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Nursery at St Dunstan's College
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 If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Choosing activities and making rules for imaginary dinosaurs give St Dunstan's early years provision its character: children practise independence alongside learning how to live with others. The nursery is called Pre-School and takes children aged three and above within the Junior School, at the College's Catford site. Early years sits within the Pre-Prep section, giving the youngest children a defined place in the school.
The ISI inspection of 23 to 25 April 2024 found that early years learning encouraged imagination and independent thinking, with classroom resources and outdoor space used effectively. That combination matters for a young child: learning involves making choices and exploring ideas, as well as following adult guidance.
Play and enquiry shape the early years curriculum. Children select activities linked to the seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In practical terms, the examples include developing writing, exploring ideas and building physical skills. Choice has a purpose here. Selecting resources gives children practice in deciding what to do and taking responsibility for their learning.
The classroom and outside area both contribute to that approach. Outdoor provision supports physical development, while classroom activities include practising how to form letters and using letter sounds to attempt unfamiliar words. These are findings about early years as a whole, rather than a claim that every nursery child follows the same writing programme.
An imaginary dinosaur visit prompted children to devise classroom rules so everyone could get along. It is a revealing example of learning through play: an invented situation becomes a way to discuss behaviour, cooperation and the needs of others.
Relationships support the learning. In April 2024, early years children showed consideration towards one another, took an interest in other children's ideas and understood the importance of including others. Respectful staff interactions provided the example. For parents, this connects social development with the everyday way adults respond to children.
Within the Junior School's pastoral framework, families work with Form Teachers, Section Heads and the Deputy Head Pastoral. Parents can raise concerns through an open-door approach. Settling also has a staged start: in September 2026, Pre-School groups began with mornings before their first full day. Events for offer holders provide further opportunities to become familiar with the setting before starting.
Lunch is included in tuition fees, alongside most books and stationery. This makes the meal part of the core provision rather than a separately priced daily addition.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The College publishes an online registration route for Reception, with a deadline of Wednesday 4 November 2026 for September 2027 entry. Existing Pre-School families should confirm with Junior School Admissions what they must do to progress to Reception.
Contact Junior School Admissions at jsadmissions@stdunstans.org.uk or 0208 516 7216 to make an enquiry or arrange a visit. Discovery Mornings offer tours and conversations with staff and pupils during a school day.
Charges. St Dunstan's is fee-paying, and voluntary items can attract additional charges. Refer to the College for current charges when planning the family budget.
Review of provision. The April 2024 inspection recommended stronger evaluation of new initiatives across the school. This was a school-wide development point, relevant to how leaders assess changes across its sections.
Pre-School accepts children aged three and above and is part of St Dunstan's Junior School.
Early years learning uses play and enquiry, with children choosing activities connected to the EYFS areas of learning. Classroom and outdoor provision support their development.
Yes. Tuition fees include lunches, most books and stationery. Voluntary items may cost extra.
No. For September 2027 entry, the College publishes a Reception registration deadline of Wednesday 4 November 2026. Existing Pre-School families should ask Junior School Admissions what progression steps apply to their child.
Use the visit-booking route on the Junior School admissions page, or contact jsadmissions@stdunstans.org.uk or 0208 516 7216.
