity, imaginative play, copying others and gentle adult guidance. In parent terms, the Early Years Foundation Stage concerns children's early learning and development; here, practical experiences, communication and relationships are part of that work. In March 2024, teaching supported children's independence and creative thinking indoors and outside. Children learned through interactions with adults and one another, so choosing an activity also meant opportunities to practise speaking, listening and working together.

Stories help children recognise feelings and consider their responses to other people. In March 2024, children interacted positively, and relationships with adults helped them feel secure enough to learn. Clear behavioural expectations accompanied that warmth. The early-years safeguarding team also received regular training, supporting staff in recognising and responding to concerns.

Kindergarten teachers and assistants belong to an Early Years faculty that meets weekly to discuss provision for children below Class 1 age. Teachers must be trained in Steiner Waldorf Education. For children with special educational needs, admission depends on the building, the composition of the prospective group and additional classroom support where needed. Regular parent meetings provide a way to discuss concerns; discussions are confidential and recorded. Support takes place within the classroom wherever possible, with individual help available when needed. This means support can accompany participation in the group's activities, while allowing for a child's individual needs. In March 2024, class teachers also prepared individual plans for early-years children learning English as an additional language.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Families seeking Reception must apply separately through the normal admissions process for their chosen school. Treat choosing the kindergarten and securing a Reception place as separate decisions.

Kindergarten mornings run from 8.25am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, within the school term calendar. Children should be on the grounds by 8.25am and must not arrive before 8.00am. The morning finish is a substantial consideration for families organising work and collection.

Funding and charges. The school stopped participating in the Government's Early Years Funding programme from September 2025. Families therefore need to budget for the school's charges rather than assume funded entitlement can be used here. Contact the school for current charges. Tuition payments can be made monthly by standing order, at the start of each term or annually in advance.

Enquiries can go to info@stmichaelsteiner.com or 020 8893 1299. Open mornings include observing kindergarten play and require booking. Kindergarten application interviews bring children, parents and teachers together informally; children can play while adults talk, and meetings usually last about 45 minutes.