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Nursery at SIAL
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Two languages shape the nursery day at SIAL: English and Italian. This independent school’s nursery in Holland Park brings children aged three and four together in one mixed class, with separate programmes called Nursery 3 and Nursery 4. The class has a maximum of 20 children, including no more than 16 Rising 4s. Children can begin during the term of their third birthday, subject to places.
The early years classrooms occupy the first floor at 154 Holland Park Avenue. A separate provision for two-year-olds is planned for the first months of 2027, conditional on enough children enrolling. It should be treated as a future opening.
Predictability gives the day its shape. Small groups allow focused activities, while children also come together for drama, games, songs and stories. Teachers keep the routine steady but allow some flexibility, helping children anticipate what happens next.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers children’s early learning and development. Here, the curriculum builds learning across its areas, with a particular emphasis on communication. Children are encouraged to explain what they are doing, and books and songs help develop an interest in reading. English and Italian are used across the nursery curriculum, rather than treating one language as an occasional extra.
Weekly learning outdoors gives children opportunities to develop curiosity and confidence. The school also has a playground, hall and dining room on the lower ground floor, so the nursery’s physical setting involves movement between levels.
Ofsted’s March 2026 inspection judged the school’s early years provision to meet the Expected standard. It also identified imprecise explanations of unfamiliar vocabulary and ideas, leaving some children less able to understand and remember their learning. Clearer explanations and better questions remain an improvement priority.
Relationships with staff help early years children feel settled and ready to participate. Familiar words and visual gestures support routines; children practise taking turns and sharing. For families beginning nursery, induction can include visits before starting and meetings with parents or carers, giving staff opportunities to learn about the child beforehand.
Support responds to children’s special educational needs and disabilities, as well as to those learning English or Italian as an additional language. Staff adjust activities so children can take part, and partnerships with families help connect learning at nursery and home. Admission depends on the school being able to meet a child’s educational and pastoral needs.
Physical access. The buildings have stairs and no lift. Families whose child has mobility needs should consider how these features affect access to the first-floor early years classrooms.
Lunch is included in school fees, alongside learning materials, educational visits and enrichment workshops. These are part of the fee structure rather than separate routine purchases.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place or confer an attendance-based priority. Reception places depend on availability and application order, with siblings automatically offered places. Familiarity with the school should therefore be kept separate from the admissions decision.
Contact SIAL’s Admissions Office to confirm the steps existing nursery families must take for Reception entry. For entry in the 2027–2028 school year, the application deadline is December 2026. Registration uses an online form; an offer then requires acceptance documents and a deposit within the school’s deadlines. This independent school handles applications directly.
Aim to bring nursery children by 8:30am, ahead of registration at 9:00am; collection is at 3:15pm. The academic year has Autumn, Spring and Summer terms, with half-term breaks. For 2026–2027, each term ends at noon, so those collection days need separate planning.
Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access 15 or 30 funded early education hours. Ask the School Office about current charges and how funding applies to the nursery fees. Means-tested bursaries are available across year groups and depend on the family’s financial circumstances; awards are reviewed annually.
Contact admissions@sial.school or call 020 7603 5353 to discuss joining. Private tours and calls with the Admissions Office can be booked, and children can have a taster day. A full term’s notice is required when withdrawing a child; otherwise a term’s fees become payable.
The existing nursery brings together children aged three and four. Children may start during the term when they turn three, subject to availability. Provision for two-year-olds is planned for early 2027, conditional on sufficient enrolments.
The nursery curriculum uses both English and Italian. Children learning either as an additional language receive adaptations to help them participate.
Children should ideally arrive by 8:30am for registration at 9:00am. Home time is 3:15pm.
Eligible three- and four-year-olds can access 15 or 30 funded early education hours. Lunches and learning materials are included in school fees. Contact the School Office for current charges and funding arrangements.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee a place or confer attendance-based priority. Reception allocation depends on available places and application order, with siblings automatically offered places. Contact SIAL’s Admissions Office to confirm the steps existing nursery families must take for Reception entry.
