Bassett House School Nursery Review

A sand pit, wormery and garden visits give Bassett House’s youngest children plenty to investigate. Montessori-inspired learning adds choice to the day, with children encouraged to follow their interests rather than simply complete the same task together.

This independent school’s nursery provision begins after a child’s second birthday. The entry groups distinguish Prenursery for children aged two and above from Nursery for those aged three and above. Bassett Bear House accommodates the nursery alongside a music and drama studio, giving the youngest pupils a base within the wider school.

Choice sits alongside teaching. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides the framework across seven areas of learning; individual teaching, small groups and whole-class activities combine with play. Montessori supplies the emphasis on children making decisions about their learning. For parents, that means a day with both adult guidance and room for a child’s own interests.

From age three, children read with an adult daily, with a phonics coordinator overseeing this part of the early-years programme. Outdoor learning is equally tangible. Growing Space has helped develop the garden, where raised planting boxes and seats made from logs accompany the wormery and sand pit. Children use outdoor areas each day and go to Kensington Memorial Park several times weekly. There is room to move as well as observe.

ISI’s February 2024 inspection found that early-years planning responded to children’s interests and needs, while teaching encouraged them to stretch their learning. In February 2024, children used developed vocabulary, understood number securely and enjoyed learning indoors and outside. Their observations of butterflies and flowers supplied concrete opportunities to notice patterns, colours and the natural world.

Settling starts before the first session. Children joining the nursery can take part in induction events and meet their teacher ahead of starting, reducing the unfamiliarity of a new classroom. Staffing arrangements emphasise continuity with familiar adults. The supervision policy specifies one adult for every four two-year-olds, and one for every eight nursery children aged three or four, or thirteen where a teacher leads.

Full-day attendance includes a hot meal, fruit and pudding in the dining hall. Food is prepared on site; the meal inclusion excludes children attending mornings only. For entry at three and above, children must be toilet trained, although occasional accidents are recognised. Staff can assist with intimate care and record that assistance.

Early-years staff observe speech, language and coordination when identifying possible difficulties. SEND support follows an assess, plan, do and review cycle, with parents involved in agreeing interventions. Additional individual lessons carry a separate charge when agreed in writing with parents. Support for children learning English also draws on their home languages, with bilingual help where possible. Parent meetings take place in autumn and spring, followed by a summer report.

The September 2025 admissions policy gives children already in Bassett House’s Nursery School first priority and automatic entry to Reception. This is a specific provision in the school’s admission arrangements. The same policy qualifies expected transfer where continuing would not serve the child’s interests, leaves admission to the Head’s discretion and makes the parent contract prevail over conflicting policy guidance.

Transfer normally takes place in September after the fourth birthday. Existing nursery families therefore have an internal progression route rather than the ordinary external Reception application process. Induction events, including meeting the teacher, address preparation for the next classroom separately from entitlement to a place.

Morning attendance runs from 8:30am to noon; a full day finishes at 3:40pm. The minimum booking is three mornings weekly. Families can mix mornings and full days, with regular or occasional afternoons also offered. In the summer term before Reception, children are asked to attend at least three full days each week.

Wraparound care extends to 6pm and is restricted to nursery children aged three and above. Funding needs careful budgeting: the FAQs describe acceptance of either 15 or 30 funded hours weekly until age five, while the fees page describes a local-authority grant covering up to 15 hours and parental payment for contracted hours beyond it. Continued participation in that grant scheme is conditional. Ask the school for current charges.

Use the enquiry form to request a private tour. At handover, children pass directly to a responsible adult, and collection is limited to adults authorised beforehand by parents or carers.