The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
Nursery at Southbank International School Kensington
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Play and inquiry give Southbank Kensington’s youngest children an early introduction to the International Baccalaureate. Its Early Childhood programme covers ages two to five, with conditions attached to entry before three. This is nursery provision within an independent school, at the Kensington campus on Kensington Park Road.
The ISI inspection of 1 to 3 October 2024 recorded 16 children across a combined Nursery and Reception class. That was the early-years roll at the time, rather than a nursery capacity. For families, the combined class is a useful distinction: the nursery was organised within a shared early-years group.
The Early Childhood curriculum forms part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Children explore ideas through play and inquiry, bringing learning about their surroundings together with language and mathematical development. Staff watch how children respond each day and adjust activities to their interests and needs. Learning can change direction with the child.
There is an important curriculum distinction here. The setting is exempt from the EYFS requirements covering learning and development. EYFS stands for Early Years Foundation Stage, the statutory framework for early-years learning. Its IB programme therefore matters when comparing it with nurseries following those requirements. In October 2024, early-years children were developing good language and mathematics skills; role play also introduced how money works in everyday life.
A Southbank Early Childhood family account from February 2026 describes a dedicated classroom and garden, alongside Forest School and activities linked to Units of Inquiry. These are programme-level examples, rather than a Kensington-specific timetable. They illustrate the combination of classroom exploration and learning outdoors.
Letter sounds. The October 2024 inspection recommended strengthening letter-sound knowledge across all ages through the new phonics programme. Its impact was too early to assess, making early reading an important consideration alongside the inquiry approach.
Early-years staff work with parents on both learning and wellbeing. In October 2024, adults responded attentively to children’s behaviour and helped them handle emotions and build resilience. Appropriately qualified staff provided supervision throughout the day. That connects care with learning: adults respond to how a child is coping, as well as what they can do.
For Rising 3 entrants, parents and teachers work together on the transition. Eligibility includes being toilet trained and managing a full school day without a nap, so this option suits children ready for that pattern. Kensington’s safeguarding team includes a designated lead, a deputy and an Early Childhood practitioner.
Hot lunches can be purchased by the term for EC4 children at Kensington, with a vegetarian choice. This is a charged meal option. Early-years staff also support oral health, bringing a practical care routine into the day.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask the admissions team how progression works for an enrolled Early Childhood child and whether another application is required.
Southbank uses grade levels instead of UK year groups, with placement based on age on 1 September. Its general admissions route is online and operates throughout the year, subject to places. Keep that grading distinction in mind when choosing the next entry point.
EC3 has half-day and full-day options; EC4 has full days. Full-time EC3 attendance requires toilet training and enough stamina for the day. Rising 3 entry is for two-year-olds turning three between September and December who meet the care conditions above; they repeat EC3 the following academic year.
Tuition is charged by term across three academic terms, with additional first-year charges. Contact the school for current charges. There is no everyday school uniform, although PE requires kit.
Enquiries can go to admissions@southbank.org or through the contact form. Bespoke personal tours for Kensington’s Early Years provision can be booked with the admissions team, giving families a direct way to explore the programme before applying.
The Rising 3 Programme accepts children aged two who turn three between September and December, are toilet trained and can manage a full school day without a nap. They repeat EC3 the following academic year.
Yes. EC3 has half-day and full-day options, while EC4 has full days. Full-time EC3 attendance depends on toilet training and stamina for a full day.
The October 2024 inspection recorded an exemption from the EYFS learning and development requirements. Early Childhood follows a related IB programme, within the Primary Years Programme.
At Kensington, EC4 children can have a separately charged hot lunch purchased for the term. A vegetarian option is offered.
No. Nursery attendance does not guarantee Reception admission. Ask the admissions team how progression works for an enrolled Early Childhood child and whether another application is required.
