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Nursery at Barlby 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Messy outdoor play and the freedom to move between early years classrooms give Roots Nursery its character. This is Barlby Primary School’s own nursery class in North Kensington, taking children from three and a half. It forms part of the school’s Foundation Stage, with access to the nursery classroom, outdoor learning space and two Reception classrooms for part of the day.
Ofsted’s report dated 28 April 2026 judged early years to meet the Expected standard. That judgement covers the school’s early years provision, rather than a separately inspected nursery.
Movement between learning spaces is built into part of the day through free flow: children can use the outdoor environment as well as the early years classrooms. Outside, sensory exploration, physical activity and messy play give children practical ways to investigate. Spare clothes and wellies have a purpose here.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together learning to communicate, beginning to read and understand numbers, physical development and imaginative play. At Barlby, adults demonstrate new vocabulary and adjust activities to individual children. The April 2026 early years findings describe children becoming confident enough to explain their learning, making language a practical part of participation.
Writing begins with physical skills as well as marks on paper. Across early years, focused writing tasks sit alongside help with developing movement and coordination; additional support helps children use emerging literacy skills more independently. Children with SEND also make progress from their individual starting points. The emphasis is on helping each child take the next step.
Preparation for nursery starts with everyday independence. Parents are encouraged to help children practise dressing, using the toilet and feeding themselves before they begin. These are useful foundations for managing the nursery day, rather than simply academic preparation.
In April 2026, early years routines supported increasing independence, while attention to wellbeing helped children feel secure and settled enough to learn. Staff worked with families and professionals outside the school to respond to changing developmental needs. Support was matched to the child.
For parents raising a concern about special educational needs or disabilities, the class teacher is the first contact. Barlby’s SEND arrangements include termly discussions with the teacher and SENCo for children with an identified special educational need, giving families a regular opportunity to review progress and support.
Attending Barlby’s nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Parents must make a separate application through the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea local authority and meet the normal application deadline. Nursery attendance is not a priority criterion in the admissions arrangements shown: priorities concern children in public care, exceptional medical or social need, siblings and distance from school.
Access to the Reception classrooms during free flow gives nursery children familiarity with those spaces. That everyday connection is separate from allocation of places. Families should treat choosing the nursery and applying for Reception as two distinct decisions.
Nursery applications are handled by Barlby itself. Contact the school office on 020 8969 3988 to apply. Prospective parents can also arrange a school visit by telephone or by emailing info@barlby.rbkc.sch.uk.
Bring labelled wellies and spare clothing for outdoor play. This allows children to take part in messy activities with a change ready afterwards.
The nursery takes children from three and a half.
Yes. Free flow operates for part of the day, allowing access to outdoor learning alongside the early years classrooms. Outdoor activities include messy play, sensory exploration and physical activity.
No. Parents must apply separately through the local authority. Nursery attendance is not included among the Reception priority criteria shown.
Practise everyday independence with feeding, dressing and toileting. Provide labelled wellies and spare clothes for messy outdoor play.
Contact the school office on 020 8969 3988 for a nursery application. School visits can be booked by telephone or by emailing info@barlby.rbkc.sch.uk.
