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Nursery at Heath House Preparatory 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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Daily reading and pencil practice start in Kindergarten at Heath House, giving this nursery a distinctly structured character. Play has a place too. The provision belongs to the independent preparatory school in Blackheath and occupies Tranquil Hall, the building used for early years.
Kindergarten entry is in September after a child's third birthday under the January 2026 admissions policy. The maximum intake is 19 children per class. That is an intake limit, rather than a count of children currently attending.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) combines early reading and number work with learning to communicate, move confidently, understand feelings and explore the world. Literacy and maths receive considerable attention here. French and Mandarin sit alongside them, while assemblies, drama productions and gym and dance performances give children opportunities to take part in front of others.
June 2025 ISI findings describe an early years programme combining adult-directed learning with play chosen by children, and secure foundations in literacy and numeracy. The balance needs consideration: progress in expressive arts and design was less consistent because of the emphasis on core skills. Families seeking a strongly academic nursery should weigh that emphasis against their child's interests.
A garden-centre role-play area gives children a setting for imaginative play and cooperation. Stories and role play introduce empathy and managing emotions; adults help children practise sharing turns and resolving disagreements. Celebrations involving Diwali, Eid and Chinese New Year introduce different traditions through food, stories, clothing and objects.
Outdoor activity includes games on the Heath, with gym and dance taking place at school. Weekly music begins in Kindergarten. At home, daily reading and pencil-control tasks extend the routine beyond the classroom, so parents should expect to participate in learning from the outset.
A Kindergarten key person holds a Level 3 early years qualification, alongside paediatric first-aid and safeguarding training. Before a child starts, a class tutor is allocated as the family's familiar contact during settling. Familiarisation visits can last a morning or a school day, according to the child's age and needs, and outings wait until the child has settled.
Shorter introductory sessions and reading corners provide time to adjust and pause. Parents attend introductory meetings, then receive two written reports and invitations to two parents' evenings each academic year. This gives home and school regular opportunities to discuss progress. However, ISI's June 2025 inspection found that parents received insufficient detail about relationships and health education and had limited opportunities for consultation. Inspectors recommended making that information clearer and fuller to help parents support learning at home.
Apetito supplies school meals, with dietary needs and allergies accommodated in the lunch arrangements. Morning snacks are included in tuition. For additional learning needs, the EYFS support process brings the teacher, SENCO and parents together to assess needs, plan help and review its impact. Individual Education Plans normally begin in Kindergarten, giving support a documented starting point.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. Ask Heath House to confirm how existing Kindergarten pupils move on to Reception and whether further registration is required. The admissions policy makes offers conditional on meeting the family and child, with entry subject to available places. The policy gives priority where possible to siblings, children of former pupils or staff, and families naming Heath House as their first choice; nursery attendance is not among those listed priorities.
The school expects continuity through to Year 6, so discuss the next stage as part of that longer commitment. Familiarisation days apply to children joining Reception as well as Kindergarten. Those visits support adjustment; they should not be treated as an admissions advantage.
Registration is at 8.35am and early years finishes at 3.15pm. Lunch starts from 12.15pm. After-school homework club runs until 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 5pm on Friday, with booking through ParentMail. Uniform is compulsory and can be ordered from Stevensons.
Three- and four-year-olds qualify for 15 funded education hours, continuing through the term in which they turn five. Eligible families can access funded sessions without buying extra hours, meals, consumables or activities; lunch charges are optional for children receiving that funding. Tuition, resources and lunch have separate fee headings. Ask the school for current charges.
Use the Express Interest enquiry form or book a school tour. Visits are a condition of receiving an offer, making a tour a practical first step as well as a chance to discuss the nursery routine.
The January 2026 admissions policy sets entry in September following the child's third birthday, subject to places being available.
Early years finishes at 3.15pm. After-school homework club runs until 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 5pm on Friday.
A class tutor is allocated before entry. Familiarisation visits are tailored to the child's needs, and shorter introductory sessions help children adjust to routines.
Yes. Eligible children can access funded sessions without paying for additional hours or services, and the lunch fee is optional for children receiving the 15-hour funding.
No. Ask Heath House how progression works for existing Kindergarten pupils and whether further registration is required. Nursery attendance is not included among the policy's listed admission priorities, and offers remain conditional.
