Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle Nursery Review

French is part of the learning from Petite Section onwards: the nursery at Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle begins with the French national curriculum and an English intensive bilingual stream. This is a choice about language as much as childcare. The school’s January 2026 terms describe entry for children turning three during the school year, with cohorts normally organised by calendar year of birth.

At South Kensington, the provision belongs to the main school site at 35 Cromwell Road. Ofsted rated the school’s early years provision Outstanding following its 1 to 3 October 2024 inspection. That judgement covers early years within the school, rather than a separately inspected nursery.

Counting songs and stories give a concrete picture of early learning here. In October 2024, children practised numbers through singing, then returned to the same ideas by counting objects during stories. Repetition linked different activities, giving children more than one way to practise number knowledge.

The French national curriculum shapes Petite Section, and the January 2026 terms require at least half of teaching to be in French. The English intensive bilingual stream therefore sits within a French educational structure. For parents choosing it, the language balance is a central part of the nursery experience.

There is an important distinction around the early years foundation stage (EYFS). The school has an exemption from its learning and development requirements, so families are choosing a French curriculum rather than the usual EYFS learning framework. Its early years care and safeguarding obligations still apply.

Support involves both the teaching and wellbeing teams. The SEND policy extends to maternelle and describes a cycle of assessing needs, planning help, putting it into practice and reviewing progress. Parents contribute to identifying needs and discussing the support plan. This gives families a role in decisions about their child’s learning.

Access and adjustments. The January 2026 terms make support conditional on the school being able to meet a child’s needs through reasonable adjustments. Building layouts can limit access for children with mobility difficulties, and some barriers may be insurmountable. Additional expertise beyond reasonable adjustments may carry a charge for parents.

School meals are charged separately from tuition. Families must disclose dietary and medical needs when applying and keep that information updated. Regular written progress reports are part of the school’s communication with parents. In October 2024, early years provision met the EYFS requirements for welfare and safeguarding.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. For families applying to Reception elsewhere, nursery attendance and the Reception application are separate matters.

Continuing at the Lycée involves annual re-enrolment. Parents must confirm continuation, accept the terms and meet the payment conditions and deadlines. This is the practical distinction for families planning to stay: continued attendance depends on completing that process, rather than simply having attended nursery.

Tuition is billed across three terms, with a separate initial registration charge that is non-refundable. Refer to the school for current charges, including meals.

For enquiries, contact the admissions team at inscription@lyceefrancais.org.uk. Nursery applications use the online platform linked from the school’s Admissions page. Complete applications must reach the school by the relevant campaign deadline. Regular attendance and punctuality are expected in maternelle, making this a school attendance model to consider alongside family routines.